Ground Beef and Potato Bowl

This savory ground beef and potato bowl shows up at my table any time I crave something hearty and comforting but still want dinner on the table without much fuss. The golden potatoes soak up all those aromatic, spiced juices from the beef, and each bite with a tangy dollop of sour cream feels like instant comfort. It hits all the classic notes of Mexican-inspired home cooking using everyday ingredients.

I usually whip this up on chilly nights when I want something mood-boosting and family friendly. It was one of the first dishes I could cook by memory and no one ever leaves the table hungry.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: adds savory richness and soaks up the herbs and spices for a bold flavor look for fresh tubes with a bright pink color and very little liquid in the package
• Potatoes: create substance and tender bite choose firm russets or Yukon golds without soft spots or sprouts
• Olive oil: gets everything started and helps brown the potatoes pick extra virgin for more flavor
• Onion: gives natural sweetness and aroma pick yellow or white for best results
• Garlic: boosts depth and classic savor choose cloves that feel firm and not sprouting
• Cumin: gives a warm earthy undertone use freshly ground if possible for the biggest aroma
• Paprika: brings smoky subtle heat try smoked Spanish paprika for more complexity
• Chili powder: lifts everything with its mild kick use good quality blends for best results
• Salt: sharpens and highlights each layer of flavor I always taste as I cook and adjust
• Black pepper: adds gentle heat and rounds out the spice
• Beef broth: moistens everything and intensifies the meaty flavor grab a low sodium variety so you can control the salt level
• Salsa: creates the zesty tomato base and keeps the filling moist choose mild or spicy depending on your preference
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melts beautifully and offers a creamy bite look for sharp cheddar and shred your own for better texture
• Sour cream: cools down the spices while adding tangy creaminess pick full fat for the best richness
• Chopped fresh cilantro: adds color and herby refreshness always use fresh leaves not stems
• Lime: brightens and ties together the whole dish pick limes that feel heavy for their size and give a little when squeezed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Skillet:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat so the potatoes do not stick and get nicely browned

Prep the Potatoes:

While the oil heats peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes around half inch for even cooking and maximum surface for browning

Cook the Potatoes:

Add diced potatoes to the skillet cook stirring every few minutes for around eight to ten minutes until they are golden all over and fork tender this step is important for developing the right texture

Chop Onion and Garlic:

As potatoes cook peel and finely chop the onion then peel and mince the garlic set them aside to add later

Remove Cooked Potatoes:

Once potatoes are deeply golden and cooked through use a spoon to move them to a plate keep them warm so they retain their crisp

Brown the Ground Beef:

In the same skillet add the ground beef break it up with a spoon and let it brown for five to seven minutes until all the pink disappears and the beef forms brown bits on the bottom for flavor

Add Onion and Garlic:

Toss in chopped onion and minced garlic with the beef cook another three to four minutes until onion turns translucent and garlic is fragrant do not let the garlic burn

Spice It Up:

Sprinkle in cumin paprika chili powder salt and black pepper stir and cook for one minute to bloom the spices so their aroma gets locked into the beef

Add Broth and Salsa:

Pour beef broth and salsa over the beef mixture stir everything well bring it all to a bubbling simmer and cook three to four minutes to thicken the sauce

Bring Back the Potatoes:

Return golden potatoes to the skillet stir everything together so every potato cube is coated cook for another two to three minutes so flavors meld and mixture is piping hot

Top and Serve:

Spoon the beef and potato mixture into serving bowls finish with shredded cheddar cheese a big squeeze of lime juice a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro

Pin

One of my favorite things about this recipe is the fresh cilantro on top every time I chop it and sprinkle it over the steaming bowls I remember my kids sneaking bits from the bunch and laughing at the bright green flecks on their smiles

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days This dish actually gets more flavorful after a day Just reheat in the microwave or gently in a covered skillet adding a splash of broth if needed Freezing works too but potatoes can get softer so I recommend enjoying within the week

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can swap in for beef without missing out on much flavor For dairy free you can use avocado or a plain dairy free yogurt instead of sour cream Pepper jack or Monterey jack work great instead of cheddar If you are out of salsa try canned diced tomatoes with a pinch of chili flakes

Serving Suggestions

Spoon over steamed rice or fluffy quinoa if you need to stretch your servings Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas or scatter crunchy tortilla chips around the edge If you like extra heat sliced jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce on top are delicious Try serving with a fresh green salad to lighten things up

Pin

Cultural Context

This dish draws plenty of inspiration from Mexican picadillo and American skillet suppers Both cuisines cherish the combination of beef potatoes and pantry spices for family meals It is a true mashup of flavors I have loved since childhood always aimed at filling bellies and warming hearts

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this bowl spicier?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture to increase the heat to your preference.

→ Are there substitutions for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative. The seasoning and method remain the same.

→ How can I make the potatoes crispier?

For crispier potatoes, fry them in smaller batches or increase the heat while cooking to achieve a golden crust.

→ Is there a dairy-free topping option?

Swap sour cream for avocado slices or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a creamy finish.

→ What sides go well with this bowl?

Serve with warm flour tortillas, corn chips, or a simple green salad to complement the bold flavors.