Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes

There’s something so comforting about a dish that brings together ground beef and potatoes, creating a meal that feels hearty and satisfying in every bite. Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is exactly that—a delightful one-pan dinner that combines the rich flavors of seasoned meat with tender potatoes, all smothered in melted cheese. Not only is this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, but it also has a way of evoking fond memories of home-cooked meals.

When I first discovered this recipe, I was on the lookout for something simple, filling, and delicious that my entire family would love. The ease of preparation—just one pan, minimal cleanup, and a cook time of around 35 minutes—was a game-changer. Whether you’re gathering around the table after a long day or hosting a casual dinner with friends, Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is a meal that brings everyone together. So grab those ingredients, and let’s dive into this comforting creation that will quickly become a staple in your weeknight rotation!

How to Make Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes

Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 375°F. This step can be skipped if you’re planning to prepare the entire dish on the stovetop.

Sauté the Beef and Onion: In a large, heavy-bottom non-stick skillet with a lid, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion along with the 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, the minced garlic, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is browned, and the onions are softened.

Cook the Potatoes: Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan (no need to wash it), add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped Yukon Gold potatoes. Sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of salt and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add ¼ cup of water, cover, and let it cook. Stir occasionally, keeping an eye on the potatoes, until they are just tender—this should take around 15-20 minutes. If they begin to stick, add an additional ¼ cup of water until cooked.

Combine the Ingredients: Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, bring back the cooked beef into the pan along with 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 4 tablespoons of ketchup. Stir to combine everything well. If the mixture appears too dry, add another ¼ cup of water.

Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese over the beef and potato mixture, stirring to blend it in. Then, scatter the remaining cheese on top. Transfer the skillet to the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, serve this warm with your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, or a sprinkle of paprika.

Storing & Reheating

For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or refrigerate for 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. While the texture may change slightly, a quick stir and re-warming will refresh the flavors.

This Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is undeniably a warm hug in meal form, bringing a burst of flavors and textures that make every bite satisfying. The meld of seasoned beef and creamy cheese topping will entice you—and perhaps even draw out a nostalgic memory or two. With so many appealing benefits, from its simple preparation to its hearty flavor, giving this recipe a go is a delicious choice. Let yourself experiment with the ingredients, and enjoy making it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for a lighter option. Just adjust your cooking times slightly, as ground poultry typically cooks faster than beef.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If smoked paprika isn’t on hand, regular paprika is a fine substitute, although it lacks that smoky flavor. A pinch of liquid smoke or some cayenne can play similar roles if you want to replicate that depth.

How do I ensure my potatoes don’t stick?

To avoid sticking, make sure to cover the skillet while cooking the potatoes and keep an eye on the moisture levels by adding water as needed. Stirring helps too!

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or green beans alongside the beef. Just remember to adjust cooking times to ensure everything is perfectly tender.

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Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes

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• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: One Pot
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Quick Ground Beef and Potatoes is a delightful one-pan dinner that combines juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese. Perfect for a fast, flavorful meal, it’s great for busy nights and loved by all.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ½ pounds yukon gold or russet potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F if using the oven (optional).
• In a large heavy-bottom, non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and ground beef, seasoning with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Break apart the meat as it cooks, about 5-8 minutes, until browned and the onion is soft, stirring occasionally.
• Remove the cooked meat and set it aside in a bowl. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil along with the chopped potatoes and the remaining teaspoon of salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add ¼ cup of water, cover, and cook while stirring frequently for about 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Add more water if potatoes stick to the pan.
• Return the cooked meat to the skillet, then stir in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, adding more water if needed.
• Sprinkle half the cheese over the mixture and stir to combine. Top with the remaining cheese, then place in the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve warm with desired toppings.

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Notes

For a quicker option, you can skip the oven step and serve directly from the skillet.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

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