One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes

Highlighted under: Soul Food Bliss

I love making One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes for a simple yet satisfying meal. This dish has become a staple in my household because it's not only easy to prepare, but it also brings hearty flavors together in one single pot. Ground beef, tender potatoes, and a medley of spices meld beautifully, making every bite comforting. I appreciate that I can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes, allowing more time to relax and enjoy with family. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-15T06:45:36.496Z

When I first crafted this One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes recipe, I wanted something that would satisfy all the picky eaters in my family. The combination of ingredients turned out to be a delicious success. I found that the key to enhancing the flavor lies in browning the beef properly, allowing the juices to seal in while simmering with the potatoes.

One thing I learned during my trials is to let the potatoes cook longer if they aren't fork-tender. I typically add them a bit earlier than the meat to ensure everything blends perfectly. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving elevates the dish from good to fantastic!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and filling, perfect for a family meal
  • One pot means less cleanup, making it ideal for busy nights
  • Customize with your favorite vegetables for even more flavor

Perfecting the Beef and Potatoes

Choosing the right ground beef is essential for this dish. I recommend going with an 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and moisture. The higher fat content helps keep the beef juicy and adds richness to the overall dish. If you're looking to cut down on fat, you can use leaner beef, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to prevent it from drying out. Aim to have your beef nicely browned, which adds depth to the dish.

The type of potatoes you use can greatly affect the texture and flavor. I favor Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy consistency, but Russets work well too. Just ensure they are diced into roughly equal pieces—about half-inch cubes—so they cook evenly. Remember to coat the potatoes in the spices thoroughly to infuse them with flavor, which you’ll notice as they soften during the simmering process.

Simmering Tips and Techniques

The simmering step is crucial for achieving the ideal texture. Keeping the heat at medium-low allows the potatoes to become tender without breaking apart. Covering the pot retains moisture, creating a steaming effect that helps cook the potatoes evenly. If you find the stew is too thick, feel free to add a bit more beef broth; it should maintain a slightly soup-like consistency, perfect for spooning over rice or bread.

To elevate the flavors, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce along with the broth. This ingredient can deepen the umami taste and provide a welcome kick. For added nutrition, throw in some frozen peas or carrots during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll brighten up the dish without needing extra cookware!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful dish:

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are prepped and ready when you start cooking!

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Instructions

Follow these steps to create your One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes:

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, which should take about 3 minutes.

Add Potatoes and Seasoning

Stir in the diced potatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the potatoes are coated with the spices.

Simmer

Pour in the beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your one-pot meal!

Make sure to enjoy it freshly made!

Pro Tips

  • Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or green beans to enhance the nutrition and flavor of the dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes is perfect for leftovers! Once it has cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent it from drying out, and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove over low heat, which can enhance the flavors as it warms.

If you want to freeze, portion the cooked dish into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It should be good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as previously mentioned. Remember, the potato's texture can change slightly after freezing, so they'll be softer but still delicious.

Variations to Try

For a different flavor profile, consider swapping the beef for ground turkey or chicken. These leaner options create a lighter dish and can be just as flavorful. Just ensure you properly brown them, as browning adds a significant depth of flavor. You may need to adjust seasoning, so taste as you go to achieve the desired flavor balance.

You can also experiment with various herbs and spices according to your taste. For a bolder option, add a teaspoon of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also introduce a fresh twist. Adding a drained can of black beans can boost the protein and fiber content of the meal without altering the cooking process.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, frozen potatoes can be used, but adjust the cooking time since they may take slightly longer to cook through.

→ What if I don't have beef broth?

You can substitute with chicken broth or even water, but for the best flavor, beef broth is recommended.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge, just reheat before serving.

→ Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

Definitely! You can add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix for a bit of heat.

One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes

Prep Time10
Cooking Duration20
Overall Time30

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Soul Food Bliss

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 pound ground beef
  2. 4 medium potatoes, diced
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 cup beef broth
  6. 1 teaspoon paprika
  7. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  10. Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 02

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, which should take about 3 minutes.

Step 03

Stir in the diced potatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the potatoes are coated with the spices.

Step 04

Pour in the beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 05

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your one-pot meal!

Extra Tips

  1. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or green beans to enhance the nutrition and flavor of the dish.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 6g