If you are craving a comforting, boldly flavored meal that is easy to make and utterly satisfying, this Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, crispy potatoes blend beautifully with rich, spiced ground beef, all bathed in a vibrant, fiery tomato sauce that will warm your soul. It’s a perfect dish to bring a little excitement to your weeknight dinners without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite bursts with layers of flavor from cumin, fresh garlic, and serrano chiles, making this recipe a delicious celebration of simple, hearty ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a memorable dish, and this recipe relies on a handful of kitchen staples that pack a punch. Each component plays a vital role in balancing texture, flavor, and color for a vibrant plate of comfort food.
- Russet or white potatoes: Peeled and diced, they become crispy on the outside yet tender inside, adding hearty texture.
- Ground chuck beef: Provides rich flavor and juiciness, essential for a satisfying main protein.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients; adding it at different stages layers the taste.
- Garlic powder: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering the fresh garlic.
- Cumin: Introduces a subtle earthiness that perfectly complements the tomato sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- Fresh garlic clove: Brings aromatic punch for a lively flavor profile.
- White onion: Provides sweetness and texture after sautéing.
- Roma tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they form the base of the luscious spicy tomato sauce.
- Serrano chiles: Deliver the signature spicy kick that makes this recipe stand out.
- Water: Helps create the sauce’s perfect consistency.
- Mexican oregano: Adds a herbal brightness that complements the spices and tomatoes.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking and adding a silky finish to the dish.
How to Make Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Potatoes
Start by heating olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add your diced potatoes and cook them until they develop a beautiful golden crust, making sure to cover the pan to allow steam to soften their centers. Once golden and tender, drain them on paper towels and set aside. This initial crispiness sets the stage for a perfect texture contrast in the final dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef with Seasonings
In the same skillet, add the ground chuck and crank the heat up to medium-high. Season generously with salt, garlic powder, cumin, and pepper. Let the beef brown thoroughly, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to break it up. This step infuses the meat with warming spices, building the depth of flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Once browned, toss in the minced garlic and diced white onion. Cook them with the beef for 2 to 3 minutes until the kitchen smells utterly inviting and the onions soften. These aromatics round out the savory base, adding sweetness and an extra layer of complexity.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Spicy Tomato Sauce
Meanwhile, blend the chopped Roma tomatoes, serrano chiles, water, a pinch of salt, and Mexican oregano until velvety smooth. Pour this vibrant sauce into the skillet, bringing it to a boil. This fresh sauce is the soul of the dish — tangy, spicy, and herbal, it transforms everyday ingredients into a meal that dances on your taste buds.
Step 5: Combine Potatoes and Simmer
Stir the crispy potatoes back into the skillet, then reduce the heat to let the mixture simmer gently for 7 to 10 minutes. During this time, the sauce thickens beautifully, coating every bite with spicy, tomatoey goodness while the potatoes soak up some luscious flavor.
How to Serve Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a dollop of cooling sour cream can elevate this dish wonderfully. Adding a few slices of fresh avocado or a wedge of lime offers bright, fresh contrasts to the spicy tomato sauce, making each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This hearty main pairs perfectly with warm corn or flour tortillas to scoop every bit of the sauce. Alternatively, a side of fluffy white rice absorbs the rich flavors and balances the heat, making your meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style approach, serve it in a rustic cast iron skillet, letting everyone help themselves. For a modern twist, plate it over creamy polenta or spoon over roasted vegetables for a colorful, textured meal that impresses at any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making for even more delicious meals the next day.
Freezing
This dish also freezes well—just transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it thickened too much during storage, restoring that fresh-from-the-pan texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Russet or white potatoes work best for their texture and crispness, Yukon Golds can be a great substitute and will add a buttery flavor.
How spicy is this dish with serrano chiles?
Serrano chiles bring a noticeable but manageable heat level, which can be adjusted by using fewer chiles or removing the seeds if you prefer milder dishes.
Is it necessary to brown the potatoes before adding them to the sauce?
Yes, browning the potatoes creates a crispy exterior that holds up better in the sauce, adding a lovely texture contrast that elevates the overall dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth if you add any extra liquid to enhance flavor.
What is the best way to blend the tomato sauce ingredients?
A blender works perfectly to create a smooth, even sauce, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse the ingredients in a food processor or chop them finely by hand.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef with Potatoes in Spicy Tomato Sauce Recipe is a fantastic go-to for those days when you want something hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free. Every step is straightforward, yet the results are deeply satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and spice to your table. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!
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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 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Ground Beef with Potatoes recipe is a flavorful, hearty dish combining crispy pan-fried potatoes with seasoned ground beef simmered in a spicy tomato and serrano chile sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it blends classic spices and fresh ingredients for a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with warm tortillas or rice.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 medium Russet potato or 2 white potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Ground Beef and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Aromatics and Sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 large Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 to 2 serrano chiles, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch of Mexican oregano
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, preparing the pan for frying the potatoes.
- Cook potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Cook them until they are browned and crispy, covering the pan to allow the potatoes to steam as well. Once cooked, drain the potatoes on paper towels to remove excess oil and set aside.
- Brown ground beef: In the same skillet, add the ground chuck. Season it with salt, garlic powder, cumin, and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until the beef is browned thoroughly, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sauté garlic and onion: Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is fragrant and the onion begins to soften.
- Prepare and add sauce: In a blender, combine the chopped tomatoes, serrano chiles, water, salt, and Mexican oregano. Blend until smooth. Pour this sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture and bring it to a boil.
- Combine and simmer: Stir the cooked potatoes into the skillet. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 7-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the ground beef and potatoes warm. This dish pairs well with tortillas or rice to complete your meal.
Notes
- Adjust the number of serrano chiles to control the spice level of the dish.
- Using a nonstick skillet helps prevent sticking and reduces the amount of oil needed to cook the potatoes.
- Peeling the potatoes makes the texture smoother, but keeping the skin on can add extra nutrients and texture.
- Leftovers keep well and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- For added flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
