Ground Beef and Potato Recipe

Cooking for family and friends is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It’s a way to show love, care, and appreciation while creating lasting memories around the dinner table. Ground beef and potato recipes are perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike; they’re simple yet delicious dishes that satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking up something special for a potluck or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this ground beef and potato recipe is sure to please!

Ground beef is a time-tested ingredient with numerous culinary uses: from tacos to burgers to casseroles. When combined with potatoes, it creates hearty meals full of flavor and texture that everyone will enjoy. This dish combines classic ingredients like onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, tomato paste, oregano, pepper flakes and paprika in ways you’ve never thought of before. Add in some fresh herbs or top the finished product off with cheese if you want to take your taste buds on an adventure!

If you’re ready to try out this flavorful combo for yourself then let’s get started – no matter what level cook you are we guarantee that this ground beef and potato recipe will become an instant favorite! With its combination of aromas and flavors and ease of preparation anyone can make this crowd pleaser quickly – so gather up your ingredients and let’s begin our journey into comfort food bliss!

Overview

This ground beef and potato recipe is a delicious dish that comes together easily. While it may look like an intimidating dish to make, it’s actually quite simple and straightforward. Plus, the end result tastes incredible! It’s one of those recipes you can impress your friends with but not have to spend hours in the kitchen.

The ingredient list for this meal is short yet packs a ton of flavor – all made from ingredients you likely already have on hand! The potatoes provide some heartiness while the ground beef adds protein and richness to the plate. You’ll also need a few spices to round out the flavors which will take this dinner up a notch. Lastly, we top off everything with cheese for added creaminess.

All-in-all, this recipe is easy enough for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering or occasion. Let’s get started by looking at what ingredients are needed for success!

Ingredients Needed

We only need a handful of ingredients to make this delicious ground beef and potato dish. All the items you’ll need can be found in any grocery store, so it’s easy to put together! Here’s what we’ll need for our recipe:

Ground beef – One pound of lean ground beef is perfect for this recipe. It adds protein and flavor all while keeping things light.

Potatoes – We’ll use three large potatoes cut into bite-sized cubes. You can leave them unpeeled if desired but I prefer peeling them first as they cook faster with less fat that way.

Spices – For extra flavor, we will add some paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt & pepper to taste. These are pantry staples that everyone should have on hand!

Cheese – To top off everything at the end, we will sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the top before serving. This gives it an added creaminess and makes it oh-so-delicious!

Now that we have our ingredients ready to go, let’s move onto the prep steps required for success!

Prep Steps

Now that we have all the ingredients, it’s time to begin prepping our ground beef and potato dish. With a few simple steps, we’ll soon be ready to start cooking!

First things first, let’s get the potatoes cut up into cubes of even size. This will ensure they cook evenly when added with the ground beef later on. Once your potatoes are cubed, set them aside in a bowl until needed.

The next step is browning the ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the pound of lean ground beef. Cook this for about 8 minutes or until cooked through stirring occasionally. When finished, drain any remaining fat from the pan before adding in our spices – paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper – and mix everything together well. Then turn off the heat and remove it from the stove top so it can cool while we move onto our final prep step: grating cheese!

Using either a box grater or food processor if you prefer, grate some cheddar cheese into small pieces. You want enough to sprinkle overtop at serving but not too much where it becomes overwhelming; just enough to give us an extra bit of creaminess! Now that all of our preparation is complete, we’re ready to move forward with cooking instructions…

Cooking Instructions

We’re now ready to start cooking our ground beef and potato dish! First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then take the pan with the browned ground beef and add in the cubed potatoes. Stir everything together so that all of the pieces are evenly coated with spices from earlier. Finally, sprinkle overtop a generous layer of grated cheese before popping it into the oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

When finished baking, let cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving – this will allow time for any extra moisture to evaporate while also ensuring you don’t burn yourself when dishing up! Once cooled off sufficiently, portion out some servings onto plates and enjoy as is or topped with additional condiments like ketchup or hot sauce if desired. This delicious dish can serve about 4-6 people depending upon how big each person’s appetite is; either way, you’ll be sure to have happy tummies all around!

