Whip up a truly satisfying meal that brings comfort to your table with minimal effort. This cheesy ground beef and potatoes skillet is a perfect choice for busy weeknights, delivering hearty flavors in one simple pan. You’ll love the quick preparation and easy cleanup, making it a new family favorite. This recipe combines classic ingredients for a wonderfully comforting dish.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
This simple skillet meal isn’t just delicious; it also simplifies your cooking routine. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this easy cheesy ground beef and potato dish:
- One-Pot Convenience: Enjoy significantly less cleanup since everything cooks in a single large skillet, saving you precious time.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You likely already have most of these common items in your pantry, making grocery shopping a breeze.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an economical protein, and this recipe cleverly stretches it with potatoes to feed a crowd.
- Kid-Friendly: The classic flavors of beef, potatoes, and cheese are universally loved, ensuring even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: With minimal prep and cooking time, this hearty meal is on the table fast, making dinner stress-free.
Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious cheesy ground beef and potatoes skillet:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 ½ lbs baby yellow potatoes (chopped in half)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Notes & Substitutions
For the best results, use baby yellow potatoes for their creamy texture and quick cooking time. You can also use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes; just ensure they are cut into uniform, small pieces for even cooking. For a deeper dive into how different varieties perform in various dishes, learn more about choosing the right potato type for optimal texture in your recipes. Experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp provolone for different flavor profiles. If you prefer, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. Chicken broth or vegetable broth can easily replace beef broth if needed. Feel free to use fresh herbs like chopped parsley or oregano instead of dried, adding them at the very end for vibrant flavor.
Equipment for Your Skillet Meal
You won’t need many special tools for this easy recipe. Gather these basic kitchen essentials:
- A large cast iron skillet or a Dutch oven works perfectly for even cooking and heat retention.
- A ground beef masher or a sturdy spatula helps break up the meat efficiently.
- A cutting board and a sharp knife are essential for prepping your vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient portions every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create your delicious cheesy ground beef and potatoes skillet:
- Heat a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of salted butter.
- Add the 1 ½ pounds of chopped baby potatoes to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some crispy edges form. Transfer the potatoes to a plate and set them aside for now.
- Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the same pot. Break the beef into small pieces using a ground beef masher or the tip of a spatula. Cook and crumble the beef until it is completely browned, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. For more insights into achieving the perfect sear and flavor, understanding the science behind browning ground meat can enhance your cooking. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add 1 cup of diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the browned ground beef. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute until the aromatics are fragrant.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables thoroughly with the spices.
- Now, pour in 2 cups of beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Return the cooked potatoes to the pot, nestling them into the broth mixture. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then close the pot with a lid.
- Let this simmer until the broth has cooked down completely, and the potatoes are soft when poked with a fork, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir it into the warm potatoes and beef mixture until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
- Serve your delicious skillet immediately while it’s warm and the cheese is gooey.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
Achieve the best results for your cheesy ground beef and potatoes skillet with these simple tips. Ensure the broth reduces completely for a rich, flavorful sauce that coats everything beautifully. Don’t skip browning the potatoes first; those crispy edges add fantastic texture. Use lean ground beef to minimize the amount of grease you need to drain. Always adjust seasoning to your personal taste preference before serving. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning ingredients, as this can steam instead of sear. Finally, check potato tenderness with a fork for perfect texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for a flawless skillet meal. Not browning the meat properly can lead to a less flavorful dish. Undercooking or overcooking the potatoes will compromise their texture. Forgetting to drain excess fat can make the final dish greasy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty skillet meal with a crisp, simple green salad tossed in a vinaigrette to balance the richness. It also pairs wonderfully alongside steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Garnish your plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store any leftover cheesy ground beef and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out and to help achieve a creamy consistency again. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your skillet meal! Add diced bell peppers (any color) along with the onion for extra color and a hint of sweetness. Stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Incorporate smoked paprika for a deeper, more complex flavor profile. For an extra creamy touch, mix in a few tablespoons of cream cheese with the cheddar.
Nutrition Information
This delicious cheesy ground beef and potatoes recipe offers a balanced meal. Each serving provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 368kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 27g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 792mg |
| Potassium | 911mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 442IU |
| Vitamin C | 27mg |
| Calcium | 241mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Please note: Nutritional information is an approximation and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other potato types besides baby yellow potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well, just make sure to cut them into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and tenderness. Larger cuts may require a slightly longer simmering time.
Q: How can I make this cheesy ground beef and potatoes dish ahead of time?
A: You can prep ingredients in advance by chopping your potatoes and dicing the onion and garlic. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, ready to assemble and cook when you are.
Q: Can leftovers be frozen?
A: Yes, leftovers freeze beautifully! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Q: How do I make the dish less greasy?
A: To reduce greasiness, opt for lean or extra-lean ground beef. Always remember to drain any excess fat after browning the meat before adding other ingredients.
Q: What if the potatoes aren’t tender after simmering?
A: If your potatoes are still firm, simply continue simmering the dish with the lid on for a few more minutes. The cover helps steam the potatoes, ensuring they become perfectly tender.
Conclusion
This cheesy ground beef and potatoes skillet proves that delicious, comforting meals don’t need to be complicated. With its simple ingredients, one-pot convenience, and fantastic flavors, it’s a perfect addition to any busy weeknight rotation. We hope you’ll love making and sharing this easy, satisfying dish with your family. Try this recipe tonight and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, then add olive oil and salted butter.
- Add the chopped baby potatoes and cook for 5 minutes until crispy; transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in the same pot, breaking it into small pieces for about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic with the ground beef and cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano to the mixture and mix well.
- Pour in the beef broth, stir everything, and simmer covered for about 10 minutes until the broth reduces and potatoes are soft.
- Remove the pot from heat, add shredded cheese, and stir until melted before serving.