When I think about quick ground beef recipes, this one always comes to mind. It’s hearty, filling, and made in just one pot. I mean, who doesn’t love fewer dishes to wash? We’re talking about tender potatoes cooked together with savory ground beef, seasoned simply but in a way that makes the whole kitchen smell like comfort itself. I’ll be honest, this dish reminds me of the kind of meal you throw together when you don’t want to fuss around but still crave something that hits the spot. I’ve had nights where I walked into the kitchen, stared at a bag of potatoes and a pack of ground beef, and thought, ‘Well, let’s make magic.’ That magic, for me, turned out to be this recipe. What makes it stand out compared to other best ground beef recipes is its simplicity. Recipes ground beef can often get overly complicated, but this keeps everything straight to the point. It’s proof that you don’t need a dozen spices to make a great recipe ground beef and potato dish. So if you’re hunting for ground beef recipes that are easy, quick, and satisfying—or if potatoes and ground beef recipes already have a special place in your weeknight rotation—then this one’s for you.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes
4) How to Make One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes
5) Tips for Making One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes
6) Making One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe uses just one pot for less cleanup.
Ground beef and potatoes create a hearty, filling meal.
Simple seasoning makes it comforting without fuss.
Optional cheese topping adds richness and flavor.

2) Easy One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

When I first stumbled into making one pot meals, I didn’t expect quick ground beef recipes to become such a reliable part of my kitchen routine. But there’s something about tossing potatoes and beef together in one pan that just feels right. You get the comfort of a home-cooked meal without standing over the stove all night. And if I’m honest, I’ve had evenings where this dish basically saved me from dialing takeout.

What I love most is how forgiving it is. If your potatoes are a little bigger or your onion is chunkier, it still turns out fine. It’s filling, flavorful, and makes the house smell so good you’ll have people wandering in asking what’s cooking. That alone makes it one of my best ground beef recipes on rotation.

Whether you’re new to recipes ground beef or you’ve been cooking ground beef recipes forever, this meal hits that sweet spot between easy and delicious. It’s the kind of recipe ground beef lovers keep coming back to, especially if potatoes and ground beef recipes already have a place in your weeknight lineup.

3) Ingredients for One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

Ground Beef: Use one pound of ground beef. It brings the heartiness and flavor. You can swap with ground turkey if you want something lighter.

Potatoes: Four medium potatoes, diced small. They soak up the flavors from the broth and beef and become tender bites of comfort.

Onion: A chopped onion adds sweetness and depth. It cooks down and blends right into the dish.

Garlic: Two minced cloves. The smell of garlic hitting the hot oil is one of life’s simple joys.

Olive Oil: Two tablespoons to start everything in the pan and give the onions that golden edge.

Paprika: One teaspoon for warmth and a little smoky flavor. It makes the beef pop without stealing the spotlight.

Salt and Pepper: Season with one teaspoon salt and half teaspoon pepper. Nothing fancy, just the right balance to bring everything together.

Beef Broth: One cup to simmer the potatoes until soft. It adds richness and keeps the dish from drying out.

Cheddar Cheese: Half a cup, shredded. Optional, but when melted on top it feels like comfort food at its best.

Fresh Parsley: Two tablespoons chopped and sprinkled on top. It brightens the dish right before serving.

4) How to Make One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, stir until golden and fragrant. This step sets the base flavor.

Step 2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3. Stir in the diced potatoes. Make sure each piece gets coated in the beef mixture. That’s where the flavor builds.

Step 4. Pour in the beef broth. Lower the heat slightly, cover, and let it simmer for about twenty minutes. Stir now and then to keep things even.

Step 5. Uncover the skillet. Let it cook another five minutes so the liquid reduces and the potatoes are tender all the way through.

Step 6. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if you want. Cover again for a minute so it melts into gooey goodness.

Step 7. Finish with chopped parsley before serving. The freshness balances the richness of the beef and potatoes.

5) Tips for Making One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

Keep your potato pieces on the smaller side so they cook at the same pace as the beef. Bigger chunks take longer and can throw off the timing. I’ve made that mistake when I was in a rush and ended up with half-cooked spuds. Not fun.

Don’t be shy with the salt in the beginning. Ground beef and potatoes both need that seasoning kick early on. Trust me, it’s easier to season as you go than to try to fix bland food later.

If you’re into shortcuts, frozen diced potatoes actually work pretty well here. They save you some chopping time and blend right into the dish without anyone noticing.

6) Making One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes Ahead of Time

I’ve made this dish in the morning before a busy day, and by evening, reheating it feels like a gift to myself. It holds up well and the flavors deepen with time. If you want to prep ahead, cook it fully and store it in the fridge.

When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. The potatoes like to soak in all the liquid while sitting, so this brings it back to life without turning it soggy.

If you plan on adding cheese, wait until you reheat. That way, you still get that fresh melted topping instead of reheated, rubbery cheese.

7) Storing Leftover One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for three to four days. Store them in a sealed container to keep the flavors intact. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.

Freezing is an option too, though the potatoes change texture a little once thawed. They get softer, but the flavor is still great. If you’re freezing, portion it out first. That way, you only defrost what you need.

I’ve found this dish tastes even better the next day. Something about the way the flavors settle makes it feel even more comforting when you warm it up again.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) One Pot Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe