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 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)

Highlighted under: Instant Quick Meals Favorites

I love making One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes when I want a comforting meal that is both filling and easy to prepare. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash! The combination of seasoned beef and tender potatoes creates a wonderful flavor that my family adores. Plus, I can add any vegetables I have on hand to make it even heartier.

Created by

Cassandra Reed

Last updated on 2026-02-15T02:05:36.689Z

When I first started experimenting with one-pot meals, I was amazed by how much flavor could be developed with just a few ingredients. This One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes recipe was a delightful surprise. The richness of the ground beef combined with the softness of the potatoes creates a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. I love how I can use simple pantry staples and still achieve an impressive result.

One tip I’ve learned is to brown the beef well before adding the potatoes and any other ingredients. This step really enhances the flavor of the dish. I like to stir in some garlic and onions to elevate the taste even more. Trust me, this dish will quickly find a place in your regular dinner rotation!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying meal in one pot
Versatile – add your favorite vegetables
Quick clean-up makes it perfect for busy nights

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to a rich flavor in One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes lies in the quality of your ingredients. Using 80/20 ground beef offers a perfect balance of flavor and moisture without being overly greasy. The potatoes should be waxy varieties, like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss, as they hold their shape better during cooking and add a creamy texture. Additionally, fresh garlic and onion enhance the overall aroma and savory notes, in contrast to their dried counterparts.

Don't forget the importance of seasoning. Paprika not only deepens the flavor profile but also adds a subtle smokiness that complements the beef beautifully. Adjusting the salt and pepper allows you to control the seasoning based on your palate and the sodium content of your broth—homemade broth can significantly lower sodium levels.

Techniques for Perfect Potatoes

When adding the diced potatoes, remember that cutting them into even sizes ensures uniform cooking. Aim for about 1-inch pieces to achieve tender potatoes by the end of simmering. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mash a few potato pieces against the pot as they soften. This will naturally thicken the broth and create a delightful gravy-like consistency.

Be attentive during the simmering stage. A gentle bubble is ideal; too vigorous boiling can cause the potatoes to break down completely. If the broth isn’t covering the potatoes adequately, feel free to add a splash of water to prevent burning and ensure that all ingredients cook evenly.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This recipe is perfect for meal prep—any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture, as the potatoes can absorb the liquid over time. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible.

When serving, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. This dish pairs well with crusty bread, or you can serve it alongside a simple green salad to balance the heartiness of the stew.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes:

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)

Make sure all your ingredients are prepped before you start cooking to streamline the process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to cook your One Pot Ground Beef And Potatoes:

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the diced potatoes, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Pour in the Broth

Add the beef broth, ensuring that the potatoes are covered. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer Until Tender

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. If using mixed vegetables, stir them in last for the final 5 minutes of cooking.

Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding in your favorite spices or vegetables. Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Tips for Adding Vegetables

Incorporating mixed vegetables can enhance the nutrition and flavor of your One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes. Think about adding frozen peas, carrots, or corn—these can be tossed in during the final minutes of cooking. They will add a burst of sweetness and texture without requiring additional preparation time. Just remember not to overcrowd the pot; too many vegetables can lead to a watery consistency.

If you prefer fresh vegetables, consider bell peppers or zucchini, but add them earlier in the cooking process, I recommend stirring them in just after the potatoes. This allows them to soften without becoming mushy, ensuring every bite has a pleasant crunch alongside the tender potatoes.

Flavor Variations

For those looking to spice things up, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when browning the meat. This will introduce a subtle heat that complements the dish beautifully. You could also experiment with different spices—cumin or Italian seasoning can add a unique twist to the overall profile of the meal.

If you want to make this dish lighter, you can swap out the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these proteins can cook faster than beef. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth can also create a delightful vegetarian-friendly option, particularly appealing when using hearty vegetables.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making this dish is the potatoes becoming mushy. To avoid this, ensure your diced potatoes are uniform in size and monitor cooking time closely. If they tend to break apart, consider reducing the simmering time, or, for a thicker broth, try using fewer potatoes in your initial cooking.

Another potential stumbling block is a lack of flavor. If you find your dish a bit bland after cooking, finish it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. These acidic ingredients can brighten the flavors and add depth, ensuring each bite is satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients a day before and cook them when you're ready.