6 Easy Dinners With Ground Beef and Potatoes
A pound of ground beef and a bag of potatoes can turn into a different dinner every night of the week. These six use pantry basics, and most are on the table in 30 to 40 minutes.
1. Cheesy beef and potato skillet
Time: 35 min · Also need: onion, shredded cheese, garlic powder
The one-pan weeknight standby. Crispy potato edges, savory beef, melted cheese on top.
- Dice 1½ lb potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Cook in a little oil in a large skillet, covered, over medium heat for 10 minutes, then uncovered until golden, about 8 more.
- Push the potatoes aside, add 1 lb ground beef and a diced onion, and cook until no pink remains.
- Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder, stir together, and top with a cup of cheese. Cover until melted.
Kids like it with ketchup or salsa on the side. Leftovers make great breakfast burritos.
2. Weeknight cottage pie
Time: 45 min · Also need: frozen mixed vegetables, butter, milk, broth or water
The cozy classic, made in one oven-safe skillet so there's less to wash.
- Boil 2 lb peeled, chunked potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Mash with butter, milk and salt.
- Meanwhile, brown 1 lb ground beef in an oven-safe skillet. Stir in 2 cups frozen vegetables, 1 tbsp flour and ½ cup broth or water, and simmer until thick.
- Spread the mash on top and broil 4 to 5 minutes until the peaks brown.
Made with lamb it's shepherd's pie. With beef it's cottage pie, but nobody at the table will mind.
3. Beef and potato tacos
Time: 30 min · Also need: tortillas, taco seasoning or chili powder and cumin
Small potato cubes stretch the beef further and soak up all the seasoning. Inspired by Mexican picadillo.
- Microwave ¾ lb small-diced potatoes for 4 minutes to give them a head start.
- Brown 1 lb ground beef, add the potatoes and cook until they're tender and a little crisp.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Serve in warm tortillas with whatever toppings you have.
A can of tomatoes or a few spoonfuls of salsa stirred in makes it saucier.
4. Foil packet dinners
Time: 40 min · Also need: foil, carrots or onion, butter
Everyone builds their own packet, and there's nothing to clean afterward. Works in the oven or on the grill.
- Shape 1 lb ground beef into 4 thin patties and season with salt and pepper.
- On 4 sheets of foil, layer thin-sliced potatoes, sliced carrots or onion, a patty and a pat of butter. Fold into sealed packets.
- Bake at 400°F for 30 to 35 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the beef reaches 160°F.
Slice the potatoes thin (about ¼ inch) or they won't finish at the same time as the beef.
5. Loaded potato and beef bowls
Time: 30 min · Also need: sour cream, cheese, green onion or chives
Everything you love about a loaded baked potato, without waiting an hour for the oven.
- Toss 1½ lb cubed potatoes with oil, salt and paprika. Roast at 425°F for 25 minutes, or air fry at 400°F for 15 to 18, shaking halfway.
- Brown 1 lb ground beef with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Pile potatoes and beef into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream and green onion.
Set out the toppings and let everyone build their own bowl.
6. Hearty beef and potato soup
Time: 40 min · Also need: onion, carrots, 4 cups broth, a can of diced tomatoes
A big pot that feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day.
- Brown 1 lb ground beef with a diced onion and 2 sliced carrots in a large pot.
- Add 1½ lb diced potatoes, the broth and the tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of thyme or Italian seasoning.
- Simmer 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are soft.
Freezes well for up to 3 months. Potatoes get a little softer after thawing, but it still tastes great.
Quick answers
How long do diced potatoes take in a skillet?
Half-inch cubes take about 15 to 20 minutes over medium heat with a lid on for the first 10 minutes. Microwaving them for 4 to 5 minutes first cuts that roughly in half.
What temperature should ground beef be cooked to?
The USDA recommends 160°F (71°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cook it until no pink remains.
Which potatoes work best?
Yukon Golds hold their shape in skillets and soups and mash well. Russets are best for mashing and baking. Red potatoes can go in unpeeled.
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