Ground Beef and Potatoes: 18 Cheap Grandma Dinners That Feed the Whole Family on Cold Nights

Ground beef and potatoes are still the cheapest real dinner in most American shopping carts, and grandmas have known it for generations. One simple grandma-style skillet of this pair has pulled thousands of likes on MSN this fall, with home cooks saying their family asks for it again and again. A pound of beef and a few potatoes can turn into a crispy hash, a cheesy bake, a cozy soup or a dish from your neighbor’s grandmother in Mexico, Greece or Peru. Below are 18 ways to do it, each with a full recipe, so you can cook a different supper every night of the week. Most use one pan, and nearly all of them reheat beautifully for lunch the next day. Which one will your family ask for first..

Ground Beef and Potatoes in One Cheesy Skillet

This is the one to make first. Crispy golden potato cubes, well browned ground beef, a blanket of melted cheddar and a shower of green onions, all in one skillet in about 30 minutes. The secret is patience: let the potatoes sit in the hot pan without stirring for a few minutes so they get a real crust. Serve it with a spoon of sour cream and watch the cheese stretch. Kids love it, and it tastes even better reheated the next day.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 1/2 lb Yukon gold potatoes cut in 1/2 inch cubes, 1 small onion diced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, 3 green onions sliced, sour cream for serving.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. 2. Add the potatoes, season with salt, cover and cook 8 minutes, then uncover and cook 6 to 8 minutes more, turning once, until crisp and tender. 3. Push the potatoes aside, add the beef and onion and cook until browned, breaking it up. 4. Stir in the garlic, paprika, garlic powder and pepper. 5. Top with the cheese, cover for 2 minutes to melt, then add the green onions and serve.

Grandma’s Simple Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet

This is the humble version that went viral: no cheese, no fuss, just ground beef and potatoes simmered in a little broth until the potatoes soak up all the flavor. It is the kind of supper a village grandmother makes with whatever is in the pantry. Cook the beef until no pink remains, to 160 F, as the USDA ground beef food safety advice says. Tip: cut the potatoes small and even so they cook at the same speed. A spoon of tomato paste makes the broth richer.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 4 medium potatoes cut in small cubes, 1 onion chopped, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, salt and pepper, chopped parsley.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef with the onion in a deep skillet. 2. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste and spices for 1 minute. 3. Add the potatoes and broth and bring to a simmer. 4. Cover and cook on low 18 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and most of the broth is absorbed. 5. Season, sprinkle with parsley and serve with bread.

Hamburger Hash With Fried Eggs on Top

Thousands of home cooks were surprised this fall by one simple idea: add eggs to ground beef and potatoes. Hamburger hash is breakfast, lunch and dinner in one pan. The diced potatoes go crispy, the beef and peppers add flavor, and the runny yolks become the sauce. Make little wells in the hash, break the eggs in, cover and let them steam. Quick poll: do you like your yolks (A) runny, (B) jammy or (C) cooked hard?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 1/2 lb potatoes diced small, 1 onion diced, 1 green bell pepper diced, 2 tbsp oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt and pepper, 4 eggs, chopped parsley, hot sauce (optional).

How to make it: 1. Cook the potatoes in the oil over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes until golden. 2. Add the onion, pepper and beef and cook until the beef is browned. 3. Season with paprika, salt and pepper. 4. Make 4 small wells and break an egg into each. 5. Cover and cook 4 to 6 minutes until the whites set. 6. Top with parsley and serve.

Layered Ground Beef and Potatoes Bake With Cheddar

This is grandma’s casserole, the one that came out of the oven on busy Sundays. Thin potato slices are layered with seasoned beef and a little creamy sauce, then topped with cheddar until it bubbles. Slice the potatoes very thin, about 1/8 inch, or use a mandoline, so they cook through in time. It cuts into neat squares once it rests for 10 minutes, which makes it perfect for a potluck or a family that eats in shifts.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion diced, 2 lb russet potatoes thinly sliced, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper, 2 cups shredded cheddar.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375 F and grease a 9×13 dish. 2. Brown the beef with the onion and season. 3. Whisk the milk, sour cream, flour and garlic powder. 4. Layer half the potatoes, all the beef, half the sauce and half the cheese. 5. Add the rest of the potatoes and sauce. 6. Cover with foil and bake 50 minutes. 7. Uncover, add the rest of the cheese and bake 15 minutes more.

