Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is the sort of comfort food that takes you back to your childhood with each delightful bite. It combines tender, juicy ground beef with perfectly cooked potatoes, creating a hearty one-pan dish that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The addition of melted cheddar cheese makes it even more irresistible, adding a creamy richness that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfectly seasoned with aromatic garlic and smoked paprika, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made this recipe—it was a chilly evening, and my family was craving something warm and filling. With just a few simple ingredients and only one pan to clean, Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes came to the rescue. The aroma filled the kitchen, wrapping us in a cozy embrace, and made sitting around the dinner table an enjoyable experience. I’m excited to share this straightforward, budget-friendly dish that not only satisfies hunger but also brings everyone together for a delightful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep and 35 minutes to cook, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: A beautiful blend of savory beef, tender potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese makes every bite deliciously satisfying.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden-brown melted cheese on top adds a gorgeous finish that will impress your family and friends.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering—everyone will come back for seconds!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the beef and vegetables. You can substitute with canola or vegetable oil if needed.
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef: This keeps the dish hearty but not overly fatty. Ground turkey can be a great alternative for a leaner version.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided: Enhances flavors throughout the cooking process. Use table salt if that’s what you have on hand, just reduce the amount slightly as it’s saltier.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This infuses a delicious smokiness. Regular paprika could work in a pinch.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides a nice kick to balance out the flavors.
- 1 ½ pounds yukon gold potatoes (or russet): Their creamy texture is perfect for this recipe. There’s no need to peel them—just chop into ½ inch cubes for even cooking.
- 1 cup water: Helps steam the potatoes to tenderness. If you want extra flavor, use beef broth instead.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess to enhance the meat’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami richness to the dish.
- 4 tablespoons ketchup: This adds sweetness and a touch of acidity, balancing the savory flavors.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated: Melts beautifully to create a delicious cheesy topping. Feel free to mix in other cheese varieties based on your preference.
How to Make Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step helps to melt the cheese perfectly, but you can skip it if you plan to serve directly from the stovetop.
Sauté the Beef and Onions: In a large heavy-bottom, non-stick skillet with a lid, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion along with the 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook this mixture for about 5-8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spoon until it’s browned and the onions are soft.
Cook the Potatoes: Remove the cooked beef and onions from the skillet, setting them aside. Without cleaning the pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the 1 ½ pounds of chopped potatoes. Sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
Steam the Potatoes: Pour in ¼ cup of water, then cover the pan. Stir frequently, allowing the potatoes to cook until they’re just tender but still holding their shape—this should take about 15-20 minutes. If you notice that the potatoes are sticking to the bottom, feel free to add more water, ¼ cup at a time.
Combine Ingredients: Once the potatoes are cooked, fold the beef mixture back into the pan along with 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 4 tablespoons of ketchup. Stir everything well to combine. If the mixture seems a bit dry, add an extra ¼ cup of water.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese over the beef and potato mixture, mixing it in well. Then, layer the other half over the top and transfer the skillet to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for no more than 2 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it—use a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through. The texture might change slightly, so adding a splash of water can help refresh the dish.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure the ground beef is fully browned before adding the potatoes—this seals in the flavor.
- For a milder flavor, feel free to swap out the sharp cheddar cheese for a mild variety.
- To add extra veggies, consider throwing in some frozen peas or carrots near the end of cooking.
- If your potatoes are too dry, don’t hesitate to add a little more water while they steam; this will keep everything tender and juicy.
- Leftovers can make a fabulous filling for burritos or tacos—get creative!
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying option for any time of year. It’s comforting, easy to make, and so wonderfully versatile that you can create your variations. I encourage you to consider adding your favorites or tweaking it here and there; don’t be afraid to experiment! Gather your loved ones, serve this delightful dish, and enjoy an evening filled with warm conversations and happy hearts.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe with different types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutes for lean ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as leaner meats may cook faster.
What can I use if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is a good alternative. For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a drop of liquid smoke or a sprinkle of cayenne for a bit of heat.
How can I make this dish more nutritious?
To boost the nutrition, consider adding chopped veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or carrots. Stir them in during the potato cooking phase for added flavor and goodness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and potato mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, just reheat it with 15-20 minutes in the oven or stovetop until heated through, then top with cheese and melt just before serving.
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📖 Recipe Card
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop and Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes blends savory flavors with simple prep. This one-pan wonder is perfect for a quick dinner, offering hearty beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese that will delight the entire family.
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 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, the diced onion, and ground beef. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion softens, about 5-8 minutes.
- Remove the cooked meat and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the cubed potatoes. Sprinkle with the remaining salt and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ¼ cup water to the skillet, cover, and cook while stirring frequently until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Add more water if they begin to stick.
- Return the cooked meat to the skillet and mix in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Add additional water if needed.
- Sprinkle half the cheese over the mixture, stir to combine, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Notes
For a quicker version, you can skip baking and simply serve the dish once the cheese is melted in the skillet.
Make sure to cut the potatoes into equal-sized cubes for even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
