What to Cook with Ground Beef and Potatoes: 8 Hearty Recipes

The Ultimate Comfort Food Combo

Ground beef and potatoes are the backbone of comfort food across cultures. From American shepherd's pie to Korean beef bowls, this combination delivers satisfying, budget-friendly meals every time.

Why it works: Ground beef is affordable and cooks fast. Potatoes are filling and versatile. Together, they're a complete meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

1. Classic Shepherd's Pie (40 mins)

The ultimate comfort food casserole.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• Butter, milk for mashed potatoes
• Salt, pepper, thyme

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender, mash with butter and milk
2. Brown beef with onion, drain fat
3. Add tomato paste, broth, vegetables, and seasonings
4. Simmer 10 minutes until thickened
5. Transfer to baking dish, top with mashed potatoes
6. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden

Estimated savings: $15 vs. restaurant version

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2. Beef and Potato Skillet (20 mins)

One-pan dinner, minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 medium potatoes, diced small
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt, pepper, paprika
• Fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook diced potatoes in oil until golden (10 mins)
2. Push to the side, brown beef with onion
3. Add garlic and seasonings
4. Mix everything together
5. Top with cheese, cover until melted
6. Garnish with parsley

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3. Loaded Beef Potato Skins (30 mins)

Game day favorite, any day of the week.

Ingredients:

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1/2 lb ground beef, seasoned and cooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 4 strips bacon, crumbled
• Sour cream, green onions

Instructions:

1. Bake potatoes at 400°F for 45 mins (or microwave 10 mins)
2. Cut in half, scoop out most of the flesh
3. Fill with seasoned beef
4. Top with cheese and bacon
5. Bake 10 more minutes
6. Serve with sour cream and green onions

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4. Korean Beef and Potato Bowl (15 mins)

Sweet, savory, and addictive.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups diced potatoes, cooked
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Ginger, red pepper flakes
• Rice, green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Brown beef, drain fat
2. Add garlic, ginger, cook 1 minute
3. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil
4. Toss in cooked potatoes
5. Serve over rice with green onions and sesame seeds

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5. Beef Potato Soup (25 mins)

Hearty soup that's a meal in itself.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 potatoes, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• Salt, pepper, Italian herbs
• Parmesan for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown beef with onion, drain fat
2. Add broth, tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots
3. Simmer 20 minutes until potatoes are tender
4. Season to taste
5. Serve with Parmesan

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6. Taco Stuffed Potatoes (35 mins)

Tex-Mex meets baked potato.

Ingredients:

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salsa, sour cream, jalapeños
• Lettuce, tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Bake potatoes until tender
2. Brown beef, add taco seasoning and water per packet
3. Split potatoes, fluff insides
4. Top with taco meat, cheese, and all the fixings

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7. Beef and Potato Hash (15 mins)

Breakfast for dinner, or dinner for breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 2 cups diced potatoes (or frozen hash browns)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 eggs
• Salt, pepper, paprika
• Hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook potatoes until crispy
2. Add beef, onion, and pepper, cook through
3. Make 4 wells, crack eggs into them
4. Cover, cook until eggs are set
5. Season and serve with hot sauce

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8. Cottage Pie Cups (30 mins)

Individual portions, perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 cup beef gravy
• Salt, pepper
• Muffin tin

Instructions:

1. Brown beef, add vegetables and gravy
2. Divide among greased muffin cups
3. Top each with mashed potatoes
4. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes
5. Let cool slightly before removing

Meal prep tip: Freeze for up to 3 months.

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The Economics

Compare to: Restaurant shepherd's pie: $15-20 per person

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Tips for Better Results

For the beef:

• Don't overcrowd the pan - brown in batches if needed
• Drain excess fat for less greasy dishes
• Season generously - potatoes absorb flavor

For the potatoes:

• Cut uniformly for even cooking
• Par-boil before frying for crispier results
• Russet potatoes are best for mashing
• Yukon Gold are best for roasting

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