Are you staring into the fridge wondering what to make for dinner again? I have been there so many times. You want something delicious and satisfying, but you just do not have the energy for a complicated meal with a mountain of dishes. That is where great ground beef recipes come to the rescue.
This one pan ground beef and potatoes recipe is the answer. It is a hearty, cheesy, and savory dish that brings the classic meat and potatoes combination to your table with very little fuss. It is one of my favorite ground beef dishes for a busy weeknight.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the cleanup is so easy. Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your evening. Who does not love that?
It is also a family friendly meal. The flavors are savory and comforting, without being too spicy for younger eaters. It is a meal that gets everyone to the table without any complaints. It really is one of those quick and easy dinner recipes you will make again and again.
This is also a budget friendly option. Ground beef and potatoes are ingredients that will not break the bank. You can feed the whole family a filling meal for a good price. This is one of the best parts about simple ground beef recipes.
Plus, it is so simple to customize. You can easily adjust the spices or add your favorite toppings. Think of it as a starting point for your own kitchen creativity. It is one of those fantastic easy hamburger meat recipes that is forgiving and fun.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds Russet potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons ketchup
- ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Get The Oven Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. This will be for melting that glorious cheese on top at the very end. If you want to skip the oven, you totally can. We will talk more about that later.
Step 2: Brown The Ground Beef
Grab a large, heavy bottom skillet or a Dutch oven and place it over medium high heat. Add one teaspoon of olive oil. Once it is warm, add the ground beef to the pan.
Sprinkle the beef with ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Use a spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks.
Continue cooking for about 5 to 8 minutes. You want the beef to be nicely browned and cooked all the way through. Once it is done, remove the meat from the pan and set it aside for a bit. This is a key step for many great ground beef recipes.
Step 3: Cook The Potatoes
Do not wash that pan. All those browned bits from the beef are pure flavor. Add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil to the same pan. Toss in your chopped potatoes.
Sprinkle the potatoes with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Give them a good stir and cook for about a minute until you can smell those fragrant spices.
Now, pour in about a quarter cup of water and cover the pan. Let the potatoes cook, stirring them often. You want them to get tender but not so soft that they fall apart. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes.
If you notice the potatoes starting to stick, just add another splash of water. Adding water in small amounts helps them steam and cook without needing a ton of oil.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Once the potatoes are tender, it is time for a reunion. Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the potatoes. It is what makes these ground beef dishes so hearty.
Next, add the yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Stir everything together until it is well combined. If the mixture looks a little dry, feel free to add another quarter cup of water to create a bit of a sauce.
Step 5: Melt The Cheese
Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef and potato mixture. That cheesy topping is what makes this one of my go to easy hamburger meat recipes.
Carefully place the skillet in your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 5 minutes, or just until the cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey. Serve it up warm with your favorite toppings.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is a breeze. Let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container.
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. When you are ready to eat it again, you can reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until it is warmed through. This makes it a great option for meal prep from our list of quick and easy dinner recipes.
Tips
Getting the potatoes cooked right is important. Make sure you chop them into small, half inch cubes. If they are too big, they will take much longer to cook. Cutting them small is the key to getting this dinner on the table fast.
When it comes to potato type, both Russet and Yukon Gold work well. I found that Yukon Gold potatoes tend to cook a little faster, so they are a great choice if you are in a hurry.
Do not be afraid of the potatoes sticking. Keep some water handy and add a splash to the pan whenever you see them start to stick. This little trick lets you use less oil while helping the potatoes steam and become tender. I used about one cup of water total.
Want to skip using the oven? No problem. After you sprinkle the cheese on top, just cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sit on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes until the cheese is melted. Easy peasy.
If you like a little heat, you can spice this recipe up. Add a minced jalapeño when you are cooking the ground beef. You could also add a teaspoon of chili powder with the other spices. A dash of hot sauce when serving is also a nice touch.
As for toppings, get creative. Sliced green onions add a fresh bite. A dollop of sour cream adds a cool creaminess. And as mentioned, hot sauce is great for those who like it spicy. These small additions can make your ground beef recipes even better.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, satisfying, and delicious one pan meal that is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. It is one of those ground beef recipes that checks all the boxes: easy, budget friendly, and full of flavor.
This dish proves that you do not need a lot of time or fancy ingredients to make a wonderful homemade meal. It is a fantastic example of quick and easy dinner recipes that deliver on comfort and taste. I hope you and your family enjoy this skillet dinner as much as we do.
FAQ
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead Of Ground Beef?
Yes, you certainly can. Ground turkey is a great substitute in this recipe. Just cook it the same way you would the ground beef. Keep in mind that ground turkey is leaner, so you might want to watch it to make sure it does not dry out.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
This is a versatile recipe. You could add diced bell peppers or onions when you cook the ground beef. Some people also like to add a can of drained corn or peas toward the end of the cooking time for extra color and nutrition.
Do I Have To Peel The Potatoes?
No, there is no need to peel the potatoes for this recipe, especially if you are using Yukon Gold. The skins add a nice texture and contain extra nutrients. Just give them a good scrub before you chop them.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is gluten free. Just be sure to double check your Worcestershire sauce. Some brands may contain gluten, so always read the label to be safe if you have a sensitivity.
One Pan Ground Beef and Potatoes
A hearty, cheesy, and savory one pan dish that combines classic meat and potatoes with minimal fuss for an easy weeknight meal. This family-friendly recipe is a flavorful solution for quick and easy dinners, ensuring less cleanup and more enjoyment.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This will be for melting that glorious cheese on top at the very end. If you want to skip the oven, you totally can. We will talk more about that later.
- Grab a large, heavy bottom skillet or a Dutch oven and place it over medium high heat. Add one teaspoon of olive oil. Once it is warm, add the ground beef to the pan. Sprinkle the beef with ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Use a spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5 to 8 minutes. You want the beef to be nicely browned and cooked all the way through. Once it is done, remove the meat from the pan and set it aside for a bit. This is a key step for many great ground beef recipes.
- Do not wash that pan. All those browned bits from the beef are pure flavor. Add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil to the same pan. Toss in your chopped potatoes. Sprinkle the potatoes with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Give them a good stir and cook for about a minute until you can smell those fragrant spices. Now, pour in about a quarter cup of water and cover the pan. Let the potatoes cook, stirring them often. You want them to get tender but not so soft that they fall apart. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes. If you notice the potatoes starting to stick, just add another splash of water. Adding water in small amounts helps them steam and cook without needing a ton of oil.
- Once the potatoes are tender, it is time for a reunion. Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the potatoes. Next, add the yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Stir everything together until it is well combined. If the mixture looks a little dry, feel free to add another quarter cup of water to create a bit of a sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef and potato mixture. That cheesy topping is what makes this one of my go to easy hamburger meat recipes. Carefully place the skillet in your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 5 minutes, or just until the cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey. Serve it up warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Chop potatoes into small, half-inch cubes for faster cooking. Both Russet and Yukon Gold work well; Yukon Gold potatoes tend to cook a little faster.
Keep water handy and add a splash to the pan whenever potatoes start to stick. This helps them steam and cook without needing a ton of oil. I used about one cup of water total.
To skip using the oven, cover the skillet with a lid after adding the cheese and let it sit on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
For a little heat, add a minced jalapeño when cooking ground beef, a teaspoon of chili powder with the other spices, or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Suggested toppings include sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or hot sauce.
Nutrition
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