Name: Ground Beef Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup beef broth

Main recipe image showcasing the final dish — Golden potato chunks mixed with seasoned ground beef and fresh parsley in rustic skillet | lonerecipes.com

I discovered this recipe during my college years when I was trying to stretch my grocery budget without sacrificing flavor. Ground beef and potatoes were pantry staples that somehow always came together magically. The first time I attempted it, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create something so deeply satisfying. The potatoes absorb all the savory beef flavors while maintaining their own earthy sweetness. Over the years, I've refined my technique – learning exactly when to flip the potatoes for that perfect golden crust, how to season the beef just right, and the importance of that final parsley garnish. Now it's become my signature comfort dish, the one I make when I need a reminder of home or when friends come over and ask for "that potato thing" they love so much.

Why I love this recipe

What I love most about this recipe is its honest simplicity. There's no pretense here – just good, wholesome food that feeds both body and soul. I love how the potatoes transform from firm cubes into golden, tender morsels with crispy edges. I love the way the ground beef breaks down into flavorful crumbles that coat everything in savory goodness. But beyond the taste, I love what this dish represents: the idea that you don't need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something memorable. It's approachable for beginners yet satisfying for experienced cooks. It's the kind of recipe you can make on autopilot on a busy weeknight, yet it never fails to impress. Most of all, I love how it brings people together around the table, creating those simple moments of connection over a shared meal.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (80/20) for the best flavor and texture balance
Potatoes: Dice into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking
Onion: Chop finely to distribute flavor throughout the dish
Garlic: Mince fresh for aromatic depth
Fresh Parsley: Chop just before serving to maintain vibrant color and fresh flavor
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium to control salt levels

Let's Make These Together

Brown the Potatoes First: Start by heating your oil until it shimmers, then add the potatoes in a single layer. Resist the urge to stir constantly – let them develop that beautiful golden crust. This initial browning creates a foundation of flavor that elevates the entire dish. The key is patience; good things come to those who wait for that perfect caramelization.
Cook the Beef Properly: Once your potatoes have color, push them aside and add your ground beef. Break it into small pieces and let it brown undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring. This creates those delicious browned bits that add so much depth. When the beef is mostly cooked, fold in the aromatics and watch the magic happen as the garlic and onion release their fragrance.
Season Thoughtfully: Layering your seasonings throughout the cooking process builds complex flavor. After combining the beef and potatoes, add your spices and let them toast slightly in the pan. This blooms the paprika and releases its full potential. The beef broth then brings everything together, creating a savory coating that ties all the elements into one cohesive dish.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Never underestimate the power of fresh parsley. It's not just a garnish – it brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness and adding a pop of color. Chop it fresh and sprinkle generously right before serving. This final touch transforms the dish from good to restaurant-quality.

Additional recipe photo showing texture and details — Classic comfort food skillet with caramelized potatoes and savory beef | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I remember the first time I made this on a rainy Tuesday evening. I was craving something warm and filling but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. As the potatoes started to caramelize and the beef browned, the aroma filled my entire apartment. My neighbor actually knocked on my door asking what I was cooking! Since then, I've made this countless times, sometimes adding a pinch of cumin for a smoky twist, other times throwing in some diced bell peppers for extra color. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – it welcomes your creativity while staying true to its comforting roots.

Perfect Pairings

This hearty skillet pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any delicious juices left on your plate. For a complete meal, consider roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans. If you're feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy tang that complements the savory flavors perfectly. And don't forget a cold glass of iced tea or your favorite beverage to round out this satisfying dinner.

Step-by-step preparation photo — Hearty ground beef and potato dinner garnished with herbs on marble counter | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use sweet potatoes instead?: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. They'll add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory beef beautifully. Just keep in mind they may cook slightly faster than regular potatoes, so watch them carefully.
→ How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?: Make sure your pan is hot and well-oiled before adding the potatoes. Don't overcrowd the pan, and resist stirring too frequently. Let them develop a crust, which will naturally release from the pan.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?: Yes! This dish reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
→ What if I don't have beef broth?: You can substitute with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water. For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the water.
→ Can I add other vegetables?: Definitely! Bell peppers, carrots, peas, or green beans all work great. Add harder vegetables like carrots with the potatoes, and softer ones like peas toward the end of cooking.
→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?: Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
→ How can I make this lower in fat?: Use extra-lean ground beef (93/7) or ground turkey, reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon, and use low-sodium broth. The dish will still be delicious with these modifications.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is the epitome of comfort food done right. It's simple, satisfying, and brings together humble ingredients into something truly special. Whether you're feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for a reliable go-to meal, this dish delivers every time. The combination of tender potatoes and flavorful beef creates a harmony that's hard to beat. Serve it up and watch it disappear!