Pin it
Mixing hearty ground beef with soft potatoes makes an incredible one-pan dinner that's become my family's favorite when we need something tasty and quick. I've found over time that basic ingredients, handled properly, turn into something special that gets everyone rushing to the dinner table.
I first threw this meal together during a super busy time in my life, and now my family asks for it all the time. There's just something magical about how the potatoes soak up all that meaty goodness while getting nice and crispy around the edges.
Key Components
- Ground beef: Go for 90% lean to keep it juicy but not greasy; always pick meat with a vivid red color
- Yukon Gold potatoes: They've got this amazing buttery taste and stay firm while getting creamy inside
- Yellow onion: Pick ones that feel solid with tight outer layers for better taste
- Fresh garlic: Skip the jar stuff and crush it yourself for way better flavor
- Vegetable oil: Doesn't add competing flavors and can handle high heat for crispy potatoes
- Hot sauce: Adds richness without making it spicy; Cholula works great for this
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper: The basics that make everything taste better
Pin it
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1:
- Get your biggest skillet really hot on medium-high heat so your beef will get brown instead of turning gray and steamy.
- Step 2:
- Toss in your ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Let it sit a bit before stirring so it gets those tasty brown bits.
- Step 3:
- While that's happening, chop your potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes all about the same size so they'll cook evenly.
- Step 4:
- When your beef has nice crusty edges, scoop it onto a paper towel-lined plate to get rid of extra grease.
- Step 5:
- Pour oil into the same pan and spread your potato cubes out flat. Don't stir them right away.
- Step 6:
- Wait about 4-5 minutes until the bottoms turn golden before you flip them over.
- Step 7:
- Scatter your chopped onions between the potatoes and cook until they turn clear and smell amazing.
- Step 8:
- Add your crushed garlic and cook for just half a minute so it smells good but doesn't burn.
- Step 9:
- Put the beef back in, add your seasonings and hot sauce. Mix everything carefully so you don't mash up those nice potato cubes.
This meal always takes me back to my grandma's cooking. When beef and potatoes start cooking together, the smell fills my kitchen with those cozy childhood memories.
Pin it
Insider Cooking Tricks
This dish has grown beyond just food on our table. It's my kitchen lifesaver when I need something good fast. There's real kitchen magic in watching these simple foods come together into something that makes everyone happy down to their toes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of potatoes should I use?
- Idaho or Yukon Gold potatoes work perfectly—they hold their shape and cook well.
- → Can I mix in extra veggies?
- Totally! Frozen peas, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great additions.
- → Why shouldn't I stir the potatoes too much?
- Too much stirring can break them down, making the dish mushier than preferred.
- → What cheese pairs best with this meal?
- Cheddar or Pepper Jack work wonderfully for extra flavor.
- → How do I make it spicier?
- Add more hot sauce or extra spices based on your taste.