It’s easy to customize this meal by adding different ingredients such as bell peppers, jalapeños, onions, corn kernels etc., which makes it a great option for those looking to switch things up a bit without changing too much from the original recipe. Let’s explore some variations we could make…

Variations

Savoring the same savory flavors time and again can become a bit stale, so why not try out some different combinations to give this classic ground beef and potato dish an exciting spin! From swapping out ingredients to adding in new ones, there are plenty of ways you can customize this meal to suit your dietary needs or preferences.

For those looking for something spicy, consider incorporating jalapeños or bell peppers into the mix; they’ll add a nice kick while still complementing the flavor profile nicely. If you’re aiming for something more on the sweet side, add corn kernels or diced apples – both will bring about subtle sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients. And let’s not forget about vegetables such as carrots or celery that could be thrown in if desired. The possibilities really are endless when it comes to how you want to mix things up with this comforting dinner idea.

No matter which variations you decide upon, one thing is certain: everyone at the table will be sure to enjoy a tasty meal made with love from scratch!

Nutrition Information

It’s no secret that certain foods are better for our bodies than others, and it definitely pays off to take the time to research what those healthier options are. Ground beef is a great source of lean protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids – all essential elements in maintaining optimal health. A serving size (four ounces) contains about 28g of protein, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to get their daily recommended intake of this key nutrient. Plus, the moderate amount of fat content will provide your body with energy throughout the day without packing on extra calories.

But there’s more! Potatoes bring some serious nutrition to the table as well. They contain fiber which helps support good digestion; they also have potassium for healthy cell growth and magnesium which plays a role in helping regulate blood pressure levels. Additionally, potatoes deliver iron and vitamin C – two nutrients important for overall wellbeing.

All things considered, combining ground beef and potato into one meal is not only tasty but nutritious too! With such a powerhouse combination packed full of beneficial ingredients, you can be sure that you’re getting all the nutritional value your body needs with every bite.

Health Benefits Of Beef

With the health benefits of both ground beef and potatoes in mind, let’s dive a bit deeper into why these two ingredients are so good for us.

Ground Beef:

• Protein-rich – As mentioned before, four ounces of ground beef provides about 28g of protein; this is essential for muscle growth and repair as well building immunity to help fight off illnesses.
• Iron & Zinc – Ground beef is rich in iron which helps oxygen travel throughout our bodies, and zinc that boosts our immune system by creating white blood cells.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – These healthy fats lower cholesterol levels, promote better brain function, reduce inflammation, and may even help with depression symptoms.

Potatoes:

• Fiber – Potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber which helps keep your digestive system regular and functioning properly.
• Vitamins & Minerals – Potatoes contain important vitamins like Vitamin C (for strong immunity) and minerals such as potassium (helps maintain cell functions). They also offer magnesium for better regulation of blood pressure.
• Low Calories – While providing all the necessary nutrients we need without packing on extra calories or fat make them ideal for those watching their weight but still want to reap the nutritional rewards from eating potatoes.

By combining ground beef and potatoes together into one meal you can be sure that you’re getting all the health benefits they have to offer! Their nutrient content makes them the perfect duo when it comes to achieving optimal nutrition while enjoying delicious dishes at home. Now let’s take a look at the specific health benefits these two provide separately…

Health Benefits Of Potatoes

Potatoes are a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, providing us with energy to get through our day. Not only that, they’re low in calories and fat but still provide plenty of fiber for digestion.

Perhaps the most beneficial property potatoes have is their antioxidant capacity; antioxidants help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, helping reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can aid in protecting against cancer and other chronic diseases. Potatoes also contain vitamin B6 which helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and regulate hormones.

These superfoods not only taste delicious but offer numerous health benefits too! Now let’s take a look at how we can select the best ground beef possible so we can reap all these benefits while enjoying a tasty meal.

Tips For Selecting Ground Beef

As the old adage goes, “you get what you pay for” – and when it comes to selecting ground beef, this is especially true. Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, but its quality plays an important role in how flavorful the final meal will be. Investing in higher quality beef with fewer additives should always be done if possible.

When choosing ground beef at the grocery store or butcher shop, look for labels that include words like “grass-fed” or “organic,” as these signs denote meat from cows who were fed better diets and typically have more nutrients than their lower-quality counterparts. Additionally, fat content of the ground beef matters; aim for around 15% so you don’t skimp on flavor while still having leaner options available.

