I absolutely love sharing this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe because it’s one of those comforting dishes that just hits the spot any time of year. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheese come together to create something so hearty and delicious. The best part? It’s an easy weeknight meal that feels like a little celebration on your plate.
You’ll find that this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe works perfectly when you want a filling dinner without fussing over complicated steps or expensive ingredients. It’s great for busy evenings or even when you want to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat. Plus, the cheesy finish always has my family going crazy — it’s a real crowd-pleaser that I bet will be in your regular rotation once you try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity meets flavor: Minimal ingredients create a rich, satisfying meal without complicated steps.
- Flexible and forgiving: You can swap veggies or meat easily, making it perfect for what’s in your fridge.
- Comfort food that feels special: The melty cheese and seasoned beef give it a cozy, homemade vibe.
- Family-approved: It’s a one-pan wonder that even picky eaters tend to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe, the ingredients are straightforward but work so well together to build layers of flavor and texture. Choosing fresh potatoes and quality cheese here really shines through in the final dish.
- Oil: I like using a neutral oil like canola or vegetable for sautéing to keep things light.
- Potatoes: Red-skinned or Yukon Gold are my top picks for their flavor and texture, and keeping the skins adds great fiber.
- Onion (finely diced): Adds sweetness and depth; don’t skip it!
- Green bell pepper (finely diced): Gives a nice fresh crunch and color contrast.
- Lean ground beef: Choose at least 90% lean so it’s not too greasy but still flavorful.
- Tomato paste: Small addition that brings concentrated umami and balances richness.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for that savory kick.
- Seasoning salt: Adds a layered salty-umami boost to all the ingredients.
- Italian seasoning: This herb mix gives a subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- Ground mustard: A little unexpected but it brightens and deepens the flavor beautifully.
- Black pepper: Fresh ground is best for a sharp finish.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds just a touch of heat—you can adjust to your taste.
- Low sodium beef or chicken broth: Used to gently cook the potatoes and infuse flavor.
- Tomato sauce (marinara or similar): Adds tomato richness without overpowering the dish.
- Cream (any kind): This little splash makes everything silky and comforting.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: The crowning glory—choose your favorite melty cheese.
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish: Brings freshness and color to the finished plate.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe is, and I’m always tweaking it based on what’s in my kitchen and what my family’s craving. Feel free to make it your own!
- Use other meats: I’ve swapped ground turkey or even sausage here with great results — each gives a slightly different flavor profile.
- Extra veggies: Once, I added diced zucchini and mushrooms — it worked beautifully, especially when I had some veggies to use up.
- Spicy kick: If you like heat, I bump up the red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of hot sauce right before serving.
- Dairy-free: Try coconut cream instead of regular cream and a dairy-free cheese for a tasty alternative.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes to Golden Perfection
Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your diced potatoes (about 1 cm cubes) and stir frequently for 5-6 minutes until they start to develop a light golden color and soften just a bit. This step is key because that golden exterior adds texture and flavor later on. Be patient and keep stirring so they cook evenly without sticking or burning.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Onions and Peppers
Next, toss in your finely diced onion and green pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften just enough to release their sweetness. This little flavor base gives the dish so much character—no shortcuts here!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef Just Right
Add your ground beef to the pan and break it up with a spatula. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. I like to drain any excess fat or blot it with a paper towel here to keep the dish from being greasy — especially if you want the focus to be on the potato and cheese textures.
Step 4: Stir in Spices and Sauces for Depth
Mix in the tomato paste, minced garlic, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir this fragrant mixture for about 1 minute to toast the spices and really boost the flavor. Then, pour in the broth, tomato sauce, and cream — these liquids help finish cooking the potatoes while creating a luscious, saucy base.
Step 5: Simmer and Let Everything Meld Together
Cover your pan and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently, stirring often, until the potatoes are tender through (this can take some time, usually around 20 minutes). This slow cooking lets the flavors marry beautifully and the potatoes soak up all the delicious seasonings. Give it a taste and adjust salt or pepper if you want more punch.
