This hearty and flavorful Ground Beef and Potato Dinner is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Paired with a refreshing Fennel Apple Salad, it provides a delightful balance of savory and fresh flavors that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Potato Dinner:
- 4-5 potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp sweet pepper
- 450 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 onion
- 1/2 tsp sweet peppers
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 9 oz crushed tomatoes
- Mozzarella (optional)
Ingredients for Fennel Apple Salad:
- 3 tbsp lemon juice, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 Granny Smith apple (or 1 green apple)
- 3 celery stalks
- Fennel fronds or roughly chopped parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Directions:
Ground Beef and Potato Dinner:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and slice the potatoes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and 1/2 tsp sweet pepper. Arrange them in a baking dish.
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they start to become tender.
- While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil and cook the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with salt, black pepper, 1/2 tsp sweet peppers, and oregano. Cook until the beef is browned.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour the beef mixture over the potatoes in the baking dish. If using, sprinkle mozzarella on top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Fennel Apple Salad:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Thinly slice the fennel bulb using a mandolin. Slice the apple and celery stalks.
- Add the fennel, apple, celery, fennel fronds or parsley, and toasted walnuts to the bowl. Toss everything together to coat with the dressing.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Ground Beef and Potato Dinner hot, with a generous portion of the Fennel Apple Salad on the side.
- Complement the meal with a glass of your favorite red wine or a refreshing sparkling water.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a clove of minced garlic to the ground beef mixture while cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Use a mandolin for even and thin slices of fennel, apple, and celery in the salad.
Nutritional Benefits:
- The ground beef provides a good source of protein and iron.
- Potatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C.
- Fennel and apple add fiber and vitamins to the meal.
- Walnuts contribute healthy fats and protein.
Dietary Information:
- This meal is gluten-free if served without bread or with gluten-free bread.
- The salad can be made dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan cheese.
Storage:
- Store leftovers of the Ground Beef and Potato Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The Fennel Apple Salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain crispness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.
- The combination of hearty potatoes and savory ground beef is satisfying and flavorful.
- The fresh and crisp Fennel Apple Salad adds a refreshing contrast.
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
Conclusion:
Enjoy the perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors with this Ground Beef and Potato Dinner paired with a Fennel Apple Salad. It’s a meal that’s not only delicious but also nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.