Finally, it’s important to check whether any preservatives like sodium are added into the mix; all-natural meats without added ingredients are best since they tend to taste fresher and don’t come loaded with extra saltiness. With these tips in mind, let’s turn our attention to selecting potatoes for this delicious recipe!

Tips For Selecting Potatoes

Potatoes are a kitchen staple, and there’s no shortage of recipes that call for them. When selecting potatoes for this ground beef recipe, it’s important to choose the right type since they all have different textures and flavors. Here are some tips for finding the perfect potatoes:

1. Choose your potato based on its starch content. Potatoes range from low-starch (like red or new potatoes) to high-starch (like Russet or Idaho). Low-starch potatoes will hold their shape better when cooked while high-starch potatoes tend to be fluffier and more absorbent – so if you’re looking for mashed potatoes, go with a higher starch option.
2. Pay attention to size as well; bigger potatoes can take longer to cook and may not fit in smaller casserole dishes, whereas small ones might overcook too quickly. Opting for similar sizes helps ensure even cooking throughout the dish!
3. Look at color, texture, and firmness before making a purchase; avoid any spuds with green patches or soft spots as these indicate age or damage that could affect flavor and quality during preparation or storage.
4. Consider any specialties available in your area; farmers’ markets often carry unique varieties like purple sweet potatoes which can add extra nutrients (not to mention beautiful colors!) to your meal!

With the perfect combination of ingredients handpicked, it’s time to consider how best store those items until ready for use – let’s look into shelf life next!

Storage And Shelf Life Of Ingredients

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect potatoes for your dish, it’s time to make sure they stay at their best until ready for use. Proper storage and understanding shelf life are key components of any successful kitchen experience; let’s take a closer look.

When storing fresh produce like potatoes, vegetables and herbs should be kept in separate containers or bags labeled as such – this will help prevent cross-contamination from raw meat products (we’ll talk more about food safety considerations later). Additionally, keep these items away from direct sunlight and store them in cool, dry places with good ventilation – refrigeration works too!

For ground beef specifically, its shelf life is estimated to be around 1-2 days after purchase if left unrefrigerated; however, when properly stored in an airtight container or plastic bag within 40°F temperatures or less, the product can last up to 3-4 days before cooking. Herbs also need proper care; wrapping them lightly in damp paper towels and placing them in open jars helps extend their lifespan significantly.

With ingredients safely stowed away for future use, now is the time to consider how best prepare them without compromising on flavor or quality – we’ll explore that next!

Food Safety Considerations

As the saying goes, “better safe than sorry” – and when it comes to food safety, this couldn’t be truer! Although ground beef is a common ingredient in many dishes, handling it correctly is absolutely essential for avoiding contamination or potential illness. Here are some tips to keep in mind while preparing your meal:

First off, always make sure that you’re cooking all meat products (including poultry) from raw form to an internal temperature of 160°F or more; this will help kill any harmful bacteria present. Additionally, never place cooked meats near their raw counterparts as cross-contamination can occur if done improperly – not only that but always remember to wash hands thoroughly between tasks like cutting vegetables and handling raw meat! Finally, practice proper storage techniques such as keeping items at 40°F temperatures or less and using airtight containers/bags to prevent spoilage.

Though these may seem like minor details, they could mean the difference between a delicious dinner and a trip to the doctor – so don’t forget them! With everyone’s health secured, let’s now explore how best to store leftovers and reheat our creation without compromising on flavor…

Making Ahead And Reheating Leftovers

Once our food is safely cooked and stored away, it’s time to consider how we can make the most of leftovers. Reheating meals with ground beef may seem like a daunting task – but never fear! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your meal for days to come without compromising on flavor or texture.

To begin with, always remember that frozen foods should be thawed in a refrigerator before reheating. This helps prevent any bacteria from forming while also ensuring that the dish tastes as good as when originally prepared. In addition, avoid using a microwave whenever possible; instead opt for stovetop methods such as boiling or steaming so as not to dry out certain ingredients (such as potatoes). Finally, if you’re ever unsure about whether something has been cooked adequately after reheating – use an instant-read thermometer to take internal temperatures and ensure that all items are at least 160°F or more.

