Perfect Baked Potato with Ground Beef Recipe

Get a complete, delicious baked potato and ground beef meal ready in 45 minutes with this foolproof recipe. Includes professional cooking techniques, customizable variations for dietary needs, and essential food safety guidelines for perfect results every time.

Looking for a satisfying, budget-friendly dinner that combines two classic comfort foods? This baked potato with ground beef recipe delivers hearty flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight family meal or meal prepping for the week, this versatile dish hits the sweet spot between nutrition and comfort.

Essential Recipe Facts at a Glance

Before we dive into the details, here's what you need to know about making the perfect baked potato with ground beef:

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Skill Level
10 minutes	35 minutes	45 minutes	4 servings	Beginner

Why This Baked Potato and Ground Beef Combination Works

The magic of this meal lies in the perfect balance between the fluffy, buttery baked potato and the savory, well-seasoned ground beef. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and potassium, while lean ground beef delivers high-quality protein and iron. When prepared correctly, this meal offers a complete nutritional profile that satisfies without excessive calories.

Professional-Tested Ingredients List

Quality ingredients make the difference between ordinary and exceptional. Here's what you'll need for the best baked potato dinner with ground beef:

For the Potatoes:

• 4 medium russet potatoes (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Ground Beef Topping:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• ½ cup finely diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving (Optional):

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Perfectly Baked Potatoes (The Foundation)

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it's heating, thoroughly wash and dry your potatoes. Prick each potato 4-5 times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.

Place potatoes directly on the middle oven rack with a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. For crispier skins, rub potatoes with a clean kitchen towel immediately after removing from the oven.

2. Flavorful Ground Beef Preparation

While potatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Cook until beef is browned and onions are translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

Add garlic, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assembly and Finishing Touches

Once potatoes are done, carefully slice open the top of each potato and fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon the prepared ground beef mixture generously over each potato. Add your preferred toppings like shredded cheese, which will melt slightly from the potato's heat.

Ground Beef Options Comparison

Choosing the right ground beef affects both flavor and nutrition. Here's a comparison of common options based on USDA nutritional data:

Ground Beef Type	Fat Content	Calories per 4oz	Protein per 4oz	Best For
Regular (70% lean)	30%	290	19g	Maximum flavor, special occasions
Lean (85% lean)	15%	250	22g	Everyday meals, balanced approach
Extra Lean (90-95% lean)	10% or less	197	22g	Health-focused meals, meal prep

Food Safety Timeline for Perfect Results

Following proper food safety guidelines ensures your baked potato and ground beef meal is both delicious and safe. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends these critical temperature checkpoints:

• 0-4 minutes: Ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) internal temperature within 4 minutes of browning to prevent bacterial growth
• 15-20 minutes: Potatoes should reach 205-210°F (96-99°C) internally for perfect texture
• 30 minutes: Cooked ground beef should not sit at room temperature longer than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F/32°C)
• 2 hours: Maximum safe time for cooked potatoes at room temperature before refrigeration

Dietary Adaptations for Every Need

This baked potato dinner with ground beef can be easily modified for various dietary requirements without sacrificing flavor:

Gluten-Free Version

The base recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your beef broth and any additional seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Lower-Carb Option

Use 85% lean ground beef and skip the beef broth to reduce carbohydrates. Serve with extra vegetables instead of traditional toppings.

Higher-Protein Variation

Add 1/4 cup black beans to the ground beef mixture or top with a fried egg for an extra protein boost, perfect for active individuals.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Even experienced cooks make these errors when preparing baked potato and ground beef meals:

• Skipping the potato pricking step - leads to potential bursting in the oven
• Overfilling with toppings - overwhelms the delicate potato flavor
• Using cold potatoes - prevents toppings from melding properly
• Under-seasoning the beef - ground beef needs proper seasoning to shine
• Not draining excess fat - makes the dish greasy rather than savory

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Proper storage extends the life of your baked potato dinner with ground beef:

• Refrigeration: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze the ground beef mixture for up to 3 months; potatoes don't freeze well
• Reheating: Microwave potatoes for 2-3 minutes, then heat beef mixture separately before combining
• Food Safety Tip: Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)

Nutritional Benefits of This Meal

When prepared with lean ground beef and minimal added fats, this baked potato dinner delivers impressive nutrition per serving:

• Approximately 450-550 calories depending on toppings
• 30-35g high-quality protein for muscle maintenance
• Significant potassium from potatoes (about 25% of daily value)
• Iron and zinc from ground beef supporting immune function
• Only 10-15g of healthy fats when using lean beef

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about preparing baked potato with ground beef:

Can I make baked potato with ground beef in the microwave?

Yes, you can microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes per potato on high, then finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin. Cook the ground beef separately in a skillet for best texture and flavor.

How do I prevent my baked potatoes from becoming dry?

Don't overbake potatoes - check at 35 minutes. Rub with olive oil before baking and store cooked potatoes with the skin on. When reheating, add a teaspoon of water or broth before microwaving to maintain moisture.

What's the best way to season ground beef for baked potatoes?

For classic flavor, use paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. For southwestern style, add cumin and chili powder. Italian-style works well with oregano and basil. Always season in layers - some when browning, more after draining fat.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Absolutely. Sweet potatoes pair beautifully with ground beef, especially with southwestern seasonings. Bake at the same temperature but check for doneness 5-10 minutes earlier as sweet potatoes cook faster than russets.