Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is the kind of meal that does the impossible: it satisfies hunger with hearty comfort, is simple enough for a busy weeknight, and promises a tableful of happy smiles with every bite. Think bubbling, golden cheddar blanketing savory ground beef and melting into tender potatoes—all in one easy skillet! This dish is consistently a favorite in my kitchen for its flavor and warmth, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that you’ll want to make it again and again, whether for sudden cravings or cozy get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes shines in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a starring role, either by bringing depth and richness, adding a pop of color, or building that crave-worthy, cheesy goodness that makes this dish hard to resist.

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and juiciness—leaner beef works too but may be less rich.
• Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon helps brown the beef and prevents sticking, plus it gives added depth to every bite.
• Onion: Fresh, chopped onion brings mild sweetness and a juicy tenderness to the skillet.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses aromatic warmth that lifts up all the savory elements.
• Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes for fluffiness, and dice them evenly for uniform cooking and a creamy texture.
• Salt: Don’t skimp—proper seasoning is key to bringing all the flavors together.
• Black Pepper: Adds that gentle heat and contrast that makes each bite pop.
• Paprika: A dash of paprika gives the dish a smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
• Dried Oregano: Brings earthiness and a Mediterranean twist that complements the beef and cheese.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The centerpiece of creamy, melty magic—grate your own for the smoothest melt.
• Beef Broth: This liquid gold infuses the potatoes with robust flavor and prevents the skillet from drying out.
• Fresh Parsley: A final scatter for a burst of color and a hit of fresh herbal brightness that balances all that richness.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start with a hot skillet and a swirl of olive oil, then add your ground beef. As it sizzles and browns, be sure to break it up with a spoon so you end up with those lovely crumbles—each destined to soak up plenty of flavor. Don’t rush this step: letting the beef develop a little crust adds tons of savory depth that will carry through the whole dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Next, stir in your chopped onion and minced garlic. As these cook, your kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible! Give them just a few minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This short step unlocks a subtle sweetness that sets the stage for all the other flavors.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Now it’s time for the magic of Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes to take off. Toss in the diced potatoes and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir everything together until the potatoes are well coated in all those beautiful spices—the paprika, especially, starts coloring the whole mess a tantalizing red-gold.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in beef broth, making sure it seeps into all the nooks and crannies. Cover the skillet, turn the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer gently. In about 20-25 minutes, the potatoes will be fork-tender and wonderfully infused, and the liquid will have mostly absorbed, leaving you with a savory, stew-like filling stubbornly hard to resist.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Scatter shredded cheddar cheese generously over the skillet. Cover again, just for a couple of minutes, so the cheddar melts into a luscious blanket of gooey goodness. This is the defining moment for any Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes masterpiece—the cheese ties it all together, gooey and golden.

Step 6: Finish with Parsley

Before you scoop out generous servings, accent the bubbling skillet with freshly chopped parsley. This simple garnish adds brightness and freshness, popping against the rich golden tones and rounding out every mouthful.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Garnishes

Nothing beats a final sprinkle of vibrant green parsley to make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes look as inviting as it tastes. For extra flair, try a handful of sliced green onions, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even a dollop of sour cream for creamy tang. Let everyone at the table customize their plate, and watch those smiles appear!

Side Dishes

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is a meal all on its own, but it happily cozies up to a simple green salad or some steamed broccoli. Add warm dinner rolls or crusty bread on the side to mop up every last cheesy bit, and consider a fresh cucumber salad or a pile of pickles for a zippy contrast if you like balancing richness with something cool and crisp.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop the mixture into baked potato skins, stuff into bell peppers, or use it as a topper for baked sweet potatoes—let your creativity run wild! Serving it layered over rice or with tortilla chips on the side turns Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes into a fabulous, informal party dish or weeknight nacho platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes? Lucky you! Allow leftovers to cool, then portion into airtight containers. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready for quick lunches or low-stress dinners whenever you need a cheesy pick-me-up.

Freezing

Want to stash some for a rainy day? This dish freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers (portion-sized if you like). It’ll keep its magic for up to 2 months, making future you very happy indeed. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

For the tastiest leftovers, reheat Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes in a covered skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. Microwave reheating works if you’re in a pinch—just cover your plate so the cheese stays melty and the potatoes don’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic and provides that signature melt, you can mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for a new twist. Experiment with blends to find your favorite cheesy topping for this hearty dish.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Peeled potatoes give a smoother texture, but feel free to leave the skins on if you like a more rustic vibe. Just scrub them well; the skins add extra nutrition and a bit more bite, making Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes even heartier.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can prep Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes ahead! Make the recipe completely, cool, and refrigerate covered up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of beef broth and a fresh sprinkle of parsley to breathe new life into leftovers.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It sure is, as written—no flour or breadcrumbs needed! Just double-check your beef broth and packaged spices to ensure they’re gluten-free if using store-bought brands.

Could I add veggies to the dish?

Definitely. Toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, or even peas when you add the potatoes for extra color and nutrition. Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is versatile enough to welcome whatever you have in the crisper drawer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, deeply flavorful, and impossibly easy to make, Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes really is the answer. I can’t wait for you to scoop into this cheesy, bubbly skillet and experience why it’s such a beloved favorite. Give it a try and let it warm your heart—and your dinner table!

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