- Perfect weeknight fix: This Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients
- Budget-friendly: Feeds a family of four for under $15
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor
- Meal prep champion: Stays fresh for 3 days and freezes beautifully
The Ultimate Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe for Beginners
Ever stared into your fridge wondering what to make for dinner? We’ve all been there. You need something quick, filling, and tasty that won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes.
This Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is your answer. It combines hearty beef with crispy-edged potatoes in a skillet of pure comfort. Best of all? It’s ready in just 30 minutes.
What makes this Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe special is the perfect balance of seasonings and the technique that ensures those potatoes get beautifully golden while the beef stays juicy. Unlike many one-pan meals that turn mushy, this one delivers distinct textures in every bite.
The Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe works for picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike. It’s basic enough for everyday meals but can be dressed up for company with a few simple additions.
Ready to try it yourself? Let’s get cooking!
Nutrition Breakdown for Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 390 | – |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sodium | 580mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 950mg | 27% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
Based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Serving size: approximately 1.5 cups.
What You’ll Need for the Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20) | 1 pound | For best flavor |
| Russet potatoes | 1.5 pounds (about 3 medium) | Peeled and cubed ½-inch |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Bell pepper | 1 medium | Any color, diced |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Divided |
| Beef broth | ½ cup | Low sodium |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon | |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Or to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons | Chopped, for garnish |
| Cheddar cheese (optional) | ½ cup | Shredded |
Kitchen Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large skillet (12-inch) | Main cooking vessel |
| Sharp knife | For prep work |
| Cutting board | For prep work |
| Measuring spoons/cups | For accurate seasoning |
| Wooden spoon | For stirring |
| Timer | To track cooking time |
| Vegetable peeler | For peeling potatoes |
| Paper towels | For drying potatoes |
| Bowl of cold water | For soaking potato cubes |
| Small bowl | For mixing seasonings |
| Plate | For setting aside par-cooked potatoes |
Possible Substitutions
- Ground turkey can replace beef for a leaner option
- Sweet potatoes work instead of russet for a nutrition boost
- Chicken broth can substitute for beef broth
- Red onion can replace yellow for a sharper flavor
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon) can substitute for fresh
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Preparation Phase
- Gather your ingredients:
- Take all ingredients out of the refrigerator and pantry
- Place them on your counter for easy access
- Let the ground beef sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes (this helps it cook more evenly)
- Prepare your workspace:
- Clear and clean your counter
- Set up your cutting board and knife
- Fill a medium bowl with cold water (for the potato cubes)
- Have paper towels ready
- Prep the potatoes:
- Hold each potato firmly in your non-dominant hand
- Using the vegetable peeler in your dominant hand, peel the potatoes completely
- Rinse the peeled potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt
- Place the potato on the cutting board and cut in half lengthwise
- Place each half flat-side down and cut into ½-inch slices
- Turn the slices and cut crosswise into ½-inch cubes
- Immediately place cubed potatoes in the bowl of cold water to prevent browning
- Let them soak while you prepare other ingredients
- Prep the vegetables:
- For the onion:
- Cut off both ends and peel off the outer layer
- Cut in half from top to bottom
- Place flat-side down and make vertical cuts ¼-inch apart
- Turn 90 degrees and cut crosswise to create ¼-inch dice
- For the garlic:
- Separate the cloves from the head
- Place a clove on the cutting board
- Lay the flat side of your knife on top of the clove
- Carefully press down with the heel of your hand to crush the clove
- Remove the papery skin
- Mince the garlic by making multiple cuts in different directions until finely chopped
- For the bell pepper:
- Cut off the top and bottom
- Stand the pepper up and slice down the sides to remove the core and seeds
- Lay each piece flat and cut into ¼-inch strips
- Turn the strips and cut crosswise into ¼-inch dices
- For the onion:
- Prepare the seasonings:
- Take a small bowl
- Add 1 teaspoon paprika
- Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Add 1 teaspoon salt
- Add ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Mix with a spoon to combine evenly
- Set aside for easy access during cooking
