If you’ve ever had one of those nights where you open the fridge, sigh dramatically, and hope dinner magically appears—this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is your new best friend. It’s hearty, quick to make, and checks every box for a satisfying skillet dinner. Imagine golden, tender potatoes mingling with savory ground beef, topped with a blanket of melted cheddar that practically sings comfort food.
As someone who firmly believes that food heals all, I can promise this dish delivers big-time cozy vibes with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers, your partner after a long workday, or just yourself (because you deserve it!), this recipe brings flavor, warmth, and maybe even a happy dance at the dinner table.
Plus, you only need one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your evening—preferably in fuzzy socks with a glass of something relaxing.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
This ground beef recipe hits the sweet spot between convenience and comfort. It’s budget-friendly, uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, and comes together in under 40 minutes. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth, cheesy potato bake that feels like home on a plate.
If you’re a fan of old-fashioned casseroles but dread the cleanup, this one-skillet wonder gives you all the satisfaction without the fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you need a little edible happiness.
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Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is the ultimate one-pan comfort dinner — hearty, creamy, and full of cozy flavor. This easy skillet meal combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese in a savory blend that’s pure comfort food perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (approx. 600 g)
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1 tsp (5 g) salt
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½ tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
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1 tsp (2.5 g) paprika
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½ tsp (1.25 g) dried oregano
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½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
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1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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1 tbsp (4 g) fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
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Add Flavor: Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
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Add Potatoes: Mix in diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir to coat evenly.
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Simmer: Pour in beef broth, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
Use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for the best texture.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese.
If you prefer a crispy top, broil for 2 minutes before serving.
Substitute lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet / One-Pan
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (approx. 600 g)
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1 tsp (5 g) salt
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½ tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
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1 tsp (2.5 g) paprika
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½ tsp (1.25 g) dried oregano
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1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
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1 tbsp (4 g) fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
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Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. -
Add Flavor:
Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until the onion softens and fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. -
Toss in the Potatoes:
Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Give everything a good stir so those spices coat every bite. -
Simmer It Down:
Pour in beef broth, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 20–25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the liquid mostly evaporates. -
Make It Cheesy:
Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. -
Finish & Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot straight from the skillet.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Skillet Dinner
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Cut Evenly: Dice your potatoes evenly so they cook through at the same time.
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No Broth? Use water with a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a quick substitute.
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Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap in pepper jack cheese.
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Love a crispy top? Pop the skillet under the broiler for 2 minutes to get that golden, bubbly finish.
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And if your cheese doesn’t melt instantly—don’t panic! It’s just teasing you before the big reveal.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This recipe was born out of one of those nights—when dinner needed to happen fast, and my fridge looked like it was holding a clearance sale. A handful of potatoes, some ground beef, and a lone block of cheddar later, Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes became a family favorite.
My kids call it “Mom’s magic skillet,” and honestly, they’re not wrong. It’s the dish I turn to when life feels a little too hectic, or when I just need something that feels like a warm hug. I’ve served it at casual family gatherings and quiet Tuesday nights alike—and it never fails to bring smiles (and second helpings).
What to Serve with Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
This dish is satisfying on its own, but if you want to elevate the meal:
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Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing balance.
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Add a side of buttered green beans or roasted broccoli for color and crunch.
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Feeling indulgent? A warm slice of garlic bread is pure bliss alongside this comfort food classic.
And for dessert—something easy, like chocolate pudding or apple crisp. Because, why not end the night sweetly?
How to Store and Reheat
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the potatoes from drying out.
To reheat:
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Microwave: 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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Oven: 350°F for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and reheat for a ready-to-go skillet dinner that tastes just as good as day one.
AQs About Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack all melt beautifully.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for lentils, crumbled tofu, or plant-based “beef” crumbles.
What’s the best potato to use?
Yukon Golds or russets work best—they hold their shape but still get wonderfully soft inside.
Can I bake this instead of using the skillet?
Of course. Transfer the cooked beef and potatoes to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Voilà—your very own cheesy potato bake!
A Final Bite of Comfort
There’s something beautifully simple about Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes—it’s the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table, forks ready, smiles guaranteed. It’s humble, hearty, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
So next time you’re craving comfort but don’t want the fuss, grab your skillet, some ground beef, and those trusty potatoes. Dinner will be ready before you know it—and your kitchen will smell like pure happiness.
Because sometimes, the best meals aren’t fancy—they’re just cheesy, cozy, and made with love.