Taco Potato Skillet for Taco Night

Taco night gets cheaper and heartier when potatoes take the place of shells. A taco potato skillet like this one pulled more than 100,000 reactions on Facebook, and it is easy to see why. Crispy seasoned potatoes and taco beef go under melted cheese, then you pile on tomatoes, jalapenos, avocado and lime. It is ground beef and potatoes at their most fun. Set the toppings out and let everyone build their own plate. Which topping is a must for you: (A) avocado, (B) jalapenos or (C) sour cream?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 1/2 lb potatoes cubed, 2 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp taco seasoning, 1/3 cup water, 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, 1 tomato diced, 1 jalapeno sliced, 1 avocado, cilantro, lime wedges.

How to make it: 1. Fry the potatoes in the oil for 15 minutes until crisp and tender. 2. Move them to a plate. 3. Brown the beef, then stir in the taco seasoning and water and simmer 3 minutes. 4. Return the potatoes and mix. 5. Top with cheese, cover until melted. 6. Add the tomato, jalapeno, avocado, cilantro and lime and serve.

Foil Packet Dinners With Ground Beef and Potatoes

Foil packet dinners are a camp classic that works just as well in a home oven. Each packet holds a seasoned beef patty with potato chunks, carrots and onion, and everything steams in its own juices. There is almost nothing to wash, and kids can build their own packets. Tip: cut the potatoes and carrots small, and add a pat of butter and a splash of Worcestershire sauce to each packet for extra flavor.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper, 3 medium potatoes cut in chunks, 2 carrots sliced, 1 onion sliced, 4 tsp butter, 4 tsp Worcestershire sauce, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F. 2. Mix the beef with the onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper and shape 4 patties. 3. Lay 4 large sheets of heavy foil out. 4. Divide the potatoes, carrots and onion among them and top each with a patty, butter and Worcestershire. 5. Fold the foil into sealed packets. 6. Bake on a sheet pan for 40 to 45 minutes. 7. Open carefully and add parsley.

Cheeseburger Soup With Ground Beef and Potatoes

All the flavor of a cheeseburger in a bowl you can eat with a spoon. This soup is thick, creamy and full of tender potato cubes, carrots and celery, with browned beef in every bite. It is ground beef and potatoes in their coziest form. Stir the cheese in off the heat so it melts smooth and never turns grainy. Serve it with crusty bread or a pickle on the side for that real burger taste. It also freezes well, without the cheese, for up to three months.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion diced, 2 carrots diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 3 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup flour, 4 cups chicken or beef broth, 1 1/2 lb potatoes cubed, 1 1/2 cups milk, 2 cups shredded cheddar, salt and pepper, chives.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef in a pot and set it aside. 2. Cook the onion, carrots and celery in the butter for 5 minutes. 3. Stir in the flour for 1 minute. 4. Slowly add the broth, then the potatoes. 5. Simmer 15 minutes until tender. 6. Add the milk and beef and heat through. 7. Take off the heat, stir in the cheese until smooth and top with chives.

Picadillo With Ground Beef and Potatoes

Picadillo is a family classic in Mexico and Cuba, and the Mexican home version often comes loaded with diced potatoes and carrots. It is cooked low in a tomato sauce until the potatoes are soft and the beef soaks up all the spices. Eat it with rice, warm tortillas or inside crispy tacos. Many families make a big batch on Sunday and use it all week, from burritos to stuffed peppers.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion diced, 2 cloves garlic, 2 medium potatoes diced small, 2 carrots diced small, 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp oregano, salt and pepper, cilantro.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef with the onion in a large skillet. 2. Add the garlic, cumin and oregano and cook 1 minute. 3. Add the potatoes, carrots, tomato sauce and water. 4. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the vegetables are tender. 5. Season with salt and pepper, top with cilantro and serve.

Swedish Meatballs Over Mashed Potatoes

In Sweden, meatballs with creamy gravy are served over mashed potatoes, often with a spoon of lingonberry jam on the side. A pinch of nutmeg and allspice gives them that warm, cozy taste. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk before mixing, and the meatballs stay tender. Of all the ground beef and potatoes dinners here, this is one of the best ways to stretch one pound into dinner for four. Tell us: do you put jam on the side, yes or no?

You will need: For the meatballs: 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup milk, 1 egg, 1 small onion grated, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp allspice, salt and pepper. For the gravy: 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup cream. 2 lb potatoes for mashing.

How to make it: 1. Boil the potatoes and mash with butter and milk. 2. Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk, then mix with the rest of the meatball ingredients. 3. Roll into 1 inch balls and brown in a skillet, then remove. 4. Melt the butter, stir in the flour, then whisk in the broth and cream. 5. Simmer the meatballs in the gravy 10 minutes. 6. Spoon over the mashed potatoes.

