If you want to give your family a change of pace from the usual mashed potatoes, then try this ground beef and potato dish. It’s a simple, hearty, and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ground beef and potatoes: A Comforting One-Pot Meal for the Family
This one-pot dish is made with a combination of Ground beef with Potatoes. The flavorful juices from the ground beef are absorbed by the potatoes. This creates a rich and hearty flavor when combined with the tomato sauce. It tastes so good that each time I made this, my super picky kid would ask for more.
It is a family-friendly solution when you need to have dinner on the table fast. This meal is really filling, and it makes a perfect dinner after a long, busy day. The kids will also enjoy it as well.
If you’re a fan of one-pot dishes, you might also enjoy my Potato and Chicken Bake or Sweet Potato Hash—both are perfect for busy nights when you need something hearty and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe – One of our family favorites!
I created this recipe one day when I had ground beef and potatoes at home and Ineeded a quick, filling dinner for the family. Ever since, it has become a staple in our household! The flavors are simple yet comforting, and it’s a dish that you can easily adapt to what you have on hand.
Ground beef and potatoes might seem basic, but the juices from the beef infuse the potatoes, creating a flavor-packed dish. And it gets even better with the addition of tomato sauce and seasonings like curry powder and thyme. Plus, it’s so versatile! In this recipe, I’ve used bell peppers. However, I’ve also used mixed veggies, and I’ve made this with no veggies :).
You can throw in any vegetables you have in the fridge—bell peppers, carrots, peas, or even no veggies at all. It always turns out delicious. You can even use leftover roasted potatoes from last night’s dinner to make this dish even quicker. Just toss them in with the beef and sauce, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
- Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are starchy and hold their shape well in this dish. Their hearty texture is perfect for absorbing all the rich flavors from the beef and seasonings.
- Ground Beef: I typically use ground beef because it’s what I have on hand, but you can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken. Learn how to make your own fresh ground beef [here].
- Tomato Sauce: This adds a rich, tangy base to the dish and balances out the savory beef and potatoes.
- Bouillon Powder and Stock: These deepen the flavor and add an extra layer of umami.
- Thyme and Bay Leaf: These herbs add warmth and complexity to the dish. If you prefer, you can swap the thyme for rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Flour Mixture: This helps thicken the sauce to create a more satisfying, hearty dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube your potatoes, then give them a quick rinse and set them aside. Using Russet potatoes will give you the best texture, but any potatoes will work in a pinch.
- Cook the Onions and Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil, and sauté the onions with thyme and a bay leaf until translucent. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with bouillon powder, curry powder, and salt, and let it cook in its juices for about five minutes.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and let it cook for another 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to mellow out, reducing the tanginess.
- Combine with Potatoes: Add the potatoes, water, and stock to the skillet. Let everything simmer together until the potatoes are fork-tender—about 20 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the flour mixture to thicken up the sauce, and let it cook for a few more minutes.
- Finish with Fresh Parsley: Finally, sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley, and it’s ready to serve!
I have used Ground Beef for this because it was what I had at home when I made this recipe. However, I have also tried it with Ground chicken or Ground Turkey, and it tastes just as good!
Learn how to make your own fresh ground Beef here.
Notes: Tips for Success
- Keep Some Meat Chunks: When browning the beef, don’t break it up too much. Keeping some larger chunks adds great texture to the dish.
- Adjust the Heat: For a little kick, I like to add a minced habanero or some crushed red pepper. If you prefer milder heat, try Jalapeños or leave the spicy elements out altogether.
- Versatile Proteins: This recipe works great with ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a lighter meal. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.
- Herbs: And remember, thyme can always be swapped with rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: If you’re a fan of cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top once it’s cooked. Pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to get a bubbly, golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
This ground beef and potatoes dish is filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of breads. Try serving it with Flatbread, No-Knead French Bread, dutch oven bread or chapatis for a complete meal.
Other Delicious Potato Recipes
If you love potatoes as much as I do, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:
- Breakfast Skillet Potatoes: A crispy and savory way to start your day.
- Potato and Chicken Bake: A comforting, oven-baked dish that’s great for family dinners.
- Sweet Potato Hash: A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors for breakfast or brunch.
- Garlic roasted potatoes with rosemary:
- Breakfast potatoes and Egg stew:
- Stewed beef potatoes
- Sweet Potato Hash
Ground beef and Potato dinner
Ingredients
- 6 russet potatoes Medium to Large
- 1 cup onion diced
- 2 tbsp vegetable Oil
- 1 Lb ground Beef
- 1 cup bell peppers Green, Red, orange – diced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 3 tbsp fresh Parsley Chopped
- 2 tsp bouillon powder
- 1 Teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1½ Cup water
- 1 cup chicken stock or beef stock
- salt to taste
Flour mixture
- 2 tbsp tapioca flour all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- ¼ cup Water
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Rinse them under cold water and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onions, thyme, and bay leaf. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up into chunks with a spatula and cook until it's no longer pink – bout 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers and season with bouillon powder, curry powder, and salt. Stir well to combine, then cover and let it cook in its own juices for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the tanginess of the reduces and the flavors deepen.
- Add the cubed potatoes, add the water and stock, and leave to cook till fork tender. About 20 minutes (a little more or less).
- Mix together the flour and water to create a slurry. Pour it into the skillet to thicken the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 3 minutes until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
- Sprinkle the parsley leaves. serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
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John G
Tuesday 20th of February 2024
Thank you for this delicious sounding recipe, I want to try it right away. A question however, I don't see thyme listed in the ingredients list, but it calls for it in the instructions in number 2. Would you please clarify the use of thyme and how much should be added to the recipe. Thank You!
Lola
Thursday 6th of May 2021
In just discovered your page ad I'm hooked. Thanks for all the yummy recipes.
Lola Osinkolu
Monday 10th of May 2021
You are welcome. Glad you love it here :)
Stewed Beef Potatoes - Chef Lola's Kitchen
Wednesday 23rd of January 2019
[…] made this potato recipe very similar to this recipe here where I used ground beef instead of cubed beef and it’s so good. I am intentional about […]
yusufaleinge
Thursday 19th of May 2016
Can I do this with sweet potatoes?
Lola Osinkolu
Tuesday 24th of May 2016
Yes dear, you can.
Lola Osinkolu
Monday 30th of November -0001
Yes dear, you can.
yusufaleinge
Monday 30th of November -0001
Can I do this with sweet potatoes?