One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes

Name: One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 medium-sized potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Meals

I love making One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes for a simple yet satisfying meal that the whole family enjoys. The combination of savory beef and tender potatoes creates a delicious comfort dish that requires minimal cleanup. It's especially perfect for busy weeknights when I want something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, with just one pot to handle, it keeps my cooking process straightforward and my dishes to a minimum. I'm sure you'll love it as much as we do!

Created by

Imogen Walker

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:31:17.366Z

When I first tried making this dish, I was amazed by how quickly it came together. The beef browns beautifully, while the potatoes soak up all the rich flavors as they cook. I love to add a mix of spices that really elevate the taste without overwhelming it. It’s a wonderful way to showcase simple ingredients, especially during colder months when hearty meals are a must!

One tip I learned along the way is to not overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; this ensures it gets a nice sear instead of steaming. I usually use a large pot to give everything room to breathe, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor. Enjoying this dish with a side of fresh salad rounds it off perfectly!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory beef flavor combined with hearty potatoes
One-pot cooking for easy cleanup
Perfectly seasoned for a comforting meal
Flexible recipe that’s great for meal prep

Mastering One-Pot Techniques

One of the key advantages of making One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes is the ability to enhance flavors by cooking everything in the same pot. As the beef browns, it develops a rich, savory base that infuses the dish as you add vegetables and broth. Keep the heat at medium-high during browning to achieve that golden color, which drastically improves the flavor profile. If stuck bits form, don’t rush to clean; simply scrape them up when adding your broth and stir to incorporate those flavorful bits.

When incorporating the potatoes, remember to cut them into uniform cubes, ideally around 1-inch pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and become tender in the allotted time. Keep an eye on them during the simmer; if they start to break down too much, your dish may become mushy. It's a good idea to test them with a fork around the 15-minute mark to ensure they’re fork-tender but still hold their shape.

Ingredient Insights

The combination of ground beef and potatoes creates a satisfying meal, but the choice of ingredients can elevate it even further. For the beef, I recommend using a blend with a bit of fat (80/20 is great) because it adds depth and flavor without drying out during cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also work well, just be mindful that they may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Potatoes are the star of this dish alongside the beef, so their variety plays a significant role. Russet potatoes provide a fluffy texture, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier taste. If you prefer a low-carb alternative, you might consider using cauliflower instead. Simply replace the diced potatoes with roughly chopped cauliflower florets, keeping the cooking time around the same, but start checking their tenderness a bit earlier to avoid overcooking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
3 medium-sized potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish

Now that you have all your ingredients, let's get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your dish:

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, around 3-4 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cook

Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your hearty meal!

And just like that, your One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes is ready to be enjoyed. Bon appétit!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition. This dish also freezes well, making it great for meal prep!

Storing and Reheating

This dish is perfect for meal prep; you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it warms evenly. If it seems a bit dry after reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to restore that delicious moisture without losing flavor.

For longer storage, consider freezing your One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes. Let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight, and then reheat as mentioned above for a quick and hearty meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this comforting dish with a side of crusty bread or buttery rolls to soak up any leftover juices. A simple green salad on the side can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory beef and potatoes. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added creaminess and flavor.

For a different twist, consider turning the leftovers into a shepherd’s pie. Simply layer the beef and potato mixture in a baking dish, top with a layer of mashed potatoes, and bake until golden and bubbly. This variation adds a delightful textural contrast and is a great way to reinvent your meal into something entirely new.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is hearty on its own, but a side salad or steamed vegetables pairs well with it.

→ Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! You can add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to spice it up.