Greek Moussaka With a Potato Layer

Greek moussaka is a layered bake of spiced beef in tomato sauce under a thick, creamy topping, and many Greek home cooks line the pan with sliced potatoes. The cinnamon in the meat sauce is the little surprise that makes people ask for the recipe. Eggplant is classic, but you can use potatoes only if your family is not a fan. If you love one-pan beef suppers, our ground beef and rice dinners are cheap and easy too.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion diced, 2 cloves garlic, 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp oregano, salt and pepper, 2 lb potatoes sliced 1/4 inch, 1 eggplant sliced (optional), olive oil. Topping: 3 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp flour, 2 cups milk, 1 egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.

How to make it: 1. Brush the potato and eggplant slices with oil and bake at 400 F for 20 minutes. 2. Brown the beef with the onion and garlic, add the tomatoes and spices and simmer 15 minutes. 3. Make a white sauce with the butter, flour and milk, then whisk in the egg and cheese. 4. Layer potatoes, eggplant and meat in a dish. 5. Pour the sauce on top and bake at 350 F for 45 minutes. 6. Rest 15 minutes before cutting.

Beef and Potato Empanadas

Empanadas filled with ground beef and potatoes are a hand pie loved all over Latin America. The potato makes the filling go further and keeps it soft and juicy. Store-bought empanada discs or pie crust work great, so this is easier than it looks. Make a double batch: they freeze well before baking and go straight from the freezer to the oven, with about 10 extra minutes of baking. Serve with a green herb sauce for dipping.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion diced, 1 large potato diced very small, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 cup water, salt and pepper, 1/4 cup green olives chopped (optional), 10 empanada discs or 2 pie crusts, 1 egg beaten.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef and onion. 2. Add the potato, spices and water, cover and cook 12 minutes until the potato is soft. 3. Stir in the olives and let the filling cool. 4. Spoon 2 tablespoons onto each disc, fold and crimp the edges with a fork. 5. Brush with egg. 6. Bake at 400 F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.

Papas Rellenas, Potato Balls Stuffed With Beef

Papas rellenas are a favorite in Peru and Cuba: smooth mashed potato wrapped around a savory ground beef filling, then fried until golden. Bite in and you get a crispy outside, fluffy potato and juicy beef in the middle. Chill the mashed potatoes first so they are easy to shape. They are ground beef and potatoes in party food form, a great way to use leftover mash, and you can bake them at 425 F on an oiled sheet pan if you skip frying.

You will need: 2 lb russet potatoes, salt, 1/2 lb ground beef, 1/2 onion diced, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 tsp cumin, 2 tbsp raisins or chopped olives (optional), 2 eggs beaten, 1 cup breadcrumbs, oil for frying.

How to make it: 1. Boil and mash the potatoes with salt, no milk, then chill 1 hour. 2. Brown the beef with the onion, garlic and cumin, add the raisins or olives and cool. 3. Flatten a handful of potato in your palm, add a spoon of filling and close it into an oval. 4. Dip in egg, then breadcrumbs. 5. Fry in 2 inches of oil at 350 F for 3 to 4 minutes until golden. 6. Drain and serve with salsa.

Cottage Pie With Ground Beef and Potatoes

Cottage pie is the British cousin of shepherd’s pie, made with beef instead of lamb. A rich ground beef and vegetable gravy goes under a thick layer of mashed potatoes, then into the oven until the top is golden. Rough up the potato with a fork so the ridges get crispy. Of all the ground beef and potatoes classics, it is the best make-ahead dinner: build it the night before, keep it in the fridge and bake it when you get home, adding 15 minutes to the time.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion diced, 2 carrots diced, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp flour, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp thyme, salt and pepper, 2 1/2 lb potatoes, 4 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup cheddar (optional).

How to make it: 1. Boil the potatoes and mash with butter, milk and salt. 2. Brown the beef with the onion and carrots. 3. Stir in the tomato paste, flour and thyme, then the broth and Worcestershire. 4. Simmer 10 minutes and add the peas. 5. Spread in a baking dish and cover with the mash. 6. Top with cheese and bake at 400 F for 25 minutes until golden.

