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High Protein Ground Beef with Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 128 reviews

This High Protein Ground Beef with Potatoes recipe is a hearty one-pan meal combining seasoned 80/20 ground beef with golden-brown russet potatoes in a savory, slightly caramelized tomato paste sauce. It delivers over 35 grams of protein per serving and features rich, bold flavors while remaining simple to prepare. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish requires minimal cleanup and uses common, wholesome ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins & Vegetables

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for best moisture and flavor)
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (concentrated kind for richer flavor)
  • ½ cup beef broth or water

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Potatoes: Wash, peel, and dice the russet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat completely dry with paper towels. This step ensures potatoes brown well and don’t stick.
  2. Cook Potatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 12-inch skillet or 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the dried potato cubes in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring only occasionally to develop golden brown color on multiple sides. They should be fork-tender. Remove and set aside.
  3. Brown Ground Beef: In the same pan, add 2 pounds ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until nicely browned and no longer pink, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F. If there is more than 2 tablespoons fat rendered, drain excess leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
  4. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Push beef to one side of the pan and add the finely chopped onion to the empty space. Cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Mix together with beef.
  5. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly over the beef mixture. Stir well to combine. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until paste turns brick red and slightly caramelized, deepening the flavor.
  6. Combine Potatoes and Broth: Pour in ½ cup beef broth or water, scraping the browned bits from the bottom to incorporate all the flavor. Return the cooked potatoes to the pan and gently fold them into the beef mixture, taking care not to break up the potatoes.
  7. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until potatoes are completely fork-tender and have absorbed savory flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let the dish rest covered for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for optimal flavor and moisture retention.
  • Russet potatoes are preferred for this recipe because they hold their shape well during cooking.
  • Ensure potato cubes are uniform in size to promote even cooking.
  • Rinse potatoes to remove excess starch and pat dry to enhance browning and prevent sticking.
  • If excess fat accumulates during beef cooking, drain but leave some for flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop over medium-low with a splash of broth or microwave at 50% power to prevent drying out or toughening the beef.
  • For meal prep, portion into containers and refrigerate or freeze for convenient high-protein lunches.

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Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/high-protein-ground-beef-with-potatoes-recipe/