Step 6: Finish with Melty Cheese and Garnish
Take the pan off heat, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover again just until the cheese melts—usually a couple of minutes. I love this gooey cheesy layer on top! Finish with some fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a bright, fresh note that complements all the richness.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Par-cook potatoes for speed: If you’re short on time, microwave your cubed potatoes with a splash of water for 3-4 minutes to speed up the softening process.
- Drain grease thoughtfully: I learned draining excess fat after browning keeps the dish hearty but not greasy—balance is key.
- Season layers: Adding salt and spices during each major step builds deeper flavor than just seasoning at the end.
- Use a good lid: Covering the pan while simmering traps steam, helping the potatoes cook evenly and reducing cooking time.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top this dish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and mild herbaceous flavor, plus a few sliced green onions for a gentle bite. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce jazzes it up pretty well too. These simple garnishes really brighten the rich, cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands beautifully on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a fresh, green contrast. Sometimes I add a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce — it turns the meal into an extra satisfying comfort feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins sprinkled with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden on top. It makes the meal feel a little upscale while keeping all the down-home flavors. Plus, the presentation always sparks compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and honestly, the flavors seem to deepen overnight. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing the container to avoid sogginess. It keeps well for about 3-4 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or easy dinner.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish both before and after adding cheese. If freezing before cheese, add the shredded cheese fresh when reheating for best melt and texture. Wrapped tightly and stored in a freezer-safe container, it keeps well for up to 3 months — perfect for batch cooking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally so it warms evenly without drying out or sticking. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. I find microwaving works too, covered loosely, but the stovetop method keeps the potatoes tender and the cheese nice and gooey.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen potatoes for the Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe?
Yes, though fresh potatoes work best for texture and flavor. If you use frozen, thaw and drain them well before cooking to prevent excess moisture, and adjust the cooking time since frozen potatoes soften faster.
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What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Mozzarella and cheddar both melt beautifully and add great flavor. You can mix both or swap in other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a different twist.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed lentils and mushrooms. Increase the seasoning slightly to boost the flavor since plant proteins can be milder.
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How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?
Use enough oil and keep stirring frequently during the initial potato sauté. Also, using a non-stick or heavy-bottomed skillet helps distribute heat evenly and prevents sticking.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your broth or seasoning salt labels to be sure there are no hidden gluten-containing additives.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my cooking heart because it’s a real crowd-pleaser that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum comfort. I love how it’s easy to customize, forgiving, and ultimately just plain delicious. I hope when you try it, it becomes one of your go-to recipes for busy nights or anytime you need a warm, satisfying meal made with love. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll keep coming back for that cheesy, cozy goodness!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe combines tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and melty cheese in a single skillet. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it features a blend of spices, tomato paste, and cream to create a rich, savory dish that’s easy to prepare and customize with your favorite vegetables or ground meats.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 1/2 lbs potatoes (any kind, diced into 1 cm cubes)
- 1/2 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 green bell pepper (finely diced)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 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)
- 1/4 cup cream (any kind)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Cook Potatoes: Add the oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the skillet has a fitting lid. Cut the potatoes into 1 cm (½”) cubes, then add them to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until they become light golden and begin to soften.
- Sauté Onion and Pepper: Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook and stir until the beef is browned throughout. Drain any excess fat or use a paper towel to soak it up to keep the dish leaner.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir for about 1 minute to develop the flavors.
- Simmer with Broth and Sauce: Pour in the low sodium 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 seasoning as needed.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and uncover. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again just until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Potatoes: Any potatoes will work, but red-skinned potatoes or Yukon gold are preferred. For extra fiber, leave skins on if fresh and clean.
- Speed Shortcut: To reduce cooking time, use leftover cooked potatoes or microwave diced potatoes with ¼ cup water for 3-4 minutes before adding to the skillet.
- Meat Variations: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, pork, or sausage for different flavors.
- Spice Level: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to boost the heat.
- Extra Veggies: Customize with other vegetables from your fridge. Add firm vegetables with onions and peppers; softer vegetables can be stirred in with the sauce or at the end.
