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Ground Beef + Potatoes

Best Ground Beef + Potatoes Recipes — Reviewed & Ranked

Ground beef and potatoes is comfort food at its most fundamental. Whether it's a shepherd's pie topped with creamy mashed potatoes, a meatloaf with buttery mash on the side, or a burger with crispy fries, this pairing is deeply satisfying and endlessly adaptable. The starchy richness of potatoes complements the savoury depth of ground beef in a way that few other combinations can match. We've reviewed the best ground beef and potato recipes to find the ones worth making again and again.

Best Ground Beef + Potatoes Recipes

Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Top pick: Once Upon a Chef's Shepherd's Pie

1 hr 45 min Moderate

Mashed potatoes crown this pie — the most iconic ground beef and potato dish.

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Meatloaf Recipe

Top pick: Natasha's Kitchen's Meatloaf with the Best Glaze

70 min Easy

Meatloaf with mashed potatoes is a classic American comfort pairing.

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Salisbury Steak Recipe

Top pick: Belly Full's Salisbury Steak

30 min Easy

Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and gravy is a diner staple.

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Burger Recipe

Top pick: Serious Eats's Ultra-Smashed Cheeseburger

15 min Easy

Burgers and fries — the most universal ground beef and potato combination.

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Chili Recipe

Top pick: Sugar Spun Run's The Best Chili

30 min Easy

Loaded chili fries or chili-topped baked potatoes make incredible comfort food.

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Ground Beef

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of potato is best for ground beef dishes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are the best all-purpose choice — they're creamy when mashed and hold their shape when roasted. For shepherd's pie and mashed potato sides, Yukon Golds or Russets both work well, though Russets produce a fluffier mash. For roasted or fried potatoes alongside burgers, waxy varieties like red potatoes hold their shape better. For fries, Russets are the classic choice for their starchy, crispy exterior.
How do I get shepherd's pie topping crispy?
After spreading the mashed potatoes over the filling, rough up the surface with a fork to create peaks — these crisp up under heat. Dot the top with small pieces of butter and broil for 3–5 minutes until the peaks turn golden brown. For even more crunch, sprinkle grated parmesan over the top before broiling. Make sure the filling is hot when you add the topping so the pie heats through evenly.
Can I cook ground beef and potatoes together in one pan?
Yes — dice the potatoes small (about half-inch cubes) so they cook at the same rate as the beef. Start the potatoes first in a hot skillet with oil, cooking for 8–10 minutes until they start to crisp. Push them to the side, add the ground beef, and cook until browned. Season everything together and toss to combine. The potatoes absorb the beef fat and seasoning, making the dish more flavourful.
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