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
Units
Scale
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.
