High Protein Ground Beef Potatoes

The smell of smoked paprika hitting hot olive oil always pulls me into the kitchen, no matter what I was doing before. This ground beef and potatoes hash started as one of those desperate weeknight experiments when I had hungry people to feed and absolutely no plan.

My roommate used to hover around the stove when I made this, literally asking if it was ready every thirty seconds. Eventually I started setting a timer just to give him something concrete to watch instead of me stirring.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: The 90% lean ratio gives you all the protein and flavor without excessive grease, though you still want to drain any fat that renders out
• Russet potatoes: These hold their shape beautifully during simmering and develop creamy interiors while maintaining their structure
• Yellow onion and carrots: Starting with these aromatics builds a flavor foundation that infuses the entire dish as it simmers
• Smoked paprika: This is the secret weapon that makes everything taste like it cooked for hours when it really only took minutes
• Beef broth: Just enough liquid to steam the potatoes tender while creating those little pockets of concentrated flavor
• Baby spinach: Added at the very end so it wilts gently without turning mushy or losing its vibrant color

Instructions

Build your flavor base first:

Heat that olive oil in your largest skillet over medium heat, then toss in the onion and carrots for about 4 minutes until they soften and start smelling sweet

Wake up the garlic:

Add the minced garlic and give it just 60 seconds so it releases its fragrance without any risk of burning

Brown the beef properly:

Crank the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and really break it up with your spatula as it browns for 6 to 8 minutes

Coat everything in spices:

Throw in the potatoes, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, then stir for 2 minutes so every cube gets dusted with those seasonings

Let it simmer gently:

Pour in the beef broth, cover the pan, lower the heat, and let everything bubble away for 18 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender

Add the final touches:

Stir in the baby spinach for just 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts, then taste and adjust the salt if needed before calling it done

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This became our snow day tradition back when I lived in that drafty apartment where the heat never quite worked. Something about a steaming skillet on the table made the cold outside feel a little less brutal.

Make It Your Own

Sweet potatoes work beautifully here and add a lovely sweetness that plays nicely with the smoky paprika. The cooking time stays about the same, though you might want to cut them slightly smaller since they can be denser than russets.

Scaling For Leftovers

This recipe doubles like a dream, which is good because it actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to know each other. I always make extra and portion it into glass containers for those days when cooking feels impossible.

Serving Ideas

A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the richness and makes the whole meal feel lighter. Sometimes I serve it with roasted broccoli if I want something warm and substantial instead.

• Crushed red pepper flakes wake everything up if you like heat
• A splash of vinegar right before serving brightens all the flavors
• Fresh herbs are never optional if you have them in the kitchen

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There is something deeply reassuring about a meal that comes together in one pan but tastes like it took all day. This is the kind of cooking that feeds more than just hunger.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I substitute sweet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a lower glycemic index and a slightly sweeter flavor.

→ How do I prevent the beef from drying out?

Maintain medium-high heat while browning and avoid overcooking. Draining excess fat helps keep the dish balanced.

→ What can I add for extra vegetables?

Bell peppers or peas can be added during cooking to increase the vegetable content and flavor complexity.

→ Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Yes, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce enhances the heat level without overpowering the other flavors.

→ What are the best tools to prepare this meal?

A large skillet with lid, cutting board, chef’s knife, and spatula are ideal for efficient preparation and cooking.