Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate weeknight comfort food, look no further—Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is about to become your new go-to dish. Every spoonful is hearty and packed with flavor, with golden potatoes, savory ground beef, and a glorious blanket of melty cheese. This cozy skillet meal comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have, making it the hero dinner your whole family will crave!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes so irresistible. All you need are simple, everyday staples, each playing a starring role—tender potatoes give substance, ground beef offers savory depth, and cheese brings it all together for melty, golden perfection. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Oil: Just a tablespoon helps the potatoes get golden and crisp around the edges. Use olive oil, canola, or whatever you have on hand.
• Potatoes (any kind): Whether you’re using russets, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes, just dice them evenly for consistent cooking (skins on for extra fiber, if you like!).
• Onion (½ medium, finely diced): Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the beefy flavors.
• Green bell pepper (½, finely diced): Brings color and a pop of mildly fresh flavor; feel free to swap for red or yellow bell pepper.
• Lean ground beef (1 lb): The protein anchor of the dish; you can sub in ground turkey, sausage, or even plant-based meat if you prefer.
• Tomato paste (2 tbsp): This concentrates the savory, umami notes—don’t skip it!
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives that crave-worthy aroma and tiny flavor burst in every bite.
• Seasoning salt (1½ tsp): Perfectly balances all the ingredients for well-rounded flavor.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that adds depth and just the right amount of “something extra.”
• Ground mustard (½ tsp): Adds a subtle tang and complexity—trust me, you’ll taste the difference.
• Black pepper (¼ tsp): Just enough to add warmth, but not overwhelm.
• Red pepper flakes (⅛ tsp): A gentle kick; add more if you love heat or leave out for a milder dish.
• Low sodium beef or chicken broth (¾ cup): Helps the potatoes cook to tender perfection while keeping everything juicy and saucy.
• Tomato sauce (½ cup): I love using marinara here, but feel free to use what you have. It blends seamlessly into the savory sauce.
• Cream (¼ cup, any kind): Adds just a touch of richness and luxury; use anything from half & half to full heavy cream… even a splash of milk works in a pinch.
• Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (1 cup): The golden, melty finale—use your favorite cheese or a blend for extra oomph.
• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions: These vibrant garnishes offer a burst of color and freshness right before serving.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for you to have fun. You can easily customize Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes to fit what’s in your kitchen, your flavor cravings, or any dietary needs. Here are a few creative twists to try:

• Swap the Protein: Switch out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even chopped sausage—each brings its own delicious character to the skillet.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, peas, or spinach. Harder veggies go in with the onion and pepper, softer ones with the sauce or at the end.
• Spice it Up: Craving heat? Add more red pepper flakes, a fresh jalapeño, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce right into the sauce.
• Make it Creamier: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream before adding the cheese for unbelievable creaminess.
• Dairy-Free or Lightened-Up: Use plant-based cheese and unsweetened oat cream for a dairy-free version, or sub half the cheese with nutritional yeast for that savory kick minus the richness.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes

Start by heating the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Dice your potatoes into neat ½-inch cubes—the smaller, the better for speedy cooking—and toss them right into the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often so they get an even golden edge and just begin to soften. This is where the irresistible toasty potato flavor starts to build.

Step 2: Add Onion and Bell Pepper

Soon as your potatoes are looking pale gold, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the kitchen starts to smell amazing. The veggies will soften just enough to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Push the veggies aside and add the ground beef right into the pan. Crumble and cook until it’s browned, breaking up big chunks with a spatula. Once there’s no pink left, carefully drain off any excess fat—or dab it with a paper towel if needed. This keeps the final dish from feeling greasy but preserves all the beefy flavor.

Step 4: Season and Add Aromatics

Time for the flavor bomb! Stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute—just until the garlic is fragrant and the spices have a chance to bloom. It’s the secret to an extra-layered, ultra-savory skillet.

Step 5: Simmer with Sauce and Broth

Pour in the broth, tomato sauce, and a splash of cream. Bring everything to a simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it gently bubble, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened—this may take a little patience, but it’s totally worth it. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking!

Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat, take off the lid, and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top. Cover again for just a minute to let the cheese melt into that perfect, ooey-gooey blanket. Finish with a fresh handful of chopped parsley or green onions, and your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is ready to serve piping hot!

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Garnishes

Top your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes with a flurry of fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a vibrant finish. For an extra indulgent twist, scatter a few crispy fried onions or a pinch of smoked paprika over the melted cheese—those little touches take it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is comforting and filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or just-steamed green beans will balance out the richness beautifully. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for mopping up every last drop of cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes into individual ramekins for a bistro-style look or pile it high on a rustic platter for family-style serving. For a crowd-pleasing twist, serve it in baked potato boats, or top it with a fried egg for a hearty brunch option that wows every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes will keep well in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. The flavors only get better, and it reheats like a dream for lunch or quick dinners later in the week!

Freezing

You can freeze this dish before adding the cheese—just portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and top with cheese while reheating for that fresh-melted effect.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave in bursts or warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if the mixture seems dry, and freshen up with another sprinkle of cheese or herbs if desired.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes, don’t you think? It’s homey, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—exactly the kind of dish that makes any night a little more delicious (and a lot easier). Give it a try this week, and get ready for happy faces around your table!

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