Name: Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 ½ pounds yukon gold or russet potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce; 4 tablespoons ketchup; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

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Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of one-pan meal you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, especially on those busy weeknights when you need something hearty without the fuss. Picture savory ground beef mingling with tender potatoes, all dripping with melted cheese. It’s a delightful combination that everyone in the family will appreciate!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes

The best part? This dish requires minimal prep and cleanup. It’s a canvas for your cooking creativity, and it’s perfect any night of the week. Who doesn’t love a meal that’s quick, budget-friendly, and satisfying? Get ready to savor the deliciousness of Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it great for busy nights!
Irresistible Flavor: With the savory depth from the beef and the comforting texture of the potatoes, every bite is packed with flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The melting cheese on top creates a delicious layer of indulgence that looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner or even as leftovers for lunch the next day!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free lifestyles by checking your sauces.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons olive oil: To sauté the onion and beef, adding a touch of healthy fat. You can substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor.
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef: I recommend lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty yet not overly greasy. Ground turkey can work too!
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided: This enhances the flavors of the dish. Feel free to adjust based on your taste.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth. Garlic powder can substitute in a pinch.
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: The onion gives a sweet base; white or red onions are great alternatives.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This spice provides a warm, smoky flavor that elevates the dish. Regular paprika works too if you prefer less smoke.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a spicy kick; adjust according to your preference.
1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes: Leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients. Russets work well if you can’t find Yukons.
1 cup water: Essential for cooking the potatoes to tenderness, but add more if the pan gets dry.
1 teaspoon yellow mustard: This adds a slight tanginess, balancing the flavors. Dijon mustard can replace it for extra zest.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami punch; be cautious if gluten-free and check the label.
4 tablespoons ketchup: Just a touch of sweetness and acidity—homemade or store-bought works fine!
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated: Melts beautifully over the dish, but feel free to mix in your favorite cheese if you prefer something different.

How to Make Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes

Heat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. If you prefer a quicker stovetop finish, this step can be skipped!

Sauté the onion and meat: Heat a large, heavy-bottom, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the finely diced onion, and the 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, minced garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Break apart the meat with a spoon, cooking for about 5-8 minutes until brown and the onion softens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook the potatoes: Remove the browned meat and set it aside. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped Yukon gold potatoes. Sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices become fragrant, allowing the potatoes to absorb those delicious flavors.

Steam the potatoes: Add ¼ cup of water to the pan, cover, and cook! Stir frequently for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. Keep an eye on them—if they start to stick, add more water by the quarter cup to ensure they cook evenly.

Combine ingredients: Once the potatoes are ready, add the cooked beef back into the pan along with 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 4 tablespoons ketchup. Stir to combine everything nicely, adding another ¼ cup of water if it looks a bit too dry.

Add the cheese: Sprinkle half the 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese over the beef and potato mix, stirring it all together. Top it off with the remaining cheese, spreading it evenly over the top, and then place the skillet in the oven. Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully melted.

Serve warm: Enjoy it hot, straight from the pan, perhaps garnished with some chopped herbs or hot sauce for added zing!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking to prevent spoilage. Transfer to an airtight container for refrigeration, where it can last up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Just note that the texture of the potatoes may soften slightly upon reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the meat; this prevents the beef from releasing too much moisture and helps it brown nicely.
Keep stirring the potatoes often to prevent them from sticking to the bottom while they cook.
If you want extra flavor, add some diced bell peppers or carrots to the onions while sautéing.
You can also try switching up the cheese—pepper jack would add a lovely kick!
For a bit of crunch, toss some panko breadcrumbs on top before the final baking stage.

Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is not just an easy meal to whip up; it’s also versatile! It invites substitutions, allowing you to customize it with what you have on hand. You might prefer different seasonings or add veggies to suit your family’s tastes. It’s incredibly forgiving in that regard.

This one-pan dinner caters to those who are short on time but still wish to serve something tasty and filling. It’s a meal that combines ease with satisfaction, perfect for cozy family evenings or when entertaining friends. Why not gather around the table and experience the warmth and flavor? Enjoy your tasty creation and feel free to share your thoughts and tweaks!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook everything up to 2 days in advance. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. It can save you time on busy nights!

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as a lean alternative. If you want a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein mixed with your favorite seasonings.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Just ensure that it’s cooled completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes for up to 3 months.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To adjust the heat level, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes while sautéing the meat, or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy!