Savory Ground Beef Plate for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Savory Ground Beef with Herb-Roasted Potatoes & Steamed Broccoli is a down-to-earth, satisfying meal that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and clean eating. With perfectly seasoned ground beef, crispy golden potatoes tossed in herbs, and bright green broccoli steamed just until tender, this trio is hearty, nourishing, and full of flavor.

It’s the kind of dish that feels like a complete dinner in one plate—protein-packed, vegetable-rich, and simple to make. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping meals for the week, this combination delivers familiar comfort with a fresh, wholesome twist.

Everything cooks efficiently, and each component can be customized to suit your flavor preferences. It’s practical, unpretentious, and always hits the spot.

Ingredients Overview

This recipe leans on classic, whole ingredients to create a satisfying plate that’s anything but boring. Here’s a closer look at what makes it work:

Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef (85–90%) for a good balance of flavor and less grease. Seasoned simply but deeply, it forms the savory backbone of the meal.

Potatoes: Baby potatoes or Yukon golds roast beautifully with a crisp exterior and fluffy interior. They hold seasoning well and roast evenly. Red potatoes or fingerlings also work.

Broccoli: Steamed just until bright green and tender, it adds a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the rich beef and crispy potatoes. Broccolini or cauliflower are great subs.

Olive Oil: Used to coat the potatoes and herbs for roasting. Adds richness without heaviness.

Garlic & Onion: Minced garlic and finely diced onion flavor the beef deeply as it browns.

Dried Herbs: A mix of rosemary, thyme, and oregano gives the potatoes their signature savory crust. You can also use Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if preferred.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both beef and vegetables. Don’t skimp—these basics make the flavors pop.

Paprika (optional): Adds a smoky undertone to the beef and/or potatoes.

Optional Finishes: A squeeze of lemon over the broccoli, grated Parmesan over potatoes, or a spoonful of Dijon mustard mixed into the beef for brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the potatoes: Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut 1½ pounds of baby or Yukon gold potatoes into quarters or halves, depending on size. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and thyme, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

2. Brown the beef: While the potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add 1 pound lean ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika (optional). Cook, breaking up the meat, until fully browned and cooked through—about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Steam the broccoli: Cut 1 large head of broccoli into florets. Steam over simmering water or in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and steam until tender-crisp—about 5–6 minutes stovetop or 2–3 minutes in the microwave. Drain, season lightly with salt, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon if desired.

4. Assemble the plate: Divide the roasted potatoes, beef, and broccoli among plates or meal prep containers. Top the beef with optional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick.

Avoid overcooking the broccoli—it should still have some bite and vibrant color. Roast the potatoes in a single layer for maximum crispness, and season the beef in layers as it cooks for the richest flavor.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or bison for a leaner option. Adjust seasoning accordingly—turkey benefits from extra herbs or a dash of Worcestershire.

Add chopped spinach, kale, or mushrooms to the ground beef during the final minutes of cooking to sneak in more veggies.

Try different herbs on the potatoes like dill, parsley, or even a pinch of curry powder for a twist.

For low-carb, replace potatoes with roasted cauliflower or sautéed zucchini. Sweet potatoes also make a delicious variation.

To stretch the dish further, stir in a can of drained lentils or cooked quinoa into the beef mixture.

Top with shredded cheese, hot sauce, or a fried egg for extra richness.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is a natural fit for meal prep—each component holds up well in the fridge and reheats with minimal loss of texture.

Serve it as a hearty weeknight dinner or pack it into lunch containers with a lemon wedge for freshness.

Pair with a side salad, simple vinaigrette, or sliced tomatoes with balsamic for extra color and nutrients.

It also works well for casual gatherings—serve family-style with crusty bread and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

Drinks like iced tea, mineral water with lemon, or a dry red wine pair nicely with the savory elements of the dish.

Nutritional & Health Notes

This meal is a balanced combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber-rich vegetables. Ground beef provides iron, B vitamins, and protein. Potatoes offer potassium and slow-burning energy, while broccoli is loaded with vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants.

For lower fat, use leaner ground meat and drain excess oil. To lower sodium, go easy on added salt and use unsalted herbs and seasonings.

Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats, and the variety of textures keeps the meal satisfying without needing heavy sauces or extras.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free (unless you add cheese), and easily adapted for paleo or Whole30 eating plans.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute. Just add extra seasoning like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs to boost the flavor.

2. How do I keep the potatoes crispy when reheating?
Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 400°F for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the texture.

3. Can I cook the broccoli with the potatoes?
Yes, but add it in the last 10–12 minutes of roasting to prevent overcooking. Toss with olive oil and season lightly.

4. What other vegetables can I use instead of broccoli?
Green beans, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower are all great options. Just adjust steaming or roasting time as needed.

5. Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Portion into containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store the broccoli separately if you want to keep it extra fresh.

6. Can I freeze the ground beef mixture?
Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

7. How do I make this more kid-friendly?
Leave out the stronger herbs or spices, and add a little shredded cheese or ketchup to the beef for flavor kids enjoy. Cut broccoli smaller for easier eating.

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