High Protein Ground Beef with Potatoes

High protein ground beef with potatoes is my go-to recipe when I need a satisfying, one-pan dinner that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. This hearty meal delivers approximately 35 grams of protein per serving, making it perfect for anyone looking to boost their protein intake without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s become a weeknight staple in my home because it combines simple ingredients into something truly delicious.

I started making this dish on busy Tuesday nights when my family needed something filling but I didn’t have much time to cook. There’s something incredibly comforting about watching tender potatoes and seasoned ground beef come together in one skillet, filling the kitchen with that irresistible savory aroma. This high protein ground beef with potatoes recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. The beauty of this meal is its versatility – you can customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand, and it still turns out perfectly every time. Plus, minimal cleanup means more time enjoying dinner with loved ones.

What You’ll Need for This Protein-Packed Meal

I always use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) in this recipe because it keeps the dish lighter without sacrificing that rich, meaty flavor. Pro tip: cutting your potatoes into uniform half-inch cubes ensures they cook evenly alongside the beef. You’ll need a 12-inch skillet for best results to avoid overcrowding.

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 2 medium potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh parsley

When it comes to potatoes, I prefer Yukon Gold for their creamy texture, but russets work beautifully too. For the bell pepper, I often grab whatever color looks best at the market – red adds sweetness, green brings a slight bitterness that balances the beef nicely.

How to Make This One-Pan Dinner

I recommend having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking – this makes the process smooth and stress-free, especially when you’re working with one pan.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute.

Step 2: Add the diced potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and develop golden-brown edges (they should be about halfway cooked but still firm in the center). Don’t stir too frequently or they won’t brown properly.

Step 3: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the other side. Break up the beef with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when no pink remains and the beef has developed a nice crust.

Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant – your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.

Step 6: Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s pure flavor). Reduce heat to medium-low (you should see gentle bubbling around the edges), cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 7: If desired, top with shredded cheese and cover until melted, about 2 minutes.

Step 8: Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with sour cream and fresh parsley if using, then serve immediately.

Perfect Pairings for Your Ground Beef and Potatoes

This high protein ground beef with potatoes is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the meal even further.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the beef and potatoes, adding fresh crunch and balancing the meal nutritionally.

Steamed Green Beans: These bring a bright pop of color and a tender-crisp texture that complements the soft potatoes beautifully – plus, they’re ready in just 5 minutes.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly caramelized, nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with the savory beef, especially during fall and winter months when you crave something more substantial.

Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any remaining juices from the skillet, making sure nothing delicious goes to waste.

Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a summery touch and creates a complete comfort food experience that kids especially love.

More Hearty One-Pan Dinners to Try

This high protein ground beef with potatoes pairs beautifully with other satisfying one-pan meals that simplify weeknight cooking. For another protein-packed skillet option, the Easy High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta delivers similar comfort with a creamy twist, while the Creamy High Protein Beef Pasta offers rich, indulgent flavors that beef lovers will appreciate.

When planning weekly meals, consider rotating between this ground beef and potatoes recipe and comforting options like Best Hobo Casserole Ground Beef for a different take on simple ingredients, or the Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef when craving something with bold garlic flavor. For slow cooker enthusiasts, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes provides hands-off convenience with similar hearty satisfaction.

Keeping Your Leftovers Fresh and Delicious

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend letting the high protein ground beef with potatoes cool to room temperature before sealing to prevent excess condensation.

To reheat, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture – this takes about 5-7 minutes and brings back that fresh-cooked texture. Microwave reheating works too (2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway), though the potatoes may soften slightly more.

Pro tip: This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Your Questions About This Recipe Answered

Print