Description
Create a satisfying and flavorful Ground Beef & Potato Taco Bowl meal prep. This recipe is easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and highly customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or other cooking oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works well)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (or other waxy potatoes), peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- Optional: 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies, drained
- Suggested Toppings:
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Avocado or guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Pickled jalapeños
- Black beans, rinsed and drained
- Corn, fresh or frozen
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Potatoes: In a medium saucepan, combine the cubed potatoes with enough water to cover them by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until fork-tender but not mushy. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and set aside.
- 2. Brown the Ground Beef: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Drain off most of the excess grease.
- 3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4. Season the Beef Mixture: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute, stirring, to toast the spices.
- 5. Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in the water or beef broth. If using diced green chilies, add them now. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- 6. Combine and Finish: Gently stir in the cooked and drained potatoes into the skillet with the seasoned ground beef mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until everything is heated through and well combined.
Notes
For meal prep, store the beef and potato mixture separately from fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes to prevent sogginess. Reheat the base mixture on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven. Add fresh toppings just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving