Ground beef tacos with potatoes: best 1 pan dinner

I remember the first time I made these ground beef tacos with potatoes. I had a house full of hungry cousins and only one pound of beef in the fridge. I panicked for a second but then I saw a bag of potatoes sitting on the counter. I chopped them up tiny and tossed them into the pan. Not only did it feed every single person but it actually tasted better than just plain meat. Now it is a total family favorite in my house because the potatoes get all soft and soak up every bit of the taco seasoning. It is the best way I know to make a little bit of meat go a long way and feed a big crowd without breaking the bank.

Why You Will Love These Ground Beef Tacos with Potatoes

You are going to love this recipe because it is so easy on your wallet. Ground beef can get pricey these days but potatoes are cheap and very filling. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you are rushing around and need dinner on the table fast. The best part is how the potatoes act like little sponges. They soak up all the delicious juices and spices from the meat so every single bite you take is packed with flavor. It is a hearty one-pan meal that feels like a big warm hug.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Tacos with Potatoes

Here is what you need to grab from the pantry and the fridge to get started. I like using Russet potatoes because they hold their shape well but Yukon Gold works great too.

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced small
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 cup beef broth instead of wine for deglazing
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Toppings such as shredded cheese fresh cilantro lime wedges and salsa

How to Make Ground Beef Tacos with Potatoes Step-by-Step

This recipe comes together really quickly once you get the chopping out of the way. Just follow these simple steps and you will have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Sautéing the Aromatics and Beef

Start by tossing your ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat. Throw in your chopped onions and minced garlic right away so they can cook together. You want to cook the beef until it is nice and brown and the onions have turned soft and translucent. Once everything is cooked through make sure to drain off any extra fat from the pan. This keeps the taco filling light and stops it from getting too greasy.

Cooking the Potatoes to Perfection

This is the secret step. You have to make sure you dice your potatoes into tiny half inch cubes. If they are too big they will stay hard while the meat gets overcooked. Toss those potato cubes into the skillet with the beef and onions. Pour in your beef broth and put a lid on the pan. Let it simmer for about ten minutes. The broth helps steam the potatoes until they are perfectly tender and have absorbed all that savory flavor from the meat and spices.

Expert Tips for the Best Ground Beef Tacos with Potatoes

If you want a little extra texture try browning the potatoes in the skillet for a few minutes before you add the liquid. It gives them a nice golden crust that tastes amazing. If you are cooking for kids who do not like spicy food you can cut back on the chili powder and add a little extra cumin for flavor without the heat. Always try to keep your potato cubes the same size so they all finish cooking at the exact same time.

Serving Suggestions for Your Tacos

I always tell my friends to warm their tortillas in a dry skillet for about thirty seconds on each side before serving. It makes them soft and gives them a much better flavor. Once the tortillas are warm pile the beef and potato mixture high in the center. I love to top mine with a big handful of shredded cheese and some fresh cilantro. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right at the end really makes the flavors pop and cuts through the richness of the beef.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Tacos with Potatoes

I get asked about this recipe a lot so here are a few things that might help you out while you are cooking.

• How long does it take to cook the potatoes? If you cut them into small half inch cubes they usually take about ten to twelve minutes to get perfectly soft.
• Can I make this ahead of time? You definitely can. This filling keeps really well in the fridge and sometimes it even tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend.
• What can I use instead of beef broth? You can use vegetable broth or even just plain water with a little extra pinch of salt if you do not have broth on hand.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers just put them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat them again I highly recommend reheating the mixture in a skillet on the stove instead of using the microwave. The skillet helps keep the potatoes from getting too mushy and helps maintain that great texture you worked so hard for.

Estimated Nutritional Information

This is a rough breakdown of the nutrition you get per serving of the taco filling.

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 4g

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