- Final potato prep:
- Drain the potato cubes in a colander
- Spread them on paper towels
- Pat them dry completely (important: wet potatoes won’t brown properly)
Cooking Phase
- Par-cook the potatoes:
- Place your large skillet on the stove
- Turn the heat to medium-high
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet
- Let the oil heat until it shimmers (about 30 seconds)
- Carefully add the dried potato cubes in a single layer (if they don’t all fit, work in two batches)
- Let them cook without stirring for 2 minutes (this helps form a crust)
- Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently turn the potatoes
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until edges start to brown
- The potatoes should be partially cooked but not completely soft
- Using your wooden spoon, carefully transfer the potatoes to a plate
- Set aside while you cook the beef
- Cook the aromatics and beef:
- Using the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Return to medium-high heat
- Add the diced onion to the hot oil
- Stir occasionally with your wooden spoon for 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent
- Add the minced garlic
- Stir continuously for 30 seconds (be careful not to burn the garlic)
- The garlic should become fragrant but not brown
- Add the ground beef to the skillet
- Break it up into small pieces with your wooden spoon
- Spread the beef evenly across the pan
- Let it cook for 2 minutes without stirring
- Break up any large chunks and stir
- Continue cooking and stirring occasionally for 3-4 more minutes until beef is no longer pink
- Add vegetables and seasonings:
- Add the diced bell pepper to the beef mixture
- Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes until the pepper starts to soften
- Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture evenly over the beef
- Stir well to coat all the meat and vegetables with the seasonings
- Pour in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Pour in ½ cup beef broth
- Using your wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (these add flavor)
- Stir to combine all ingredients evenly
- Let the mixture simmer for 1 minute
- Combine and finish cooking:
- Reduce heat to medium-low
- Gently add the par-cooked potatoes back to the skillet
- Using your wooden spoon, carefully fold the potatoes into the beef mixture
- Try not to break up the potato pieces
- Spread everything evenly in the skillet
- Cover the skillet with a lid (if you don’t have a lid, use a large plate or piece of foil)
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender
- To test: pierce a potato cube with a fork—it should go in easily but the potato shouldn’t fall apart
- If using cheese, sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheese evenly over the top
- Cover again and cook for 1 more minute until cheese melts
- Final touches and serving:
- Remove the skillet from heat
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the top
- Let the dish rest for 2 minutes (this allows flavors to meld)
- Using a serving spoon, transfer the Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe to plates
- Serve hot, with additional parsley garnish if desired
Troubleshooting Your Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Common Issues and Solutions
Potatoes still hard: If your potatoes aren’t tender after the final cooking time:
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the skillet
- Cover again with the lid
- Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes
- Check tenderness again with a fork
Too much liquid: If your dish seems too wet:
- Remove the lid
- Increase heat to medium-high
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally
- The excess moisture should evaporate
Beef too greasy: If using higher-fat ground beef and there’s too much grease:
- After browning the beef but before adding other ingredients, tilt the pan slightly
- Using a spoon, carefully remove excess fat from the lower side of the pan
- Alternatively, transfer beef to a paper-towel lined plate briefly, then return to pan
Flavors seem flat: If your dish needs more flavor:
- Add ½ teaspoon more Worcestershire sauce
- Add a pinch of salt
- Try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1 teaspoon)
- Taste and adjust as needed
Burning on the bottom: If ingredients are sticking or burning:
- Immediately reduce heat
- Add a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of beef broth
- Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen stuck bits
- For future batches, make sure your pan isn’t too hot before adding ingredients
Variations & Substitutions for Your Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Make It Your Own
Tex-Mex Style: Transform your Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe with these changes:
- Add 1 tablespoon taco seasoning instead of the original spice mix
- Add 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed) with the bell peppers
- Stir in ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Top with diced avocado and fresh cilantro instead of parsley
- Serve with lime wedges on the side
This flavor profile pairs wonderfully with our Beef Queso Mac and Cheese for a complete Mexican-inspired menu.
