Incredible Ground Beef and Potato

When it comes to preparing a hearty, satisfying meal that brings both comfort and flavor, few combinations are as classic as ground beef and potatoes. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights or a family-friendly weekend dinner. Our version of this ground beef and potato recipe combines savory beef, tender potatoes, and a selection of flavorful vegetables and spices for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, this dish is versatile, allowing you to customize it to your personal preferences.

Ingredients for the Best Ground Beef and Potato Dish

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure your meal preparation runs smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by prepping all of your vegetables for this delicious meal. Finely chop the yellow onion, dice the carrot and tomato, and mince the garlic clove. As for the potatoes, peel and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. The uniform slicing ensures that the potatoes cook evenly, becoming tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Cooking the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent.

Next, add the ground beef. Break the beef into smaller pieces using a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking the beef until it’s browned all over and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes.

Now, it’s time to season. Add salt, black pepper, chili powder, thyme, and dry parsley to the skillet, stirring well to coat the ground beef in these fragrant spices. This step is crucial to infuse the beef with layers of flavor.

Step 3: Adding Vegetables and Stock

Once your beef is browned and seasoned, it’s time to incorporate the vegetables. Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and tomato. Let the vegetables cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their flavors into the beef.

Now, add the frozen peas. Stir them into the mixture, distributing them evenly. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of all-purpose flour over the beef and vegetable mixture and stir well to ensure the flour is fully incorporated. This step will help thicken the sauce and bind the flavors together.

Finally, pour in the vegetable stock. Stir the mixture to combine everything, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (these bits are packed with flavor). Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Layering the Potatoes and Ground Beef

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with oil or butter.

Start by arranging a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish. This forms the foundation of the dish. Pour half of the ground beef and vegetable mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly. Add another layer of potato slices on top of the beef mixture, then pour the remaining beef mixture over this second layer. Finish by adding one more layer of potato slices to cover the top.

Season the top layer of potatoes with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme or parsley for extra flavor.

Step 5: Baking the Ground Beef and Potato Dish

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After the initial 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top layer is golden brown.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.