Ground Beef and Potatoes for a Quick & Cozy Weeknight Meal

Ground beef and potatoes—those four words are like a warm hug on a cold Tuesday night. If you’ve ever found yourself staring into your fridge, wondering how to make dinner without turning it into a full-blown production, this recipe is your answer. It’s a cozy, hearty, and surprisingly quick dish that brings major comfort without the chaos.

Whether you’re wrangling picky eaters or juggling work emails while sautéing onions, this one-skillet wonder has your back. And the best part? It’s full of flavor, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and pairs perfectly with whatever’s already hanging out in your kitchen. Toss in a little cheese, maybe a dash of spice if you’re feeling bold, and you’ve got dinner on the table faster than your favorite show can load on Netflix.

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What is Ground Beef and Potatoes?

Ground beef and potatoes is the kind of meal that feels like it should come with a side of flannel pajamas and a cozy blanket. At its heart, it’s a simple skillet meal made from humble ingredients: ground beef, diced potatoes, sautéed onion, garlic, and a quick simmer in beef broth with seasoning.

It’s the kind of thing you throw together when your fridge is looking a little empty, but you still want something that feels like real food. The magic happens when the potatoes soak up all that meaty flavor, and then—just to make it extra satisfying—you melt a layer of cheddar cheese over the top. It’s unfussy, filling, and perfect for when you need a dinner that doesn’t require a game plan or a trip to the store.

Reasons to Try Ground Beef and Potatoes

Let’s be honest: some nights you just want a meal that doesn’t ask much of you. That’s where ground beef and potatoes comes in. First off, it’s all made in one skillet—so cleanup? Practically nonexistent. It also uses budget-friendly staples you probably already have: a pound of beef, a couple of potatoes, maybe some cheese if you’re feeling generous. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable.

Need to sneak in veggies? Toss in some spinach or frozen peas. Like a little heat? Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes or cayenne. It’s flexible, fast (ready in about 30 minutes), and family-approved—even by those who claim they “don’t like potatoes,” which, frankly, is suspicious. In short, it’s a weeknight warrior of a meal that doesn’t disappoint.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Kitchen Equipment

• Large skillet with lid
• Cutting board + sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater

Instructions to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes (Step by Step)

If you’re craving a cozy skillet dinner that’s as comforting as it is easy, follow this step-by-step guide to make a hearty plate of ground beef and potatoes from start to finish. Whether you’re a total beginner or just trying to make weeknight cooking a little less chaotic, these detailed instructions will walk you through the process with zero guesswork.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start with a large skillet—preferably one with a lid. Place it over medium heat and add your ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks to avoid big chunks. Let it brown evenly, stirring occasionally. This step takes about 7–8 minutes.

Once the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, drain off the excess grease. You don’t need it, and getting rid of it keeps your dish from being too oily. Return the beef to the skillet. At this stage, you’re building the savory base of the whole dish. If you’re new to browning meat or wondering what color it should be, check out this guide on how to brown ground beef properly in our easy chili recipe for tips.

Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic

With your beef still in the skillet, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic smells amazing (but not burnt).

This step adds deep flavor and a bit of natural sweetness. If you’ve got picky eaters who shy away from onion or garlic, feel free to finely mince or grate them to make the flavors more subtle.

Step 3: Stir in Potatoes and Seasonings

Now it’s time to bring in the heart of the dish—the potatoes. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, followed by the beef broth, paprika, thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. The step-by-step trick here is patience—don’t crank the heat to rush the process. You want the potatoes to soak up the broth and soften until fork-tender.

If you need a refresher on choosing the right potato for skillet meals, our cheesy chicken and potato bake walks through some great options like Yukon Golds for extra creaminess.

Step 4: Add Cheddar Cheese

Once the potatoes are fully cooked (poke them with a fork—they should be soft but not falling apart), sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the skillet. Use freshly grated cheese if you can—it melts more smoothly than the pre-shredded kind.

Cover the skillet again and let the heat melt the cheese for 2–3 minutes. This simple step-by-step move takes the dish from “meh” to “whoa.” You’ll get that gooey, cheesy topping that makes this dish so comforting.

If you’re dairy-free or looking for substitutions, see our tips in the FAQs section for ideas on how to tweak the recipe to suit your needs.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the lid and take in that melty, golden layer of cheese. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Not only does it make the dish look gorgeous, but it also adds a nice herbal finish.

Serve it hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a light salad, crusty bread, or a cozy soup like our creamy southwest chicken soup for a full meal.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Potatoes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy (or feeding a crowd), it plays nicely with a side salad or some green veggies. Think roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed green beans, or even a dollop of sour cream on top if you want to lean into the comfort food vibes. A crusty piece of bread or cornbread wouldn’t be mad about joining the party either. If you’re looking to stretch the meal, consider pairing it with something light and bright—like this cranberry orange glazed chicken for a little sweet-savory balance.

Key Tips for Making Ground Beef and Potatoes

Dice your potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate. You don’t want some soft and others crunchy—that’s just chaos. Use freshly grated cheese if you can; pre-shredded doesn’t melt quite the same. And don’t rush the simmering time—letting those potatoes soak in the seasoned broth is where the magic happens. Want to switch it up? Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or toss in some frozen peas at the end for color and texture. Cooking for picky eaters? Skip the garlic and swap cheddar for mozzarella—no judgment here.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Ground Beef and Potatoes

Leftovers? You’re in luck. This dish reheats like a dream. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in 1-minute bursts until hot, stirring in between. Or, for best texture, warm it up in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. You can even freeze it—though the potatoes might get a tad softer when thawed. If freezing, let it cool first, then stash in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?
Yep! Russets work well, but Yukon Golds or even red potatoes hold their shape better and bring a slightly creamier texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Totally. It stores well and reheats easily, making it a great meal prep option.

Can I add veggies?
For sure—spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen peas all work great here.

How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when adding the seasonings.

Final Thoughts

Ground beef and potatoes might not sound glamorous, but this one-pan wonder is the definition of kitchen gold. It’s easy, affordable, and full of flavor—perfect for those nights when you just want something warm and satisfying without a pile of dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just trying to get through the week, this recipe is a reliable winner. Looking for more quick and comforting dinners? Don’t miss our hearty easy homemade beefy melt burritos or the always-popular cheesy burrito casserole. Now go forth and skillet.

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