Ground beef and potatoes are two of the most affordable, versatile, and satisfying ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty family casserole, or a comforting one-pan meal, these simple ingredients can become something delicious without requiring an expensive grocery list.

One of the best things about cooking with ground beef and potatoes is how easily you can change the flavors. Add cheese for a creamy casserole, onions and peppers for a savory skillet, taco seasoning for a Mexican-inspired dinner, or vegetables for a complete meal.

If you have a pound of ground beef and a few potatoes sitting in your kitchen, you already have the foundation for dozens of satisfying meals.

In this guide, we will explore 20 delicious things you can make with ground beef and potatoes, along with cooking tips, seasoning suggestions, storage advice, and answers to common questions.

Why Do Ground Beef and Potatoes Go So Well Together?

Ground beef and potatoes have been popular ingredients in home cooking for generations, and there are several reasons why they work so well together.

Ground beef provides rich, savory flavor and protein, while potatoes add a filling, comforting texture. Potatoes also absorb seasonings, cooking juices, and sauces, making them an excellent partner for beef.

Other advantages include:

• Affordable ingredients: Both can be economical choices for feeding a family.

• Easy preparation: Most recipes require basic cooking skills.

• Versatility: They work in skillets, casseroles, soups, and baked dishes.

• Simple seasonings: Garlic, onions, salt, pepper, and paprika can create delicious results.

• Great leftovers: Many ground beef and potato dishes reheat well.

• Family-friendly flavors: These ingredients can be adapted to different tastes.

You can also add inexpensive vegetables, such as carrots, cabbage, peas, or frozen mixed vegetables, to stretch your meals further.

20 Easy Meals You Can Make With Ground Beef and Potatoes

1. Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

A cheesy ground beef and potato casserole is one of the most comforting meals you can make with these ingredients.

Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with seasoned ground beef, onions, cheese, and a creamy sauce before being baked until tender and golden.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup milk

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion in a skillet. Drain excess grease.

3. Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, and gradually whisk in milk until slightly thickened.

4. Season the sauce with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Arrange half the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.

6. Add half the beef, sauce, and cheese.

7. Repeat the layers, reserving some cheese for the top.

8. Cover with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes.

9. Remove the foil, add the remaining cheese, and bake another 10–15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

2. Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

A ground beef and potato skillet is perfect when you want a hearty dinner without using several pots and pans.

Dice the potatoes into small cubes and cook them in a skillet with a little oil until they begin to soften and brown. Cook the ground beef and onions separately in the same pan, then combine everything.

Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

For extra flavor, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture and cover the skillet until melted.

Cooking time: Approximately 30–35 minutes.

3. Classic Shepherd’s Pie With Ground Beef

Although traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb, the ground beef version is commonly known as cottage pie.

This comforting dish combines seasoned ground beef, vegetables, rich gravy, and fluffy mashed potatoes.

Cook ground beef with onions, carrots, and peas. Stir in beef broth and a little flour to create a thick filling.

Spread the mixture in a baking dish, cover with mashed potatoes, and bake at 400°F for approximately 20–25 minutes until hot and lightly golden.

For a richer topping, add butter, milk, and shredded cheese to the mashed potatoes.

4. Ground Beef and Potato Tacos

Potatoes are a delicious addition to ground beef tacos because they absorb taco seasonings and make the filling more substantial.

Cook diced potatoes until tender and lightly crispy. Brown ground beef with onions, then add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and a splash of water.

Mix the potatoes into the seasoned beef and spoon the filling into warm tortillas.

Serve with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, cheese, and sour cream.

This is also an excellent way to stretch one pound of ground beef into more servings.

5. Hamburger Potato Soup

Hamburger potato soup is a warm, satisfying meal that is especially appealing during colder weather.

Brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Add diced potatoes, carrots, beef broth, and seasonings.

Simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

For a creamy version, stir in milk or half-and-half near the end of cooking and heat gently without boiling.

You can also add shredded cheddar cheese for a cheeseburger-inspired potato soup.

6. Ground Beef and Potato Hash

Ground beef and potato hash works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Cook diced potatoes in a large skillet until crispy on the outside and tender inside. Add browned ground beef, onions, and bell peppers.

Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

For breakfast, serve the hash with a fried egg on top.

For dinner, add shredded cheese and serve alongside a simple green salad.

7. Cheesy Hamburger Potato Bake

A hamburger potato bake combines tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and melted cheese in a simple oven-baked meal.

Unlike a layered casserole, this version uses diced potatoes mixed directly with cooked ground beef.

Combine the ingredients with a creamy cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish, cover, and bake at 375°F until the potatoes are tender, generally 40–55 minutes depending on their size.

Remove the cover near the end to brown the cheese.

