Craving a comforting, hearty weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor and cheesy goodness? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet delivers everything you want in one dish: tender, golden potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. The combination of spices, onions, and garlic elevates this simple meal into a crowd-pleasing classic. Perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or casual gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare, satisfying, and loaded with cozy flavors everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
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Kid-Approved: Cheesy, flavorful, and tender potatoes are always a hit.
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.
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Versatile: Customize with different cheeses, veggies, or spices.
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Comfort Food Favorite: Hearty and satisfying, ideal for chilly evenings.
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Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredient Breakdown
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Ground Beef: Provides savory richness and protein, forming the hearty base of the dish.
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Olive Oil: Helps sauté the beef and vegetables while adding subtle flavor.
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Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish when cooked until soft.
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Garlic: Infuses the skillet with aromatic flavor that complements the beef and potatoes.
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Potatoes: Tender and starchy, they soak up the savory juices for a comforting texture.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
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Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a beautiful golden color.
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Dried Oregano: Provides earthy, herbal notes for balance.
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts over the dish for creamy, gooey satisfaction.
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Beef Broth: Helps cook the potatoes evenly and keeps the skillet moist.
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Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness as garnish.
Pro Tips
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Even Potato Cooking: Cut potatoes into uniform sizes so they cook evenly with the beef.
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Cheese Variations: Try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or mozzarella for different flavors and textures.
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Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
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Crispy Finish: For extra texture, broil the skillet for 1–2 minutes after adding cheese to get a lightly browned top.
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Make It Creamier: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese before melting the cheddar for extra creaminess.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Ground Meat Options: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for the beef.
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Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
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Potato Alternatives: Use sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet, colorful twist.
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Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Gouda, or Swiss for unique flavor profiles.
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Broth Choices: Use chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer lighter flavors or don’t have beef broth on hand.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
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Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the cheesy goodness.
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Complement with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced plate.
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Top with a fried or poached egg for a brunch-style variation.
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Serve as a side to a fresh coleslaw or pickled vegetables for added texture and tang.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Prepare in Advance: Dice potatoes and chop onions ahead of time for a faster cooking process.
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Reheating Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave until warmed through.
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Freezing: Fully cooked and cooled portions can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
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Cheese Tip: Add fresh cheese when reheating to restore the gooey texture.
Cultural or Historical Notes
One-pan ground beef and potato dishes have been a cornerstone of home cooking in the United States for decades. They are rooted in practical, budget-friendly cooking, often using pantry staples and minimal cleanup. This cheesy variation builds on that tradition by layering in melted cheddar and flavorful spices, transforming a simple skillet meal into a comforting classic perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It reflects the timeless appeal of hearty, cheesy comfort foods loved across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly version.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture when cooked. Russets can be used but may become softer.
Can I make this in the oven instead of a skillet?
Absolutely. Brown the beef and sauté vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer to a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, finishing with cheese melted on top.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?
Make sure to add enough broth and stir occasionally. A nonstick skillet or lightly greased pan works best.
Can I add more spices for flavor?
Yes! Try smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the dish.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and potatoes. Cover again and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