TIP: When storing leftover dishes involving ground beef, try using shallow containers rather than deep ones. Doing this will help keep food hot while also allowing cold air to circulate around each piece; this ensures that everything stays evenly heated – no burnt edges or soggy centers here!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you know how to properly store and reheat your ground beef dishes, let’s talk about serving suggestions! When it comes to these meals, the possibilities are nearly endless. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive Sunday brunch entree – there is surely something here for everyone.

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, classic combinations such as hamburger steaks with mashed potatoes can never go wrong. For the daring foodie in all of us, why not try out some exciting variations like spicy chili tacos? The options truly are limitless – just be sure to add plenty of flavor-packed toppings like cheese, fresh herbs, or hot sauce (if desired).

The real key to success here lies in finding creative ways to incorporate other ingredients into your dishes; think onions, peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes…the list goes on! By doing so, you can make even the most basic meal feel special and unique – plus it gives you a chance to get creative with flavors without spending extra time in the kitchen.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, cooking with ground beef can lead to some common issues. Don’t let that scare you away though – we’ve got plenty of tricks up our sleeve for troubleshooting these problems. So don’t throw in the towel just yet! Let’s take a look at some of the most frequent difficulties people face when working with this type of meat:

1) Mealy texture: If your ground beef dish is coming out more mealy than expected – try adding one tablespoon of olive oil per pound of meat before browning it. This will help keep the moisture levels high and prevent dryness.

2) Greasiness: To avoid having an overly greasy meal – make sure you’re draining off any excess fat from the pan after cooking. Alternatively, you could also cook your ground beef dishes on medium-high heat instead; this will ensure that all the grease has evaporated by the time everything’s done cooking.

3) Lack of flavor: When seasoning your ground beef meals, be sure to add enough salt and pepper for taste – as well as other herbs or spices if desired. Additionally, you could try incorporating flavorful sauces like barbecue sauce or Worcestershire sauce into your recipes for enhanced depth and complexity.

4) Overcooked/Undercooked Meat: The key here is learning how to properly gauge doneness without overdoing it (or undercooking). Once again, using a thermometer can come in handy – remember that ideally you want an internal temperature of 160°F for your finished product! With these simple tips in mind, there’s no reason why creating delicious ground beef dishes should ever be a challenge again!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Ground Beef Should I Buy For This Recipe?

Do you often find yourself wondering how much ground beef to buy for a recipe? You’re not alone! It can be difficult to determine the right amount of ingredients for any dish, and it’s especially daunting when there are multiple components. Fortunately, with this particular ground beef and potato recipe, the answer is simple.

For starters, you’ll want to aim for 1 pound of ground beef per 4 servings. This will ensure that each person has an adequate portion size without having too many leftovers. Additionally, depending on your preference or dietary needs, you may need to adjust the quantity of potatoes accordingly as well. If you follow these guidelines, then you should have enough food for everyone at your meal while also avoiding waste.

It’s important to remember that recipes are easily customizable; if one person doesn’t enjoy red potatoes but prefers sweet potatoes instead – that’s okay! With some minor adjustments like this one, you can make sure all guests have something they can enjoy. And don’t forget: in general, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when buying ingredients just in case more than anticipated is needed during preparation. That way nothing goes to waste!

Is It Better To Use Fresh Or Frozen Potatoes?

It’s a tough call when it comes to deciding between fresh and frozen potatoes. On the one hand, you have that classic idiom: “Nothing beats freshly picked.” But then again, there are times where convenience is key – and in this case, frozen potatoes can save the day!

When making a meal with ground beef and potatoes, some people prefer to use fresh produce because they’re more flavorful. However, if you don’t have access to fresh potatoes or don’t want to go through the hassle of peeling them, opting for frozen spuds can still deliver great results. Frozen potatoes are often pre-sliced and diced so all you need to do is add them straight into your pan – meaning dinner will be ready in no time. Plus, many stores now offer organic options which provide an even healthier option than their previously frozen counterparts.

At the end of the day, it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If flavor is your priority then fresh might be best but if speed and ease take precedence over taste then using frozen could be just as good – if not better! All things considered, picking either should give you delicious results whatever route you choose to go down.