8. Ground Beef Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Stuffed baked potatoes are an easy way to turn a few basic ingredients into a complete dinner.

Bake large russet potatoes at 425°F for approximately 45–60 minutes until tender.

Meanwhile, brown ground beef with onions and seasonings.

Slice the potatoes open and fluff the insides with a fork. Add butter, seasoned beef, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

For a barbecue-inspired version, mix a little barbecue sauce into the beef before filling the potatoes.

9. Ground Beef and Potato Burritos

Ground beef and potato burritos are filling, affordable, and convenient for meal preparation.

Cook diced potatoes until tender and lightly browned. Mix them with cooked ground beef, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese.

Spoon the filling into large flour tortillas and roll tightly.

Brown the burritos in a dry skillet until the tortillas become golden and slightly crispy.

Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

10. Ground Beef and Potato Breakfast Scramble

A ground beef and potato breakfast scramble is a protein-rich way to start the day.

Cook diced potatoes until tender, then add cooked ground beef, onions, and bell peppers.

Pour beaten eggs over the mixture and gently scramble until the eggs are fully cooked.

Finish with shredded cheese and chopped green onions.

This dish is especially useful when you have leftover cooked ground beef and potatoes from dinner.

11. Ground Beef and Potato Meatloaf Dinner

Meatloaf and potatoes are a classic comfort-food combination.

Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, an egg, diced onions, seasonings, and a little ketchup.

Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.

Arrange seasoned potato wedges around the meatloaf and roast at 375°F until the center of the meatloaf reaches 160°F and the potatoes are tender.

Depending on the size and thickness of the meatloaf, cooking may take approximately 50–70 minutes.

12. Ground Beef and Potato Chili

Adding potatoes to ground beef chili creates a thick, hearty meal.

Brown ground beef with onions, garlic, and bell peppers.

Add diced potatoes, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and beef broth.

Simmer until the potatoes are tender and the chili thickens.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions.

13. Ground Beef and Potato Empanadas

Ground beef and potatoes make a delicious filling for homemade empanadas.

Cook finely diced potatoes until tender, then combine them with browned ground beef, onions, garlic, cumin, and paprika.

Allow the filling to cool before spooning it onto empanada dough circles.

Fold the dough over, seal the edges, and bake according to your dough recipe, typically at 375–400°F until golden brown.

Serve with salsa or a flavorful dipping sauce.

14. Ground Beef and Potato Stir-Fry

A beef and potato stir-fry is a quick dinner with savory flavors and crispy textures.

Slice potatoes into thin strips and cook them in a skillet until nearly tender.

Add cooked ground beef, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a little soy sauce.

Continue cooking until the potatoes are fully tender and the vegetables are cooked to your liking.

Finish with black pepper and sliced green onions.

15. Ground Beef and Potato Cabbage Skillet

Cabbage is an inexpensive vegetable that pairs especially well with ground beef and potatoes.

Brown ground beef with onions, then add diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, garlic, and a small amount of broth.

Cover and cook until the potatoes and cabbage are tender, stirring occasionally.

Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper.

This dish is filling, simple, and a great way to make several servings from affordable ingredients.

16. Ground Beef and Potato Curry

Ground beef and potatoes can also become a flavorful curry.

Brown the ground beef with onions, garlic, and ginger.

Add curry powder, diced potatoes, canned tomatoes, and enough broth or water to help the potatoes simmer.

Cook until the potatoes are tender and the sauce thickens.

For a creamier version, stir in coconut milk.

Serve over rice or with warm flatbread.

17. Ground Beef and Potato Sloppy Joe Skillet

This recipe combines the familiar sweet and savory flavors of sloppy joes with tender potatoes.

Brown ground beef with diced onions and drain excess fat.

Add cooked diced potatoes, tomato sauce, a little ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and a small amount of brown sugar if desired.

Simmer until the sauce coats the beef and potatoes.

Top with cheddar cheese and serve directly from the skillet.

18. Ground Beef and Potato Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are an excellent make-ahead meal.

Combine cooked ground beef, crispy diced potatoes, scrambled eggs, and shredded cheese.

Wrap the mixture in flour tortillas and toast them lightly in a skillet.

Allow the filling to cool before assembling burritos intended for freezing.

These can be reheated for a convenient breakfast on busy mornings.

19. Ground Beef and Potato Gratin

A potato gratin with ground beef is rich, creamy, and satisfying.

Layer thinly sliced potatoes with cooked seasoned beef, sautéed onions, cream sauce, and shredded cheese.

Cover and bake at 375°F until the potatoes become tender, usually about 60–75 minutes depending on thickness.

Remove the foil toward the end of cooking to create a golden, bubbly top.

Let the gratin rest before slicing.

