If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s both hearty and full of flavor, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is a winner every time. I absolutely love how the tender potatoes perfectly soak up the savory, spiced ground beef mixture, all topped off with a blanket of gooey melted cheese. It’s exactly the kind of dish that feels like a comforting hug after a busy day in the kitchen.
What makes this recipe really stand out for me is how versatile and forgiving it is—you can customize it easily while still hitting those savory, cheesy notes that make it so crave-worthy. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or something that can feed a hungry crowd, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe has got you covered. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, One-Pan Cooking: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Loaded with Comforting Flavors: The blend of seasoning, tomato paste, and cheese gives it a rich, satisfying taste.
- Flexible Ingredient Options: You can swap or add veggies and proteins to suit what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish—it’s kid-approved and perfect for casual meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe balances heartiness with flavor, and you’ll find shopping for them is a breeze. The combo of potatoes and ground beef forms the base, while seasonings and cheese bring in the depth.
- Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best for sautéing.
- Potatoes: I prefer Yukon gold or red-skinned for this recipe; they hold shape well and taste delicious with the skin on.
- Onion: Finely diced for sweetness and depth; a yellow or white onion will do.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a mild crunch and fresh flavor.
- Lean ground beef: Lean but flavorful, balancing richness without too much fat.
- Tomato paste: Helps build a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic, because fresh always tastes better.
- Seasoning salt: For savory depth and a bit of spice.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties the dish together.
- Ground mustard: Adds a subtle tang and warmth.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is ideal for bite and aroma.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to add a hint of heat—adjust to your taste.
- Low sodium broth: Either beef or chicken broth works well to keep things moist and flavorful.
- Tomato sauce: Marinara or a simple tomato sauce adds saucy richness.
- Cream: Any kind will do, smoothing out the sauce.
- Shredded cheese: Mozzarella or cheddar melt beautifully, making this truly cheesy.
- Parsley or green onions: Fresh garnish adds a pop of color and brightness.
Variations
Over time, I’ve played around with different versions of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe, and it’s fun to make it your own. Whether you want to add veggies, spice it up, or swap the meat, you can customize it easily without losing what makes it so comforting.
- Vegetable Boost: I love tossing in diced zucchini or mushrooms along with the peppers and onions to stretch the meal and add texture.
- Spicy Kick: Adding extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce really wakes up the flavors, perfect when you want something bold.
- Protein Swap: Tried it with ground turkey and it was just as delicious—lighter but still satisfying!
- Cheese Choices: Using a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar gives an extra depth that my family asks for again and again.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes Until Golden
Start by heating your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—be sure it has a lid because you’ll need it later! Cut your potatoes into about ½ inch cubes and add them right to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until the potatoes turn a light golden brown and just start getting tender. This step is key because cooking the potatoes properly sets the stage for the whole dish. If your potatoes seem to be sticking or browning too fast, lower the heat slightly and stir more frequently.
Step 2: Build the Base with Veggies and Beef
Next, toss in the finely diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the pepper softens. Then add your ground beef. Cook everything together, breaking up the beef as it browns. When the beef looks cooked through, drain any excess fat or soak it up with a paper towel to keep the dish from being greasy. This step nicely builds layers of flavor and texture that make the dish so satisfying.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Simmer to Perfection
Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic first, cooking for a minute to release their aromas. Then add your seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good mix so the flavors blend well. Pour in the broth, tomato sauce, and cream, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook while stirring occasionally until the potatoes are fork-tender. This can take some time, but patience pays off here—your potatoes will soak up all that delicious flavor!
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Serve
When the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened nicely, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, cover just long enough for it to melt—usually 2-3 minutes—and then dig in! I love adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions here too, because the brightness balances the richness beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Pre-Cook Potatoes to Save Time: If you’re short on time, microwave diced potatoes with a splash of water for 3-4 minutes before starting—they’ll cook faster in the skillet.
- Drain Excess Fat Thoroughly: Removing extra grease after browning the beef prevents a soggy dish and keeps flavors sharp.
- Use a Lid for Melting Cheese: Don’t skip covering the skillet after adding cheese—it helps melt the cheese evenly without drying out the surface.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Always taste before the final melt stage and tweak salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I keep it simple but fresh—chopped parsley or sliced green onions add a lovely pop of color and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top just before serving for that final cheesy touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty filling on its own, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to bring some crunch and lightness to the meal. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple coleslaw works beautifully too, especially when you want to balance the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special family dinners, I’ve served this cheesy ground beef and potatoes mixture layered in a casserole dish and baked with extra cheese on top for a browned crust. Another fun idea I tried was scooping it into hollowed-out bell peppers or small baked potatoes for an impressive but easy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, so I often find my first leftover bite even better than dinner!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, which is great for meal prep. Just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When I thaw and reheat, it’s still creamy and delicious—perfect for a quick, comforting meal any night.
Reheating
I prefer reheating leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, stirring often. You can also reheat in the microwave covered loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, but be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese in the Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar are my go-to because they melt smoothly and have great flavor, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy twist, or even a sharp white cheddar if you prefer a bolder taste. Just pick a cheese that melts well for that perfect cheesy texture.
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Is it okay to use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen diced potatoes can be a convenient shortcut and actually speed up cooking time. Just be mindful that if they’re pre-cooked or seasoned, you might want to adjust your seasonings accordingly. Adding them directly can save up to 10 minutes.
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How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
To make it vegetarian, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. You can also boost the veggie content by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant to keep it hearty and satisfying without meat.
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What’s the best way to get potatoes tender without making the dish soggy?
The key is cooking the potatoes long enough over medium-low heat and stirring regularly but gently—covering the pan helps them steam through without soaking in too much liquid. Starting with a good sear before adding liquids also helps keep the texture right.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep all your ingredients and even cook the potatoes ahead of time, then assemble and heat everything just before eating. This saves a bunch of time on busy nights and makes it feel fresh and homemade.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is definitely one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it strikes the perfect balance of cheesy comfort and flavorful satisfaction. It’s straightforward to make, forgiving when cooking, and delicious enough to make weeknight dinners feel special. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—consider this your new go-to recipe for cozy nights in with family or friends!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with a blend of seasonings for a satisfying comfort dish that’s easy to prepare and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 lbs potatoes (any kind)
- 1/2 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 green bell pepper (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup cream (any kind)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Pantry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup low sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (marinara or similar)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Add the oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat ensuring the skillet has a lid for later steps.
- Cook the potatoes: Cut the potatoes into 1 cm (½ inch) cubes and add to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until they develop a light golden color and begin to soften.
- Sauté onions and peppers: Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook and stir until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat or blot it up with a paper towel to reduce grease.
- Add seasonings and tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir for 1 minute to bloom the flavors.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the beef or chicken broth, tomato sauce, and cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring often, until the potatoes are tender, which may take some time. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat, uncover, and top the dish evenly with shredded cheese. Cover again and let it sit just until the cheese melts.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the cheesy ground beef and potatoes onto plates and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness.
Notes
- Potatoes: Any variety works, though red-skinned or Yukon gold are preferred. Leaving skins on adds extra fiber.
- Speed up cooking: Use leftover cooked potatoes or microwave fresh diced potatoes with 1/4 cup water for 3-4 minutes before adding to the skillet.
- Meat alternatives: Substitute ground chicken, turkey, pork, or sausage for the ground beef for variation.
- Spice level: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce for more heat.
- Extra vegetables: Add firmer veggies like carrots or celery with the peppers and onions, and softer veggies like spinach near the end with the sauce.