Are There Any Substitutions For Ground Beef That I Can Use?

Are there any substitutions for ground beef that I can use? This is an important question to ask when trying to make a meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Ground beef does tend to be used in many recipes, but it doesn’t have to be the only option available.

For those looking for alternatives to ground beef, you’re not alone! There are a variety of options out there that can add just as much flavor and texture to your dish without requiring as much work or time. From white beans and lentils to mushrooms and tofu, the possibilities are virtually endless.

Whether you’re looking for something more budget-friendly or simply want something different from the traditional ground beef, these alternative ingredients can help take your meals up a notch with ease. Not only do they bring new flavors into play, but they also provide plenty of nutrition for anyone who’s watching their diet – plus, most of them can be found right at your local grocery store! So why not give some of these delicious alternatives a try?

What Is The Best Way To Store Leftovers?

Storing leftovers is an important part of home cooking. Not only does it help save money, but it also helps reduce food waste and can even bring convenience to busy lifestyles. When correctly done, storing leftovers will ensure that your meal remains fresh and safe for consumption later on.

When dealing with a ground beef and potato recipe, the key to successful storage lies in proper preparation and cooling techniques. Before you put any cooked food away, let it cool down at room temperature first – this will prevent any bacterial growth from occurring as quickly during storage. Once cooled, divide the leftovers into smaller portions so they are easier to store and reheat when needed. Then place them in airtight containers or freezer bags before placing them in the refrigerator or freezer. This way, all the flavors won’t mix together while keeping the food sealed and protected from bacteria.

The best way to enjoy these stored leftovers is by using them within three to four days if kept refrigerated – however, freezing them properly can last up to two months! So why not take advantage of those precious moments saved by having pre-cooked meals ready? After all, life is too short to spend time preparing multiple meals every day!

How Long Can I Keep Cooked Ground Beef And Potatoes In The Refrigerator?

When it comes to storing leftovers, most of us want to know how long we can keep them safely. It’s an important question: if you don’t store your food properly, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk for foodborne illness. So when it comes to cooked ground beef and potatoes, just how long can they stay in the refrigerator?

The answer may depend on a few factors such as how quickly they were cooled down after cooking or whether or not they had been frozen before being refrigerated. Generally speaking, however, cooked ground beef and potatoes should last up to 4 days in the fridge. Here are some tips for safe storage:

• Cool leftovers within two hours of cooking (or one hour if the temperature is over 90F)
• Store in shallow containers so that cool air can circulate around the food easily
• Reheat thoroughly until steaming hot throughout before eating

In order to make sure your leftovers remain safe to eat, it’s best practice to use any remaining ground beef and potatoes within four days of refrigeration. Remembering these simple guidelines will help ensure that you get maximum enjoyment out of each meal without risking anyone’s health!

Conclusion

I’m sure this delicious ground beef and potato recipe will be a hit with my family! For maximum flavor, I recommend buying the freshest ground beef you can find. Frozen potatoes work well in this recipe too. If you don’t eat meat, there are plenty of vegetarian alternatives that will make your dish just as tasty.

Once the meal is cooked, it’s best to store leftovers in an airtight container so they’ll stay fresh for longer. To ensure food safety, keep cooked ground beef and potatoes refrigerated for up to four days before discarding them.

Making meals like this one is always a pleasure; not only do they taste great but they are also budget-friendly and full of nourishment. So next time you’re looking for something special to whip up, try out this scrumptious ground beef and potato recipe – it’s sure to please even the pickiest of palates!

Ground Beef and Potato Recipe

0 from 0 votes

Recipe by Emily K. Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

325

kcal

This Ground Beef and Potato Recipe is an easy-to-make dinner that is sure to please the whole family. It is made with lean ground beef, potatoes, and a variety of vegetables, making it a nutritious and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb 1 lean ground beef

• 1 1 large onion, diced

• 2 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cup 2 cubed potatoes

• 1 cup 1 diced carrots

• 1 cup 1 diced celery

• 1 tsp 1 dried thyme

• 1 tsp 1 dried oregano

• 2 cup 2 beef broth

• 1/2 cup 1/2 frozen peas

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
• Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, and oregano, and stir to combine. Cook for 3 minutes.
• Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Serve warm.