Pastel de Papa, the Argentine Potato Pie

Pastel de papa is the cottage pie of Argentina and Chile, and it has a few fun surprises. The beef filling is often mixed with green olives, chopped hard boiled egg and a handful of raisins, then covered with a creamy potato layer. It is ground beef and potatoes with a South American twist. Some cooks sprinkle a little sugar on top so it turns golden and sweet in the oven. Sweet and savory together: are you (A) all in or (B) a firm no?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 2 onions diced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 cup green olives sliced, 2 hard boiled eggs chopped, 1/4 cup raisins (optional), salt and pepper, 2 1/2 lb potatoes, 3 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup milk, 1 egg, 1 tsp sugar (optional).

How to make it: 1. Boil and mash the potatoes with the butter, milk and salt, then beat in the egg. 2. Cook the onions and pepper until soft, add the beef and brown it. 3. Season with cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. 4. Stir in the olives, eggs and raisins. 5. Spread in a baking dish, cover with the mash and sprinkle with sugar. 6. Bake at 400 F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Hamburger Steak With Gravy and Potato Wedges

Hamburger steak is a diner and home cooking favorite: a thick, juicy beef patty cooked in a skillet and smothered in brown gravy. With crispy oven potato wedges on the side, these ground beef and potatoes feel like a restaurant plate for a few dollars. Press a small dent in the center of each patty so it stays flat as it cooks. Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy if you like, and do not skip the black pepper.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper, 1 onion sliced, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 3 russet potatoes cut in wedges, 2 tbsp oil, 1 tsp paprika.

How to make it: 1. Toss the wedges with oil, paprika and salt and roast at 425 F for 35 minutes, turning once. 2. Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire and seasonings and shape 4 thick patties. 3. Brown the patties 4 minutes per side and set aside. 4. Cook the onion in the butter, stir in the flour, then whisk in the broth. 5. Return the patties and simmer in the gravy 8 to 10 minutes.

Ground Beef Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Stuffed baked potatoes turn a side dish into the whole dinner. Bake the potatoes until the skins are crisp, split them open, fluff the inside and pile on seasoned ground beef and cheddar. Finish with sour cream and green onions, or go chili style with beans. Few ground beef and potatoes dinners are this easy to customize. Rub the potatoes with oil and coarse salt before baking for the best skins. Set up a potato bar on a busy weeknight and let everyone pick their own toppings.

You will need: 4 large russet potatoes, 1 tbsp oil, coarse salt, 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 onion diced, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, salt and pepper, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions.

How to make it: 1. Rub the potatoes with oil and salt and bake at 425 F for 50 to 60 minutes until tender. 2. Brown the beef with the onion, then add the spices and tomato sauce and simmer 5 minutes. 3. Split the potatoes and fluff the inside with a fork. 4. Fill with the beef and top with cheese. 5. Bake 5 minutes more to melt the cheese. 6. Add sour cream and green onions.

Beef Kofta and Potato Curry

In many Pakistani and Indian homes, a pot of kofta curry with potatoes is what Sunday smells like. Spiced ground beef meatballs simmer gently in an onion and tomato gravy with potato chunks until everything is tender. It is ground beef and potatoes with real spice. Do not stir for the first 10 minutes after adding the kofta, just swirl the pot, so the meatballs hold their shape. Serve it with rice or warm flatbread and plenty of fresh cilantro.

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion grated, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 green chili chopped, salt. Curry: 3 tbsp oil, 2 onions finely chopped, 2 tomatoes chopped, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, 3 potatoes cut in chunks, 2 cups water, cilantro.

How to make it: 1. Mix the kofta ingredients and shape into small balls. 2. Fry the onions in the oil until golden. 3. Add the ginger garlic paste, tomatoes and spices and cook until the oil separates. 4. Add the potatoes and water and bring to a boil. 5. Gently add the kofta, cover and cook on low 25 minutes, swirling the pot instead of stirring. 6. Finish with cilantro.

Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potatoes Stew

Our last idea is the easiest one: brown the beef, dump everything in the slow cooker and come home to a hearty stew. The potatoes and carrots turn soft, and the broth cooks down into a rich brown gravy. A spoon of tomato paste and a little Worcestershire sauce give it deep flavor without any extra work. Thank you for cooking along. Which of these 18 ground beef and potatoes dinners will you make this week?

You will need: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion diced, 2 lb potatoes cut in chunks, 3 carrots sliced, 2 celery stalks sliced, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 3 cups beef broth, 1 tsp thyme, salt and pepper, 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water.

How to make it: 1. Brown the beef with the onion and drain the fat. 2. Put the potatoes, carrots, celery and garlic in the slow cooker. 3. Add the beef, tomato paste, Worcestershire, broth and thyme and stir. 4. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours or high 4 hours. 5. Stir in the cornstarch mix and cook 15 minutes more to thicken. 6. Season and serve with bread.