– **Title**: Ground Beef and Potatoes
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Once done, remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for healthier options, ground turkey or lamb works well too!
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are my favorite for this dish because they become fluffy when cooked. You can also use red or Yukon gold potatoes if you prefer a waxier texture. Just keep the skin on for extra nutrients!
Onion and Garlic: I always suggest yellow onions for their sweetness. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder is a fine substitute; one clove is roughly equivalent to 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Bell Pepper: Any color works great, but I love using red or yellow for their sweetness. If you need a change, try zucchini or even mushrooms for a different flavor profile!
Seasonings: The paprika adds a nice depth. If you like a bit of heat, you can replace it with cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Fresh herbs instead of dried can brighten flavors, too!
How Do You Cook Potatoes Until They’re Perfectly Tender?
Cooking the potatoes to the right tenderness can be tricky. Here’s how to ensure they come out just right:
- Start by dicing the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- When you add them to the skillet, give them a good stir with the other ingredients to ensure they’re coated in flavors.
- Covering the skillet helps to steam the potatoes, making them tender faster. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
- If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or broth. This extra moisture helps the potatoes soften without burning.
- Check for doneness with a fork; they should be soft and easy to pierce.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Green onions, sliced (optional)
For Garnish:
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 35-40 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 50 minutes to have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the kitchen starts to smell wonderful!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, don’t forget to drain it out to keep your dish lighter.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Toss in the diced potatoes and bell pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will give the potatoes a nice start to soften up.
4. Mix in the Seasonings:
Now it’s time to add the diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Give everything a good mix so the flavors combine nicely.
5. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the skillet with a lid and lower the heat. Let the mixture cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the pan. If it looks a bit dry, feel free to splash in a little water or broth to help it out.
6. Final Touches:
Once the potatoes are tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your delicious creation with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions if you like. These add a lovely color and flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your comforting ground beef and potato dish is now ready to serve! Dish it up hot and enjoy every hearty bite!
Can I Use a Different Meat Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may slightly vary – leaner meats like turkey may cook faster.
What Can I Substitute for Potatoes?
If you’re looking to replace potatoes, consider sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or even zucchini for a lower-carb alternative. If using zucchini, add it towards the end of cooking, as it cooks quickly and can become mushy if overcooked.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in individual portions – it’ll last up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or corn. Just chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Add them along with the bell pepper to allow sufficient time to soften up during the cooking process.