Italian Version: Give your Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe an Italian twist:
- Use 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning instead of paprika and oregano
- Add 1 cup diced tomatoes when you add the broth
- Stir in ¼ cup chopped black olives near the end
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese instead of cheddar
- Garnish with fresh basil instead of parsley
Loaded Baked Potato Style: Make your Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe extra indulgent:
- Cook 4 strips of bacon until crisp, then crumble and set aside
- Use 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat instead of olive oil to cook the potatoes
- Add the bacon bits back in with the cheese
- Add ¼ cup sliced green onions at the end
- Top with a dollop of sour cream when serving
Vegetarian Option: Create a meat-free version of this Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe:
- Replace beef with 2 cups of chopped mushrooms (portobello or cremini work well)
- Add ½ cup cooked lentils for extra protein
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth
- Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a deeper flavor
- Increase the bell peppers to 2 for more vegetables
Spicy Kick: Heat up your Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe:
- Add ¼-½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix
- Include 1 diced jalapeño (seeds removed) with the bell pepper
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar
- Add a dash of hot sauce before serving
Storage & Reheating Your Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Keep It Fresh
Refrigerator:
- Allow the Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe to cool completely
- Transfer to an airtight container
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- For best quality, place a paper towel on top to absorb excess moisture
Freezer: The Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Cool the dish completely
- Portion into individual meal-sized containers (this makes reheating easier)
- Label with the date and contents
- Leave a little space at the top (food expands when frozen)
- Seal tightly and place in the freezer
- For best quality, use within 3 months
Reheating From Refrigerator:
- Microwave Method:
- Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish
- Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out
- Heat on medium power (70%) for 1 minute
- Stir the dish
- Heat for another 30-60 seconds until heated through
- Let stand for 1 minute before eating
- Stovetop Method:
- Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to the pan
- Add the leftover Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Cover with a lid
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Make sure it reaches 165°F for food safety
- Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Place the Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe in an oven-safe dish
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of beef broth to maintain moisture
- Cover with aluminum foil
- Heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through
Reheating From Frozen:
- Thaw Method (Recommended):
- Transfer from freezer to refrigerator the night before
- Once thawed, reheat using any method above
- Direct Reheat Method:
- Microwave: Use defrost setting for 3-4 minutes, then heat normally
- Oven: Cover with foil and heat at 325°F for 30-40 minutes
For more ideas on how to repurpose leftovers, check out our guide on the ease of cooking with ground beef.
Safety Notes & Tips for Your Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Kitchen Wisdom
Food Safety:
- Always wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat
- Use a separate cutting board for meat and vegetables
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (use a meat thermometer to check)
- Don’t leave the finished Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly
Pro Tips for Perfect Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe:
- Potato trick: Soaking potatoes in cold water removes excess starch and prevents sticking. Change the water if it becomes cloudy.
- Even cutting: Try to cut potatoes into uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
- Flavor boost: Let the skillet develop some brown bits when cooking the beef – that’s where the flavor lives! Don’t rush to scrape them up until you add the liquid.
- Texture tip: For extra crispy potatoes, cook them separately until fully done and combine only at the very end.
- Time saver: Pre-cut potatoes and vegetables up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Keep potatoes submerged in water to prevent browning.
- Serving suggestion: For a complete meal similar to our Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Kid-Friendly Adjustments:
- Reduce or omit black pepper for sensitive palates
- Serve components separately if needed (beef mixture on one side, potatoes on the other)
- Let kids add their own toppings like cheese or sour cream
- Cut vegetables into smaller pieces so they blend in more with the beef
Dietary Considerations:
- Gluten-free: This Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check your Worcestershire sauce brand as some contain gluten.
- Dairy-free: Simply omit the cheese or use a non-dairy cheese alternative.
- Lower-sodium: Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt to ½ teaspoon.
Remember, the key to this Savory Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is timing – adding ingredients in the right order ensures everything cooks perfectly without becoming mushy.
Happy cooking!
