Looking for a satisfying and delicious dish to please the whole family? This Ground Beef with Potatoes recipe is the perfect solution! Featuring tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a spicy tomato-serrano sauce, this hearty meal is ideal for dinner any night of the week. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together.
Ingredients:
1 medium Russet potato or 2 white potatoes, peeled and diced
1 pound ground chuck
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup water
1 small white onion, diced
1 to 2 serrano chiles, roughly chopped
Pinch of salt
Pinch of Mexican oregano
1/8 to 1/4 cup olive oil
Directions:
Prepare the Potatoes:
Heat ⅛ to ¼ cup olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add diced potatoes, cooking until browned and crispy. Cover the skillet while cooking to steam and soften the potatoes faster.
Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cook the Ground Beef:
Using the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef.
Season with salt, garlic powder, cumin, and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Add Aromatics:
Mix in minced garlic and diced onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Make the Tomato-Serrano Sauce:
In a blender, combine tomatoes, serrano chiles, water, salt, and Mexican oregano. Blend until smooth.
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef and bring to a boil. Adjust salt to taste.
Combine and Simmer:
Fold the crispy potatoes into the beef and sauce mixture. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 7-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from heat and serve warm with tortillas, rice, or as desired.
Serving Tips:
Toppings and Garnishes: For added flavor, top your dish with freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or crumbled queso fresco. A squeeze of lime juice can also enhance the taste with a bit of zesty brightness.
Side Dishes: This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side of:
Mexican rice: Fluffy, seasoned rice complements the savory beef and potatoes.
Refried beans: Smooth, creamy beans balance the texture of the dish.
Salsa: Fresh salsa or a smoky chipotle sauce works well to add another layer of flavor.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration:
Store leftover Ground Beef with Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure the dish has cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain its freshness.
Freezing:
You can freeze the dish for up to 2-3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. When reheating, be sure to check for the right consistency, as potatoes may become a bit soft after freezing.
Reheating:
To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture if necessary. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover the container to prevent it from drying out.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Russet or white potatoes, you can use Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor or red potatoes for a firmer texture. Just ensure they’re diced evenly for consistent cooking.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the heat, use only one serrano chile or substitute it with a milder pepper, such as a jalapeño. You can also remove the seeds and membranes from the serrano before blending, as these parts contain most of the heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance and store them separately from the potatoes to maintain the potatoes’ crispiness. Combine them just before reheating for the best results.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or cooked lentils. Adjust the seasoning and sauce as needed to complement the vegetarian protein.