Master the art of ground beef and potatoes: a step-by-step guide for beginners

Ground beef and potatoes are a classic combination that satisfies both taste buds and hunger pangs. This versatile dish can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. If you’re wondering how to make ground beef with potatoes, follow our step-by-step guide for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Potatoes:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
• Drain off any excess fat.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef.
• Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Boil the Potatoes

• In a separate pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
• Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and set aside.

4. Combine the Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Add the potatoes to the skillet with the ground beef and vegetables.
• Stir to combine and heat through.

5. Season to Taste

• Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add any additional seasonings, such as chili powder, cumin, or oregano, as desired.

6. Serve

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Variations

• Shepherd’s Pie: Top the ground beef and potato mixture with mashed potatoes and bake until golden brown.
• Cottage Pie: Use ground beef and potatoes to make a cottage pie, replacing the shepherd’s pie’s mashed potatoes with a layer of creamy mashed sweet potatoes.
• Hash: Add diced carrots, celery, and onions to the ground beef and potatoes for a hearty hash.
• Tacos: Use the ground beef and potato mixture as a filling for tacos, topped with your favorite toppings.
• Burritos: Fill burritos with the ground beef and potato mixture, along with beans, rice, and other desired ingredients.

Tips

• Use a lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat in the dish.
• Season the ground beef and potatoes liberally to enhance the flavor.
• Don’t overcook the potatoes, as they will become mushy.
• Let the dish simmer for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Make Ground Beef with Potatoes in a Slow Cooker

• Brown the ground beef in a skillet as directed above.
• Transfer the ground beef to a slow cooker.
• Add the vegetables, potatoes, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Season to taste and serve.

How to Make Ground Beef with Potatoes in the Oven

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine the ground beef, vegetables, potatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings in a baking dish.
• Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the ground beef is cooked through.
• Serve hot.

How to Make Ground Beef with Potatoes in an Instant Pot

• Brown the ground beef in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function.
• Add the vegetables, potatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings to the Instant Pot.
• Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick release the pressure and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork instead of ground beef.

2. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, you can use frozen potatoes. Just add them to the pot of boiling water frozen and cook for a few extra minutes.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

4. How can I make this dish healthier?

You can make this dish healthier by using lean ground beef, reducing the amount of oil, and using low-sodium chicken broth.

5. What can I serve with this dish?

This dish can be served with a variety of sides, such as bread, rolls, salad, or vegetables.