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; 1 cup beef broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

Highlighted under: Warm Meal Inspirations

I love this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe because it brings together simple ingredients in an incredibly satisfying way. After a long day, there's nothing better than coming home to a meal that only requires one pot and minimal cleanup! The combination of tender ground beef, hearty potatoes, and aromatic spices really fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort. Plus, it’s easily customizable with whatever veggies I have on hand, making it a weeknight staple in our home.

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2026-01-24T12:19:06.637Z

When I first made this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes, I was pleasantly surprised by how such basic ingredients could come together to create something so satisfying. The key is to let those potatoes absorb all the flavors of the beef and spices as they cook together, which turns each bite into pure comfort. I experimented with adding different herbs, and I've found that a touch of rosemary or thyme can elevate the dish to another level.

One tip I've learned is to brown the beef properly before adding the potatoes. This step locks in the savory flavor that makes this dish so delicious. When both flavors meld during cooking, it creates a delightful medley that my family keeps asking for again and again. Trust me, try this tonight, and I bet you’ll fall in love with it too!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Simple and quick preparation, perfect for busy weeknights
Comforting flavors that everyone in the family will enjoy
One pot means easy cleanup, leaving you more time to relax

Ingredient Insights

The choice of potatoes in this One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe can greatly affect the dish's texture and flavor. I recommend using Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a creamy texture. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets, which can break down too much and become mushy when simmered for this duration. Additionally, make sure to cut your potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.

Ground beef's quality can also change the profile of this dish. Aim for ground beef that is 80% lean to 20% fat; the fat content will provide the necessary moisture and flavor while cooking. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, ground turkey or chicken can easily substitute the beef, although you may want to add a bit of olive oil to compensate for the lower fat content.

Cooking Technique Tips

When browning the beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pot; this allows for proper browning and prevents steaming. If you have a lot of meat, consider browning it in batches. The beef should be browned until it develops a nice, deep color and releases its juices, which enhance the overall flavor. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking, but let it sit for a minute to develop a good sear on the bottom.

Once the potatoes are added, make sure to give everything a good stir to ensure that each piece is coated with the meat drippings and spices. It's essential to monitor the simmering process closely; too high of a heat can cause the broth to evaporate quickly, leaving the potatoes undercooked. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully while cooking the potatoes to a perfect tender state.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place in a pot over low heat with a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. It also freezes well. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers; it can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For a twist on servings, consider topping the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. You can also pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the broth. Additionally, feel free to mix in other veggies like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to incorporate more flavors and nutrients into this comforting meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, cooking until browned.

Add Potatoes

Next, stir in the diced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the potatoes are coated with any drippings.

Simmer

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating some frozen peas or carrots to the mix towards the end of cooking. They add color and nutrition without much effort.

Variations to Consider

While this recipe shines with the basic ingredients, feel free to customize it according to your taste. For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes when browning the beef. Alternatively, you can stir in some corn or green beans along with the potatoes for added texture and nutrition. These variations not only enhance the flavor but also help to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge.

If you're a fan of creamy textures, you can stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream just before serving. This gives a nice richness and a smooth mouthfeel that complements the dish beautifully. Vegetarians can swap the beef with lentils or chickpeas, adding them in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a delicious plant-based alternative.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you notice that the potatoes aren't cooking through after the allotted simmering time, it may be due to their size or heat level. Ensure that the potatoes are cut into small, evenly sized pieces and check that the heat is at a low simmer, just below boiling. If you find they still need more time, cover the pot and give them an extra 10 minutes while keeping an eye on the liquid level, adding more broth if necessary.

Another common issue is if the dish turns out too dry. This can occur if too much liquid has evaporated during cooking. In future attempts, make sure to maintain a gentle simmer and add extra broth as needed to keep the mixture moist. Conversely, if there's too much liquid, you can remove the lid toward the end of cooking and increase the heat slightly to allow some of the broth to reduce.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option; just adjust the seasonings as needed.

→ What vegetables can I add to this dish?

Feel free to add in veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even green beans for additional flavor and nutrients.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it up to a day in advance and reheat it on the stove when you're ready to serve.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.