19 Ground Beef and Potato Recipes

Dive into the comforting world of Ground Beef and Potato Recipes, where two humble ingredients come together to create meals that are hearty, satisfying, and incredibly versatile.

From classic casseroles to innovative skillet dishes, this culinary pairing has stood the test of time for a reason. In this post, we’ll explore a variety of recipes that spotlight the delicious synergy between ground beef and potatoes, and offer tips on how to choose the right potatoes and seasonings to elevate your next meal. So grab your apron, because it’s time to explore the endless possibilities these two staples have to offer.

Ground Beef and Potato Recipes

Easy Cuban Picadillo

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Easy Cuban Picadillo, a hearty and aromatic dish that’s a staple in Cuban cuisine. Ground beef comes alive with a burst of spices, the sweetness of raisins, and the tang of olives and capers. Bell peppers add a crunch and pop of color, complementing the meat’s and spices’ richness. This dish is a mix of textures and flavors that come together effortlessly, making it a go-to for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Hamburger Potato Casserole

Get ready for a taste of nostalgia with Hamburger Potato Casserole, a comforting dish that captures the essence of home cooking. Imagine layers of succulent ground beef and tender sliced potatoes enveloped in a rich, velvety cream of mushroom soup sauce. The soup adds an irresistible creaminess and depth of flavor, tying all the elements together into one satisfying dish. Perfect for a last-minute dinner or as a crowd-pleasing potluck offering, this casserole brings a touch of heartwarming simplicity to the table.

Mulligan Stew

Experience the ultimate comfort food with Mulligan Stew, a versatile and hearty dish that welcomes a variety of ingredients. This stew combines meats, vegetables, and sometimes even grains into a rich, flavorful broth, perfect for using up leftovers or showcasing seasonal produce. Whether you follow a traditional recipe or opt for your own variations, the end result is always a warming, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Curried Potato Hash with Fried Egg

Elevate your breakfast or brunch with Curried Potato Hash topped with a perfectly fried egg. The aromatic blend of spices brings a touch of the exotic to your plate, while the crispy potatoes provide a comforting, familiar base. The runny yolk from the fried egg blends seamlessly into the spices, creating a luxurious sauce that ties the entire dish together. Ideal for weekends or when you’re in the mood for something a little different yet utterly delicious.

Busy Day Soup

When life gets hectic, Busy Day Soup is your culinary savior. This easy-to-make soup combines readily available ingredients like canned vegetables, broth, and optional protein into a wholesome, comforting meal. With minimal prep and quick cooking time, this is the ideal dish for those days when you’re short on time but still crave something nourishing and satisfying.

Hobo Casserole

Indulge in the simple joys of home cooking with Hobo Casserole, a hearty and filling dish that brings together a medley of ingredients like ground meat, canned or fresh vegetables, and your choice of starch. Ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks, its layers of flavors meld beautifully during baking to offer a rustic, flavorful one-dish meal. Just pop it in the oven, and you’ve got a dinner that pleases both the palate and the schedule. If you like this casserole, try our walking taco casserole.

A Variation on Cowboy Casserole

Unleash your inner cowboy with this hearty, soul-warming casserole that features home fries instead of traditional tater tots. Imagine layers of savory ground beef, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all nestled between crispy, golden home fries. This twist adds a rustic, homemade touch to the dish, elevating each bite with the satisfying crunch and earthy flavors of hand-cut potatoes. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying a cozy meal with family, this cowboy casserole with home fries is the epitome of comfort food. If you like this recipe, try our Cowboy caviar.

Polish Potato Pancakes and Goulash

Embark on a culinary journey that combines the best of Eastern European flavors—crispy Polish Potato Pancakes served with a side of hearty Goulash. The golden-brown potato pancakes provide a delightful crunch, making a perfect base for the rich, aromatic goulash. Tender chunks of beef and root vegetables in the goulash meld beautifully with the spiced, grated potatoes, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in every bite. This dish is a true comfort food extravaganza, ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings. After this recipe, try our crockpot pierogi casserole.

Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Take your taco night to the next level with Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes. These are not your ordinary spuds; each baked russet potato is generously stuffed with seasoned ground beef, fresh salsa, and a melty blend of cheeses. Top it off with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped cilantro for a fusion of Tex-Mex and classic comfort food that’ll have you coming back for more.

Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin

Nothing says comfort food like Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin. Tender slices of potato and succulent beef are layered in a creamy, cheese-infused sauce, then slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a dish where each component has soaked up the flavors of the others, creating a harmonious, mouthwatering medley that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Shepherd’s Pie

Step into a world of comfort and flavor with a classic Shepherd’s Pie. This traditional dish features a savory layer of ground lamb or beef, mixed with an array of vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions, all topped with a cloud of buttery mashed potatoes. Browned to perfection, this dish is a complete meal that brings warmth and satisfaction, suitable for any occasion from family dinners to holiday feasts.

Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie is the epitome of home-cooked comfort. This English classic combines seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a rich, savory gravy. Crowned with a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden, this dish is a hearty, one-pan wonder that satisfies both the stomach and the soul.

Easy Meatloaf and Potato Dinner

Streamline your weekday dinners with this Easy Meatloaf and Potato Dinner. A juicy, flavorful meatloaf pairs impeccably with simple, roasted potatoes. Every component of this dish is seasoned to perfection, creating a balanced meal that saves you time without skimping on taste. A quintessential comfort food made easy.

Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatloaf Casserole

Why settle for one comfort food when you can have two? Loaded Mashed Potato and Meatloaf Casserole takes your favorite elements of meatloaf and marries them with the creamy decadence of mashed potatoes loaded with cheese, bacon, and chives. It’s then baked until the top is golden and crispy, giving you a casserole that’s a festival of flavors and textures in every bite.

Ground Beef Stuffed Mashed Potatoes

Imagine a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes serving as a vessel for savory, seasoned ground beef. That’s exactly what you get with Ground Beef Stuffed Mashed Potatoes. This dish takes the beloved mashed potato to a new level by incorporating a meaty core, offering you the best of both worlds in each spoonful.

Beef Kotleti

Beef Kotleti are Russian meat patties that are a staple in Slavic cuisine. These seasoned ground beef patties are pan-fried to a golden brown and go exceptionally well with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Easy Indonesian Beef Potato Croquettes

A fusion of Indonesian flavors and the classic croquette, these Easy Indonesian Beef Potato Croquettes are a real treat. Filled with a spiced ground beef mixture and surrounded by a crispy potato coating, they’re a handheld delight that offers a burst of exotic flavors with every bite.

Perfect Potato Zrazy with Meat

Originating from Eastern Europe, Potato Zrazy are essentially stuffed potato pancakes. Filled with seasoned ground beef and pan-fried to perfection, these are a delicious blend of crispy and tender, combining earthy potatoes and meaty goodness in one harmonious dish.

Moussaka

A cornerstone of Greek cuisine, Moussaka is a layered casserole of sliced potatoes, ground beef, and eggplant, all smothered in a rich béchamel sauce. This dish is a heavenly melding of textures and Mediterranean flavors, offering a culinary experience that’s both comforting and exotic.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

For the Meat and Potato Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium-sized Russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes in the same skillet and cook until they soften, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the potatoes. Stir and cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Season and Combine: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Start the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
7. Complete the Cheese Sauce: Slowly add the milk to the roux while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts to thicken, add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Combine and Cook: Pour the cheese sauce over the ground beef and potato mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine.
9. Final Cooking: Cover the skillet and lower the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet!

Choosing the Right Potatoes

When it comes to crafting the perfect ground beef and potato recipe, selecting the right type of potato can make all the difference. Different potatoes have unique textures and flavors, which can significantly impact your dish. Here’s a guide to help you choose wisely:

Russet Potatoes

Pros: Russet potatoes are starchy, making them excellent for recipes that require a fluffy texture. They are highly absorbent, soaking up the flavors from the ground beef and any accompanying sauces.
Cons: They can become mushy if overcooked, so be sure to monitor your cooking time carefully.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Pros: These potatoes offer a slightly buttery flavor and a waxy texture, which holds up well during cooking. They’re versatile and work well in a variety of cooking methods, from boiling to frying.
Cons: They’re less starchy than Russet potatoes, so they may not be the best choice for recipes that call for a fluffier texture.

Red Potatoes

Pros: Red potatoes are waxy, which makes them ideal for dishes where you’d like the potatoes to hold their shape. They have a smooth, creamy texture and a subtly sweet flavor.
Cons: These potatoes are less suitable for recipes requiring a crispy finish, as their waxy nature doesn’t crisp up as well as other types.

Sweet Potatoes

Pros: Sweet potatoes bring a different flavor profile to the table, adding a sweet and earthy dimension to your potato recipe. They’re also packed with nutrients like beta-carotene.
Cons: Their sweetness can clash with the savory elements of a ground beef and potato recipe, so use them thoughtfully.

Fingerling Potatoes

Pros: Fingerlings are small, elongated potatoes that cook quickly and offer a unique, nutty flavor. They’re excellent for roasting and frying.
Cons: Due to their small size and shape, they may not be the best choice for recipes that require dicing or mashing.

Ground Beef and Potato FAQs

Are potatoes good with meat?

Absolutely, potatoes and meat make a classic and satisfying combination. The starchy, comforting texture of potatoes complements the richness and flavor of various meats, from ground beef and steak to chicken and pork. The versatility of both ingredients allows for a wide range of dishes, such as shepherd’s pie, beef and potato casseroles, and even simple steak-and-potato dinners.

Should you add salt and pepper to ground beef?

Yes, seasoning ground beef with salt and pepper enhances its natural flavors. While additional spices and herbs can add complexity, salt and pepper are the foundational seasonings that bring out the meat’s inherent deliciousness.

When should you salt and pepper ground beef?

The timing of salting and peppering your ground beef depends on the cooking method and desired texture. It’s best to season the meat just before forming the patties or balls for most applications like burgers or meatballs. This prevents the salt from dissolving the protein too much, which would make the texture more sausage-like. Seasoning during the cooking process is generally fine for recipes like meat sauces or ground beef stir-fry.

What meat goes well with cheesy potatoes?

Cheesy potatoes pair well with a wide variety of meats, but they particularly complement richer, flavorful cuts. Some excellent options include ribeye steak, grilled chicken thighs, smoked sausage, and even slow-cooked pulled pork. The robust flavors of these meats balance nicely with the creamy, cheesy goodness of the potatoes.

How to cook ground beef without water?

Cooking ground beef without water is straightforward. Start by preheating a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef in a single layer, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. The natural fats in the beef will render out and help in the cooking process, eliminating the need for water. If you’re concerned about excess fat, you can always drain it off after the meat is cooked. Keep in mind that using a non-stick skillet or adding a small amount of oil can also help prevent sticking without the need for water.

More Food Inspiration

Canned Spinach Recipes

Canned Beef Recipes

Flank Steak Substitutes

Have questions or suggestions about these ground beef and potato recipes? Leave then in the comments below.