Ground Beef with Potatoes (One-Pan Comfort Meal)

When it comes to simple dinners that feel like a warm hug at the end of a long day, Ground Beef with Potatoes (One-Pan Comfort Meal) checks every box. It’s hearty, affordable, easy to prepare, and deeply satisfying without relying on complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. This is the kind of recipe that has quietly fed families for generations—practical, filling, and full of honest flavor.

In a world of elaborate recipes and trendy ingredients, there’s something refreshing about a meal that uses pantry staples and delivers exactly what it promises: comfort. Ground Beef with Potatoes (One-Pan Comfort Meal) is proof that you don’t need fancy tools or a long ingredient list to create a dinner that feels complete and nourishing.

This dish brings together tender diced potatoes, savory ground beef, and a lightly seasoned tomato-based sauce, all cooked in a single pan. The result is a rustic, home-style meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even lazy weekends when you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Why Ground Beef with Potatoes Is the Ultimate Comfort Food

Comfort food is about more than taste—it’s about familiarity, ease, and satisfaction. Ground Beef with Potatoes (One-Pan Comfort Meal) delivers on all three.

First, ground beef is one of the most accessible proteins available. It’s affordable, versatile, and packed with flavor. Potatoes, on the other hand, are universally loved and incredibly filling. When cooked properly, they absorb flavors beautifully while maintaining a soft, creamy interior.

Together, these two ingredients form the backbone of countless comfort dishes across cultures. What makes this version special is its simplicity. Everything cooks in one pan, allowing the flavors to build naturally while minimizing cleanup. The tomato paste adds richness without overpowering the dish, while simple seasonings enhance the beefy, earthy flavors instead of masking them.

This meal doesn’t try to impress with complexity. Instead, it wins you over with warmth, balance, and that unmistakable “home-cooked” feeling.

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What Makes This a True One-Pan Comfort Meal

The term “one-pan meal” gets thrown around a lot, but Ground Beef with Potatoes (One-Pan Comfort Meal) truly earns the title. From browning the potatoes to simmering everything together, the entire dish comes together in a single skillet or Dutch oven.

This approach isn’t just convenient—it’s flavorful. Cooking everything in the same pan allows the browned bits from the potatoes and beef to infuse the sauce, creating depth that you simply can’t get when cooking components separately.

One-pan meals are ideal for:

• Busy weeknights

• Small kitchens

• Beginner cooks

• Meal prep

• Anyone who hates doing dishes

And unlike many quick meals that sacrifice flavor for speed, this dish improves as it sits, making leftovers even better the next day.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Beef with Potatoes (One-Pan Comfort Meal) relies on simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ground Beef

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for best flavor and moisture)

The fat content is important here. Leaner beef can work, but an 80/20 blend provides richness and prevents the dish from tasting dry.

Potatoes

• 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes

Russet potatoes are ideal because they absorb the sauce while staying tender without turning mushy.

Onion Mixture

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

These aromatics build the flavor base and add subtle sweetness and depth.

Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Simple seasonings let the natural flavors shine while still giving the dish character.

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• ½ cup beef broth or water

Tomato paste adds richness and umami, while broth or water helps bring everything together.

Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley (optional but recommended)

A bit of fresh parsley brightens the dish and balances the richness.

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How to Make Ground Beef with Potatoes (One-Pan Comfort Meal)

This recipe is straightforward, but each step plays an important role in building flavor and texture.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniform size ensures even cooking. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them completely dry.

Drying the potatoes is essential. Moisture prevents browning, and browning is where flavor begins.

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Step 2: Brown the Potatoes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender. This step adds texture and a subtle nutty flavor.

Remove the potatoes from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

In the same pan, add the ground beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned with some crispy edges.

Those crispy bits are pure flavor. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about one tablespoon in the pan to keep everything moist and flavorful.

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Step 4: Add Aromatics

Push the beef to one side of the pan and add the chopped onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Mix everything together once the garlic becomes aromatic.

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Step 5: Season and Build the Sauce

Sprinkle in paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef and onions.

Add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step deepens the tomato flavor and removes any raw taste.

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Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth or water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add incredible depth to the sauce.

Return the potatoes to the skillet and gently fold them in. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 10–15 minutes until the potatoes are fully tender and the flavors have melded together.

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Step 7: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the dish rest for 2–3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

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Helpful Tips for Perfect Results

Making Ground Beef with Potatoes (One-Pan Comfort Meal) is easy, but these tips will help you get the best possible outcome every time.

Choose the Right Potatoes

Russet potatoes are the best choice because they absorb flavor well and maintain their structure during simmering.

Don’t Skip the Browning

Browning both the potatoes and the beef adds layers of flavor that make the dish taste slow-cooked, even though it’s ready in under an hour.

Control the Sauce

If the mixture looks dry, add broth one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too saucy, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.

Season Gradually

Taste as you go. Potatoes absorb salt, so you may need a bit more seasoning at the end.

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Easy Variations to Try

One of the best things about Ground Beef with Potatoes (One-Pan Comfort Meal) is how adaptable it is.

Add More Vegetables

Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, peas, or carrots can be added during the final simmer for extra nutrition and color.

Make It Spicy

Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Change the Herbs

Swap oregano for thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Make It Cheesy

Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top and cover for a few minutes until melted.

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Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs well with simple sides.

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls

• A green salad with vinaigrette

• Steamed green beans or broccoli

• Pickles or fermented vegetables for contrast

Because it’s so filling, a light side is usually all you need.

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Storage and Reheating

Ground Beef with Potatoes (One-Pan Comfort Meal) stores exceptionally well.

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Many people find that this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Print

Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal

• Protein: 24 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fat: 25 g

• Fiber: 4 g

This meal offers a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it both satisfying and energizing.

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Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

For families juggling work, school, and everything in between, Ground Beef with Potatoes (One-Pan Comfort Meal) is a reliable solution. It’s affordable, kid-friendly, and easy to scale up for larger households.

Because it uses basic ingredients, it’s also perfect for last-minute dinners when you don’t want to run to the store. Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time spent enjoying the meal.

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Final Thoughts

Ground Beef with Potatoes (One-Pan Comfort Meal) is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation. It’s simple without being boring, hearty without being heavy, and comforting without being complicated.

In a single pan, it brings together humble ingredients and transforms them into a meal that feels complete and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and familiar, this dish delivers every time.