There’s something about ground beef that feels like an old friend—reliable, versatile, and always ready to lend a hand (or a flavor). It’s like that favorite pair of jeans you can dress up or down.
You know, the ones you reach for when nothing else seems right? Whether it’s whipped into a quick chili on a busy Tuesday night or transformed into juicy burgers for a Saturday cookout, ground beef never disappoints.
Speaking of, I still remember last summer’s BBQ when my uncle insisted on adding his “secret” spice blend to the patties—not sure what he put in there, but they disappeared faster than the grilled corn. Anyway, with the days getting shorter and time slipping away like sand through fingers, let’s explore some easy and healthy ground beef recipes to keep your dinners quick yet satisfying.
(And maybe you won’t need an uncle’s secret spice to make them memorable!
Steps
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over high heat until it shimmers, then lower the heat to medium. Add diced potatoes and cook, stirring often, for around 6 minutes, until they begin to turn golden and slightly tender.
- Add the lean ground beef, diced onion, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook while breaking up the beef with a spatula.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and hot sauce to taste.
- Continue cooking for an additional 6 to 8 minutes until the potatoes and onions are tender, and the meat is thoroughly browned.
- Add sliced green onions and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the dish hot, optionally topped with Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, and additional hot sauce. Consider serving over rice or enjoy it as is.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced into ¼-inch cubes (Yukon golds recommended)
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce, plus additional for serving (such as sriracha)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Non-fat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
- Additional hot sauce
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1548kcal | Carbohydrates: 112g | Protein: 104g | Fat: 76g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 296mg | Potassium: 4180mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 5936IU | Vitamin C: 264mg | Calcium: 212mg | Iron: 16mg
FAQ
- Can I freeze the Ground Beef and Potatoes dish?
- It’s not recommended to freeze this dish because potatoes can develop a grainy texture once thawed.
- What can I serve with Ground Beef and Potatoes?
- You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, or serve it over brown rice or cauliflower rice. Adding extra hot sauce can also enhance the flavor.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat. For a twist, re-crisp the ingredients and serve them as a hash topped with a fried egg.
- What is a good wine pairing for this meal?
- Ground Beef and Potatoes pairs well with wines like Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Chardonnay.
- Are there any creative ideas for using leftovers?
- You can turn leftovers into a breakfast hash with a fried egg on top or wrap them in a whole wheat tortilla for a portable meal, possibly adding some cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
- Use Oil Sparingly: While cooking, the fat in ground beef is generally enough to prevent sticking. However, if you’re using ultra-lean beef and notice the pan getting dry, a small drizzle of oil can help.
- Potato Cooking Tip: Start by sautéing the potatoes until they’re golden and almost tender before adding other ingredients. This ensures they cook properly and maintain a pleasant texture.
- Flavor Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the hot sauce according to your spice preference. Start with a small amount and add more if you enjoy extra heat.
- Leftover Ideas: Transform leftovers into a delicious breakfast hash by re-crisping in a skillet and topping with a fried egg, or wrap them in a tortilla with cheese for a quick meal.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven – A versatile and often heavy-duty pot that can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including sautéing and simmering.
- Hamburger Chopper – A tool designed to help break apart ground meat easily while cooking.
- Heat-Resistant Spatula – Useful for stirring and handling food in hot pans without melting or warping.
