If you love hearty, comforting meals packed with bold flavors, you are going to adore this Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of tender ground beef, crispy potatoes, and a vibrant, spicy tomato sauce that warms you right through, making every bite feel like a cozy hug. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or want something new to spice up your weeknight routine, this dish hits all the right notes with its wonderful balance of textures and tantalizing spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, bringing flavor, aroma, or texture that completes the dish beautifully.
- Russet or white potatoes: Peeled and diced, these provide crispy, tender bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Ground chuck beef: Rich and juicy, it forms the protein-packed base of our dish.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a warm depth of flavor that complements the fresh garlic.
- Cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly smoky note, elevating the savory profile.
- Black pepper: Offers a subtle spice that ties the dish together.
- Fresh garlic clove: Brings a bright, aromatic punch that’s irresistible.
- White onion: Diced for sweetness and crunch to balance the heat.
- Roma tomatoes: Blender-fresh to build the vibrant and tangy sauce.
- Serrano chiles: These add just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Water: Helps create the perfect consistency for the sauce.
- Mexican oregano: A pinch provides a fragrant, herbal lift true to Mexican cuisine.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and infusing richness into the potatoes and beef.
How to Make Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Crispy Potatoes
Start by heating olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced potatoes and let them cook until they turn beautifully golden and crispy. Cover the pan to steam them gently inside, which ensures they are tender on the inside but with a satisfying crunch outside. Once done, drain them on paper towels and set aside—this step builds a perfect textural contrast in the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Using the same skillet, add the ground chuck and increase the heat to medium-high. Season with salt, garlic powder, cumin, and pepper, spreading those spices evenly throughout as the beef browns. Let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s deeply caramelized and packed with flavor. This browning creates a rich foundation for the spicy tomato sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Next, stir in the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook them together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onion softens. This step infuses the dish with an irresistible savory aroma that’s a preview of the delicious flavors yet to come.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
While the beef simmers, combine the Roma tomatoes, serrano chiles, water, a pinch of salt, and Mexican oregano in a blender. Pulse it until the mixture is perfectly smooth and fresh. Pour this spirited sauce into the skillet, turning up the heat to bring it to a boil. The sauce is the soul of this Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe, balancing spicy, tangy, and herbal notes beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Now, gently fold in the crispy potatoes. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer together for 7 to 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat every bite of beef and potato. This melding of flavors and textures is where the dish truly shines and becomes comforting home cooking at its best.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Your Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe is all set to enjoy! Serve it warm alongside your choice of tortillas or rice for a meal that’s as hearty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream can brighten and cool the spicy tomato sauce, making every bite even more memorable. Don’t underestimate a wedge of lime for an extra punch of freshness right before serving!
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with classic sides like warm corn tortillas, steamed white rice, or even a crisp green salad to balance the richness. The flexibility means you can make it light or hearty depending on your mood.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this skillet-style over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or spoon it into roasted bell peppers for colorful individual servings. It’s a fantastic way to impress guests or simply enjoy your favorite recipe with a fresh take.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Divide it into portions and freeze in freezer-friendly containers for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This careful reheating keeps the potatoes tender and the beef juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Russet or white potatoes work best for their texture, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used for a slightly different but delicious twist.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I skip the serrano chiles?
You can reduce the heat by using fewer serrano chiles or substituting with milder peppers like Anaheim. The flavors of the tomato sauce remain deliciously rich either way.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, try substituting the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu seasoned with the same spices. It’s a great way to keep the heartiness without the meat.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Good news! This Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free tortillas or rice.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot. Just keep an eye on the cooking times to make sure everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace after a busy day. Its wonderful blend of textures, spices, and fresh ingredients makes it a standout meal that anyone can master. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!
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Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This hearty Ground Beef with Potatoes recipe combines crispy browned potatoes with savory seasoned ground chuck, simmered in a flavorful tomato and serrano chile sauce. Perfectly spiced with garlic, cumin, and Mexican oregano, this dish offers a comforting and easy-to-make meal ideal for family dinners. Serve it warm alongside tortillas or rice for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 medium Russet potato or 2 white potatoes, peeled and diced
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small white onion, diced
Tomato Sauce
- 2 large Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 to 2 serrano chiles, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of Mexican oregano
Other
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering to prepare for frying the potatoes.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook them until browned and crispy, covering the pan to allow the potatoes to steam and cook through. Once done, drain the potatoes on paper towels to remove excess oil and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat. Season with salt, garlic powder, cumin, and pepper, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet with the beef, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the onions begin to soften.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a blender, combine the chopped Roma tomatoes, serrano chiles, water, a pinch of salt, and Mexican oregano. Blend until smooth. Pour this tomato sauce into the skillet with the ground beef mixture and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer with Potatoes: Stir the cooked potatoes back into the skillet. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer together for 7 to 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the ground beef and potatoes warm, accompanied by tortillas or rice according to your preference for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of serrano chiles according to your preferred spice level.
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of potatoes and beef.
- Draining potatoes on paper towels removes excess oil to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- This recipe is versatile and can be paired with warm corn or flour tortillas, or served over a bed of steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
