How To Make Ground Beef With Potatoes: A Step-by-step Guide For The Perfect Meal

Ground beef and potatoes are a classic culinary duo that can be transformed into a variety of mouthwatering dishes. Whether you’re craving a hearty skillet dinner or a comforting slow-cooker stew, mastering the art of making ground beef with potatoes is essential for any home cook. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from choosing the right ingredients to perfecting your cooking technique.

Choosing Your Ingredients

Ground Beef

• Opt for ground beef with a lean-to-fat ratio of 80/20 for a balance of flavor and texture.
• Choose ground chuck or shoulder for a richer flavor.
• Avoid ground beef with any added seasonings or fillers.

Potatoes

• Use russet potatoes for their starchy texture that holds its shape well when cooked.
• Choose potatoes that are medium-sized and free of bruises or blemishes.
• Peel and cut the potatoes into uniform cubes or slices for even cooking.

Other Ingredients

• Onion and garlic: Add depth and aroma to the dish.
• Bell peppers: Provide a vibrant color and sweetness.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, and cumin enhance the flavors of the beef and potatoes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Browning the Ground Beef

• Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it’s no longer pink.
• Drain any excess fat.

Sautéing the Vegetables

• Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
• Stir in any other vegetables, such as bell peppers, and cook until tender-crisp.

Seasoning and Cooking the Potatoes

• Add the potatoes to the skillet and season generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
• Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the potatoes start to brown.

Adding Liquid and Simmering

• Pour in your choice of liquid, such as beef broth, water, or tomato sauce.
• Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, for about 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has reduced.

Finishing Touches

• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
• Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as bread, rice, or salad.

Variations on the Classic

• Shepherd’s Pie: Top the ground beef and potato mixture with a layer of mashed potatoes and bake until golden brown.
• Cottage Pie: Similar to shepherd’s pie, but use mashed sweet potatoes instead.
• Hash: Cook the ground beef and potatoes in a skillet until crispy and serve with eggs.
• Tacos: Use the ground beef and potato mixture as a filling for tacos and top with your favorite toppings.
• Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with the ground beef and potato mixture and bake until tender.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef with Potatoes

• Use a large enough skillet or Dutch oven to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
• Don’t overcook the potatoes, as they will become mushy.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a savory umami flavor.
• If the mixture becomes too dry, add more liquid as needed.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Recipe Ideas

Classic Ground Beef and Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Follow the step-by-step cooking instructions outlined above.

Spicy Ground Beef and Potato Burrito

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium russet potato, peeled and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 10 flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. Follow the step-by-step cooking instructions outlined above, using the listed ingredients.
2. Assemble the burritos by placing a scoop of the ground beef and potato mixture in the center of a tortilla.
3. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
4. Roll up the tortillas and serve immediately.

What People Want to Know

Q: What is the best way to brown ground beef without it becoming dry?
A: Avoid overcrowding the skillet and cook the beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and stir frequently to prevent the beef from sticking.

Q: How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
A: After adding the potatoes to the skillet, cook them for a few minutes without stirring to allow them to brown on one side. Then, stir and continue cooking until they’re tender-crisp.

Q: What are some other vegetables I can add to the dish?
A: Carrots, celery, peas, and corn are all great additions to ground beef and potatoes. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables to create your own unique flavor combinations.