Ground Beef with Potatoes

Ground Beef with Potatoes is a classic and hearty dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and a mix of flavorful spices to create a delicious one-pan dish. Let’s dive into this simple and tasty recipe step-by-step.

Ingredients

• 1 medium Russet potato or 2 white potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 pound ground chuck
• 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 2 large Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 to 2 serrano chiles, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup water
• Pinch of salt and Mexican oregano

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Dice the Potatoes:
   • Peel and dice the potato(es) into small cubes.
2. Chop the Vegetables:
   • Dice the white onion, roughly chop the Roma tomatoes, and roughly chop the serrano chiles. Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground chuck. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Season the Beef:
   • Add the salt, garlic powder, cumin, and pepper to the browned beef. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

1. Add Onions and Garlic:
   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2. Add Potatoes:
   • Stir in the diced potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to start softening.
3. Add Tomatoes and Chiles:
   • Add the roughly chopped Roma tomatoes and serrano chiles to the skillet. Mix well.

Step 4: Simmer

1. Add Water and Simmer:
   • Pour in the 1/4 cup of water and add a pinch of salt and Mexican oregano. Stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
2. Check Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve Hot:
   • Serve the Ground Beef with Potatoes hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro if desired. This dish pairs well with warm tortillas or rice.

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into small, even-sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
• Heat: Adjust the number of serrano chiles based on your heat preference. One chile will add a mild heat, while two will make the dish spicier.
• Simmering: Covering the skillet while simmering helps the potatoes cook faster and evenly.

Variations

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Add Cheese:
  • Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end of cooking for a cheesy twist.

Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Add Beans and Corn:
  • Add 1 cup of cooked black beans and 1 cup of corn kernels along with the tomatoes for a Tex-Mex variation.

Veggie-Packed Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Add Vegetables:
  • Add 1 cup of diced bell peppers and 1 cup of spinach or kale to the skillet for extra vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

With Side Dishes

• With Rice:
  • Serve with white or brown rice for a complete meal.
• With Tortillas:
  • Pair with warm flour or corn tortillas for a classic combination.

With Beverages

• With Iced Tea:
  • Enjoy with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.
• With Beer:
  • Pair with your favorite beer for a perfect match.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat? A: Yes, you can substitute ground chuck with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Ground Beef with Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: What if I don’t have serrano chiles? A: You can substitute with jalapeño peppers or omit the chiles if you prefer a milder dish.

Q: Can I add other spices? A: Yes, feel free to add other spices such as paprika, chili powder, or coriander to suit your taste.

Ground Beef with Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a mix of spices, this dish is sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Ground Beef with Potatoes is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with your family and friends!