20. One-Pot Ground Beef and Potato Dinner

If you want the simplest possible meal, a one-pot ground beef and potato dinner is an excellent choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 4 medium potatoes, diced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, optional

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add the ground beef and onion.

3. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.

4. Drain excess grease.

5. Add the garlic, potatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

6. Pour in the beef broth.

7. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Add frozen vegetables during the final 5–7 minutes.

9. Continue cooking until the potatoes are tender and the vegetables are heated through.

10. Serve warm.

This recipe makes approximately four servings and requires very little cleanup.

What Is the Easiest Meal to Make With Ground Beef and Potatoes?

The easiest option is a simple ground beef and potato skillet.

You only need a few ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 3 medium potatoes

• 1 small onion

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Cut the potatoes into small cubes so they cook faster.

Heat the oil in a skillet and cook the potatoes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender. This usually takes 15–20 minutes depending on the size of the cubes.

Remove the potatoes, brown the ground beef and onion, and drain excess grease.

Return the potatoes to the skillet, add seasonings, and cook everything together for another 2–3 minutes.

The result is a satisfying dinner made from basic pantry ingredients.

What Seasonings Go Best With Ground Beef and Potatoes?

Ground beef and potatoes have relatively mild flavors, which makes them ideal for different seasoning combinations.

For one pound of ground beef and three or four potatoes, start with approximately 1 teaspoon of your main seasoning blend and adjust to taste.

Salt should be added gradually, especially when using seasoned broth, cheese, or packaged seasoning mixes.

What Kind of Potatoes Are Best With Ground Beef?

Different potato varieties work better for different recipes.

Russet Potatoes

Russets have a fluffy texture when cooked and are excellent for mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, and cottage pie.

They also work well in casseroles, although they can break apart if overcooked.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture.

They hold their shape reasonably well, making them ideal for skillets, casseroles, and soups.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes have thin skins and a waxy texture.

They are excellent for one-pot meals and soups because they tend to hold their shape during cooking.

Baby Potatoes

Baby potatoes are convenient because they require minimal preparation.

Cut them into halves or quarters and roast or sauté them with seasoned ground beef.

Best overall choice: Yukon Gold potatoes are particularly versatile because they work well in most ground beef and potato recipes.

How Do You Keep Potatoes From Being Undercooked?

One of the most common problems when cooking ground beef and potatoes together is that the beef finishes cooking before the potatoes become tender.

Ground beef usually cooks relatively quickly, while raw potatoes need more time.

To avoid this problem:

1. Cut potatoes into small, evenly sized pieces.

2. Cook potatoes before adding them to a quick skillet recipe.

3. Use a lid when simmering potatoes with broth.

4. Add enough moisture to prevent sticking or burning.

5. Test the potatoes with a fork before serving.

For casseroles, thinly sliced potatoes cook more evenly than thick slices.

You can also microwave diced potatoes with a little water for approximately 4–6 minutes to partially cook them before adding them to a skillet. The exact time depends on the amount and size of the pieces.

Can You Cook Raw Ground Beef and Potatoes Together?

Yes, raw ground beef and potatoes can be cooked together, but the cooking method matters.

In a skillet, browning the ground beef first is usually the better approach. It develops flavor and allows you to drain excess grease before adding other ingredients.

If you want to cook everything in one pot, brown the beef, add diced potatoes and broth, then cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender.

Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.

Do not assume that the potatoes and beef will finish cooking at the same time.

How Can You Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Taste Better?

A few simple cooking techniques can dramatically improve the flavor of a basic beef and potato meal.

Brown the beef properly. Allow the meat to develop some golden-brown color instead of constantly stirring it. Browning creates deeper savory flavors.

Cook onions and garlic. These inexpensive ingredients add aroma and richness.

Use smoked paprika. A small amount gives ground beef and potatoes a smoky, savory flavor.

Add Worcestershire sauce. One or two teaspoons can enhance the beef’s natural flavor.

Include a little broth. Beef broth adds richness and helps prevent potatoes from drying out.

Finish with fresh herbs. Parsley, chives, or green onions add freshness.

Add cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella can turn a simple skillet into a comforting cheesy dinner.

You do not need expensive ingredients to make ground beef and potatoes taste delicious.

How Do You Make Ground Beef and Potatoes on a Budget?

Ground beef and potatoes are useful ingredients for budget-conscious households because they can be combined with inexpensive vegetables, beans, and grains.

Here are several ways to stretch your meals:

• Use half a pound of ground beef instead of a full pound and add more potatoes.

• Mix in lentils or beans for additional protein and fiber.

• Add frozen vegetables instead of buying several fresh vegetables.

• Use cabbage, carrots, or onions to increase serving sizes.

