If you’re searching for a soul-warming dinner that combines comfort food classics in one skillet, look no further than Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes. This recipe wraps hearty ground beef, melty cheddar, and perfectly seasoned potatoes into one fabulous dish the whole family will request again and again. Every bite brings a cozy combination of flavors and textures—savory beef, soft potatoes, and ooey-gooey cheese—making it an absolute winner for everything from busy weeknights to casual gatherings with friends. It just might become your new favorite all-in-one meal!

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The lineup for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is wonderfully simple, yet each ingredient pulls its weight to create amazing flavor and color. Grab these staples from your fridge and pantry, and you’re just a few steps from mealtime magic.

Ground Beef: Provides hearty, savory flavor and makes this meal extra filling—look for an 80/20 blend for ideal juiciness.
Olive Oil: Just a splash helps the beef brown beautifully and adds a touch of richness.
Onion: Chopped onion brings a savory-sweet depth and aroma to every bite.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor and rounds out the dish.
Potatoes: These become meltingly tender and soak up all the seasoning goodness—russets or Yukon golds both work great.
Salt: Essential for pulling out all the natural flavors in the meat and potatoes.
Black Pepper: A little spice to balance out the richness.
Paprika: Adds warmth and subtle smokiness you’ll taste in every forkful.
Dried Oregano: Brings an herbal pop that brightens up the hearty ingredients.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into bubbly, golden deliciousness on top—feel free to use sharp cheddar for extra tang.
Beef Broth: Keeps everything moist, infuses the potatoes, and creates a flavorful base.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end adds color and a whisper of freshness to finish the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and break it up as it cooks, letting it brown on all sides. This not only creates super savory flavor, but it also lays the foundation for the rest of your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes—give it time to develop color and those tasty browned bits!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

To the browned beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook them together for about 3 to 4 minutes. As the onions soften and turn golden, the whole dish gets infused with savory-sweet flavors and aromatic depth that makes every bite irresistible.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Seasonings

Next, toss in your diced potatoes and sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Give everything a good stir so the potatoes pick up all those bold seasonings. This step is key for building the flavor profile of Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes, so don’t skimp on mixing!

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the beef broth, then cover your skillet and turn the heat down to low. Let the potatoes simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. They’ll slowly soak up the broth, getting tender and flavorful, while the liquid mostly absorbs. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is simply mouthwatering!

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Scatter the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef and potatoes. Pop the lid back on and let everything cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese will melt into bubbly, golden perfection, crowning your skillet with cheesy bliss. This might just be the best part of Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your masterpiece with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This touch of green adds freshness and color, making your hearty meal look as inviting as it tastes. Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes hot, straight from the skillet for maximum comfort!

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Garnishes

A simple shower of fresh parsley works wonders, or try sliced green onions for a mild crunch. For a playful twist, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra paprika can brighten up individual servings. Choose garnishes that add both color and a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy richness of the dish.

Side Dishes

To round out your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes, serve with a green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or a platter of roasted vegetables. Buttered green beans, peas, or even crispy bread rolls pair perfectly, adding freshness or something to mop up the extra cheesy bits. It’s a flexible dish that welcomes sidekicks of all kinds!

Creative Ways to Present

This skillet wonder doesn’t have to stay in the pan—try scooping it into individual ramekins for a cozy dinner party feel, or stuff leftovers into halved baked potatoes for a fun lunch twist. For kids, serve with a sprinkle of crushed potato chips on top for a little crunch. Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes are endlessly customizable for every occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle even more as they sit, so leftovers are always a treat!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the dish after it’s cooled. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure to thaw it safely in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, either warm individual portions in the microwave with a splash of beef broth to keep things moist, or cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. If you like, you can add another sprinkle of cheese during the last few minutes for an extra cheesy topping!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While ground beef gives Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes its classic flavor, substituting ground turkey or chicken works too. Just note that you may want to add a splash more broth or a sprinkle of extra herbs to amp up the flavor.

Which potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are a traditional choice because they become wonderfully tender, but Yukon golds are great too and add a buttery note. Feel free to use what you have on hand—the key is to dice them small and evenly so they cook through.

Is it okay to add other vegetables?

Definitely! Peas, corn, bell peppers, or even baby spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. This lets you boost the nutrition and color of Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes while using up fridge odds and ends.

How do I make this dish gluten free?

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is naturally gluten free as long as your beef broth is certified gluten free. Always check packaging to be sure, especially with store-bought broths and spices.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can brown the beef, sauté the onions and garlic, and even dice the potatoes a day in advance. Store everything separately and combine when ready to cook. Or, make the full dish ahead and simply reheat when it’s time to eat—it reheats beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes enough for anyone who loves the cozy flavors of classic home cooking with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just yourself after a long day, this hearty, cheesy skillet is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try and make it your own—you just might find it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!