When you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that comes together quickly and easily, this ground beef and potato recipe is the perfect solution. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, flavorful meal that your whole family will love. The ground beef turns out tender and juicy, while the potatoes add a satisfying, starchy balance to the dish. It’s an ideal recipe for a cozy dinner, and the leftovers are just as good the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 450g (1 lb) ground beef
- 140g (1 cup) frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil)
- 1 carrot (diced)
- 1 tomato (diced)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dry parsley
- 250ml (1 cup) vegetable stock (or any stock)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 4-5 potatoes (peeled and sliced into thin rounds)
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the vegetables: Start by finely chopping the yellow onion, dicing the carrot, and tomato, and mincing the garlic clove. Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Sauté the onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and turn translucent.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the 450g (1 lb) of ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it’s browned all over and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the beef: Once the beef is browned, add salt, black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of dry parsley. Stir well to combine the seasonings with the beef.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Stock
- Add the garlic and vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and tomato. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Incorporate the frozen peas: Add the 140g (1 cup) of frozen peas to the skillet and stir them into the beef mixture.
- Thicken the mixture: Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir well to coat the beef and vegetables. Cook for another minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Add the stock: Pour in 250ml (1 cup) of vegetable stock. Stir the mixture well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Layer the Potatoes
- Prepare a baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with some oil or butter.
- Layer the potatoes: Arrange the potato slices in a single layer at the bottom of the baking dish. Pour half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly. Add another layer of potato slices, followed by the remaining ground beef mixture. Finish with a final layer of potato slices on top.
- Season the top layer: Lightly season the top layer of potatoes with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme or parsley if desired.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and continue baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Cheesy Variation: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: If you like it spicy, add a chopped chili pepper or more chili powder to the ground beef mixture.
- Creamy Version: You can make this dish creamier by adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the beef mixture before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it with foil and bake when ready.
2. Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used as alternatives to ground beef.
3. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble the dish as instructed, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
5. What side dishes go well with this recipe? This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.
This ground beef and potato recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. With tender, flavorful ground beef layered between slices of perfectly baked potatoes, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. The combination of simple ingredients and rich flavors makes it a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as a comforting dish for a special occasion, this recipe is bound to impress.