• Make a large casserole and divide it into individual portions.

• Repurpose leftovers into burritos, breakfast hash, or stuffed potatoes.

For example, one pound of ground beef, four potatoes, an onion, and a bag of frozen mixed vegetables can provide the foundation for several servings of a hearty skillet dinner.

Are Ground Beef and Potatoes a Healthy Meal?

Ground beef and potatoes can be part of a balanced meal, depending on the ingredients, portions, and preparation method.

Ground beef provides protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy, potassium, and vitamin C. Potatoes eaten with their skins also provide dietary fiber.

To make a more balanced meal, consider using lean ground beef, adding vegetables, and limiting excessive amounts of cheese, butter, or cream.

Cooking methods also matter. Baking, roasting, and simmering generally require less added fat than deep-frying.

A ground beef and potato skillet with onions, peppers, carrots, and green beans can provide a satisfying combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.

Can You Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Ahead of Time?

Yes. Many ground beef and potato recipes are excellent for meal preparation.

Casseroles, soups, cottage pie, and skillet meals can be cooked in advance and refrigerated.

For best results, cool cooked food promptly in shallow containers and refrigerate within two hours.

Properly refrigerated cooked ground beef and potato dishes generally keep for 3–4 days.

Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you want to freeze a meal, casseroles, cottage pie, and some soups are good options. However, potatoes can sometimes become grainy or softer after freezing and reheating.

Can You Freeze Ground Beef and Potato Meals?

Yes, although some dishes freeze better than others.

Cottage pie, cheesy casseroles, and ground beef burritos generally freeze well.

Potato soups and skillet dishes may experience texture changes because cooked potatoes can become softer after thawing.

For freezing:

1. Allow the cooked food to cool promptly.

2. Divide it into freezer-safe containers.

3. Remove excess air from freezer bags.

4. Label each container with the date.

5. Freeze at 0°F or below.

For best quality, aim to use frozen prepared meals within approximately 2–3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when practical, then reheat thoroughly to 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Potatoes

What can I make with ground beef and potatoes without cheese?

You can make ground beef hash, potato tacos, hamburger potato soup, beef and potato curry, cabbage skillets, or a simple one-pot dinner.

Cheese is optional in most recipes.

Can I make ground beef and potatoes without an oven?

Absolutely. A large skillet, saucepan, or Dutch oven is enough to make many ground beef and potato meals.

Skillet hash, tacos, soups, and one-pot dinners are especially convenient.

What vegetables go well with ground beef and potatoes?

Onions, carrots, peas, green beans, cabbage, corn, mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach all pair well with ground beef and potatoes.

Frozen mixed vegetables are also a convenient option.

Can I use frozen ground beef?

Yes, but thawing ground beef in the refrigerator before cooking generally makes it easier to brown evenly.

You can also thaw it safely in cold water or the microwave, following appropriate food-safety procedures. Beef thawed using cold water or the microwave should be cooked immediately.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes. Sweet potatoes work especially well in ground beef skillets, taco bowls, casseroles, and breakfast hash.

Their natural sweetness pairs nicely with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic.

What can I make with one pound of ground beef and two potatoes?

A simple skillet hash, taco filling, stuffed potatoes, or a small casserole are all excellent options.

Adding onions, beans, or vegetables can help increase the number of servings.

What sauce goes well with ground beef and potatoes?

Popular choices include beef gravy, cheese sauce, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, creamy mushroom sauce, and garlic butter.

The best sauce depends on the type of dish you are preparing.

What is the fastest way to cook ground beef and potatoes?

Use leftover cooked potatoes or microwave diced raw potatoes until nearly tender before adding them to browned ground beef.

This can reduce the total cooking time of a skillet dinner to approximately 15–20 minutes.

Final Thoughts: Ground Beef and Potatoes Make Endless Easy Dinners

You do not need a long list of expensive ingredients to prepare a delicious, satisfying dinner. Ground beef and potatoes are proof that simple foods can become something special with the right seasonings and cooking techniques.

From cheesy casseroles and comforting cottage pie to crispy skillet hash, flavorful tacos, hearty soups, and stuffed baked potatoes, there are countless ways to turn these two everyday ingredients into meals your family will enjoy.

If you want something quick, start with a ground beef and potato skillet. If you are craving comfort food, make a cheesy casserole. If you need a budget-friendly dinner that stretches into leftovers, prepare a large pot of hamburger potato soup or a one-pot beef and potato meal.

The best thing about cooking with ground beef and potatoes is that you can use what you already have. A few vegetables, simple seasonings, and a little creativity are often all it takes to put a warm, homemade dinner on the table.

Sometimes, the most satisfying meals are made from the simplest ingredients.