Delicious Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

Savory Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty ground beef and potatoes casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of melted cheese create a delightful blanket over seasoned meat and tender potato chunks.

Family dinners suddenly become something everyone anticipates with excitement.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Crispy edges and gooey centers make each bite irresistibly tempting.

Weeknight cooking just got a whole lot more delicious.

Jump into this recipe and watch smiles bloom around your dinner table.

Storing Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes the Right Way

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2-3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile.

  • What if I don't have fresh parsley for garnish?

No worries! You can skip the parsley or use dried herbs like chives or green onions as an alternative garnish.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love cheesy potato and beef dishes, and this recipe is simple and flavorful that children will enjoy.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare most of the recipe in advance and reheat it in a skillet or microwave, adding fresh cheese when serving to maintain its creamy texture.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes: Why It’s So Loved

  • Craft a Comforting Meal: This ground beef and potato dish delivers ultimate comfort food satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves hearty, cheesy goodness.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Requires just one skillet, basic ingredients, and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can master with confidence.
  • Nutrition-Packed Dinner Solution: Combines protein-rich ground beef, filling potatoes, and calcium-packed cheese into a balanced, satisfying meal that keeps hunger at bay.

Ingredients in Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that become tender and provide a satisfying base for the recipe.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a delicious tangy flavor.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables provide a deep, savory foundation for the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste and complexity of the ground beef and potatoes.
Liquid and Garnish:
  • Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the potatoes and adds moisture to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and browning the ground beef.
  • Parsley: An optional fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish and subtle freshness.

How to Bake Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Sizzle Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a warm cooking surface for your delicious ingredients.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions

Add diced onion and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Introduce minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Break the beef apart while cooking until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat, creating a flavor-packed base.

Step 5: Simmer Potatoes

Add diced potatoes and beef broth to the skillet. Cover and let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the potatoes to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Remove the lid and stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Watch as the cheese melts and creates a creamy, luxurious coating over the beef and potatoes.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve the dish hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness.

Tips to Maximize Flavor in Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of this hearty dish.
  • Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
  • Grate fresh cheddar cheese for a more robust and melty cheese experience compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for an extra kick of heat if you enjoy spicier meals.
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set slightly before serving.

Flavor Boosts to Try with Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

  • Vegetarian Potato Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly meal.
  • Spicy Mexican Style: Add diced jalapeños, taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate oregano, feta cheese, and add diced bell peppers to create a Mediterranean-inspired one-pan dish.

Side Dishes to Pair with Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty skillet directly at the table in the pan, letting everyone scoop out their own cheesy portions with crusty bread on the side.
  • Loaded Potato Casserole Style: Transfer the beef and potato mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy golden crust.
  • Meal Prep Lunch Solution: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches, keeping the dish warm in a thermos for work or school.
  • Tex-Mex Twist Serving: Top with sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and chopped cilantro for a spicy southwestern-inspired presentation that adds extra flavor and zest.
Print
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Delicious Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

Delicious Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty ground beef and potatoes casserole blends savory flavors from classic comfort cuisine. Rich cheese and tender potato layers create a satisfying meal you’ll eagerly devour.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
  • 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Liquids and Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet positioned over medium temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
  2. Introduce diced onions and sauté until they transform into a translucent, softened state with a slight golden edge, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic and ground beef into the skillet, actively crumbling the meat while cooking until it reaches a rich, deep brown color and fully separates, roughly 5-7 minutes.
  4. Elevate the flavor profile by sprinkling salt, freshly ground black pepper, and paprika across the meat mixture, thoroughly mixing to ensure even distribution.
  5. Carefully fold diced potatoes into the seasoned meat, then pour beef broth over the ingredients, creating a moisture-rich environment.
  6. Secure the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow the contents to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, enabling potatoes to become fork-tender and absorb surrounding flavors.
  7. Once potatoes reach desired softness, unveil the skillet and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, stirring until cheese melts completely and integrates seamlessly with the meat and potato mixture.
  8. Optional: Enhance visual appeal and freshness by scattering chopped parsley on top, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier, firmer texture that holds up better during cooking.
  • Drain excess beef fat after browning to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, lighter dish.
  • Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent overcooking and ensure smooth, silky cheese integration.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lower-fat or vegetarian versions, and use lactose-free cheese for dairy-sensitive diners.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 530 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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