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
Units
Scale
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.
