Ground Beef, Potatoes, and a Thick, Fragrant Sauce

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Description

This comforting dish combines tender potatoes and juicy ground beef simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce. Infused with fragrant spices and herbs, the sauce clings beautifully to the potatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying one-pan meal. It’s versatile enough to serve with rice, bread, or even on its own for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients For Ground Beef, Potatoes, and a Thick, Fragrant Sauce

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef

  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or ghee for richer flavor)

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp turmeric powder

  • ½ tsp chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare base: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf, letting them sizzle for 30 seconds.

  2. Sauté aromatics: Add onion and cook until golden brown. Stir in garlic and ginger.

  3. Cook beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Season with salt, pepper, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder.

  4. Build sauce: Stir in tomato paste and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.

  5. Add potatoes: Mix in diced potatoes, coating them with the sauce.

  6. Simmer: Pour in broth, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.

  7. Finish: Adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can make it spicier by adding fresh chili or cayenne.

  • For a creamier sauce, stir in 2 tbsp plain yogurt or coconut milk at the end.

  • Works well with sweet potatoes or carrots for variation.

Tips

  • Dice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.

  • If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.

  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

Servings

  • Serves 4 people as a main dish.

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 370

  • Protein: 22g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Carbohydrates: 32g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sodium: 510mg

Benefits

  • High protein from ground beef for muscle support.

  • Potatoes provide energy from complex carbs and fiber.

  • Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes, garlic, and spices.

  • One-pot meal – balanced, hearty, and convenient.

Q & A

Q: Can I use chicken or lamb instead of beef?
A: Yes, both work well. Adjust cooking time slightly for lamb (longer) or chicken (shorter).

Q: What’s the best side to serve with this?
A: Steamed rice, naan bread, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Q: Can this be meal-prepped?
A: Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Q: How do I make it vegetarian?
A: Swap ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth.

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