Savory ground beef paired with herb-roasted potatoes is one of those meals I turn to when I need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of crispy, golden potatoes seasoned with aromatic herbs alongside seasoned beef and bright green broccoli creates a complete dinner that feels both nourishing and comforting. I started making this during particularly busy weeks, and it quickly became a household favorite because everything comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Savory Ground Beef with Herb-Roasted Potatoes
I always keep these ingredients stocked because they’re kitchen staples that work in countless recipes. The combination of dried herbs creates an aromatic coating for the potatoes that fills your kitchen with the most inviting smell. My preference is using skin-on potatoes because they add texture and hold extra nutrients, plus it saves time on peeling.
- 200g lean ground beef
- 2 medium potatoes (diced, skin on) – I recommend cutting them into 1-inch cubes for even roasting
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – I usually use extra virgin for better flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – In my experience, combining these herbs creates a restaurant-quality seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste – Pro tip: season in layers throughout cooking rather than all at once
- Black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend preheating your oven first so it’s ready when you need it, making the whole process flow smoothly. This method allows you to work on multiple components simultaneously without feeling rushed.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, toss the diced potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap, which ensures they roast rather than steam.
Step 2: Roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges with a fork-tender interior.
Step 3: While the potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, and the edges get slightly crispy. Avoid stirring too frequently to allow those flavorful browned bits to form.
Step 4: About 5 minutes before everything is ready, bring water to a boil in a pot fitted with a steamer basket. Add broccoli florets and steam for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and reach tender-crisp texture. Don’t overcook or they’ll lose their vibrant color and nutrients.
Step 5: Arrange the seasoned beef, crispy roasted potatoes, and steamed broccoli on plates. Taste and add a final pinch of salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Perfect Sides to Complete Your Meal
While this dish is already well-balanced, adding a complementary side can elevate your dinner experience and add variety to the plate.
Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the beef and adds refreshing contrast to the hearty potatoes.
Crusty Bread: Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any juices from the beef and adds satisfying texture variety to the meal.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots complement the savory herbs in the potatoes and add another layer of vegetables with different nutrients and natural sweetness.
Cucumber Yogurt Sauce: A cool, tangy yogurt sauce with cucumber and dill provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, seasoned components and adds probiotic benefits. Try pairing it with our Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki for inspiration.
Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms sautéed with garlic enhance the savory profile of the beef while adding extra umami depth to every bite.
Keep It Fresh: Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the components separately if possible, as this helps maintain their individual textures better. The ground beef and potatoes freeze well for up to 3 months when stored separately, but it’s best to prepare fresh broccoli when you’re ready to serve the leftovers.
When reheating, I usually warm the potatoes in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness, while the beef reheats perfectly in a skillet over medium heat. The broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re reheating it, a quick 30-second microwave session works well.
This meal is incredibly versatile. Try drizzling olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice over the broccoli for brightness, or top the beef with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. You can also turn leftovers into a grain bowl by serving everything over rice or quinoa, similar to our Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative. Season it generously since turkey is milder in flavor than beef.
What if I don’t have fresh broccoli?
Frozen broccoli florets work great in this recipe. Just steam them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet?
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on your sheet, and make sure the potatoes are well-coated with oil before roasting.
Savory Ground Beef with Herb-Roasted Potatoes & Steamed Broccoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Roast potatoes for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the edges with fork-tender interiors.
- While potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, internal temperature reaches 160°F, and edges are slightly crispy. Avoid stirring too frequently.
- About 5 minutes before serving, bring water to a boil in a pot fitted with a steamer basket. Add broccoli florets and steam for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Arrange the ground beef, crispy roasted potatoes, and steamed broccoli on plates. Season with a final pinch of salt and pepper if needed before serving.
