Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Easy Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes: It’s a meal that whispers comfort, a hearty embrace on a busy weeknight, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family. We all have those dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia, and this particular combination of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey, melted cheese is undeniably one of them. What is it about this simple yet magnificent pairing that makes us crave it so intensely? Perhaps it’s the perfect balance of textures – the satisfying chew of the beef, the yielding softness of the potatoes, and the irresistible pull of that molten cheese. Or maybe it’s the way the flavors meld together, creating a symphony of savory goodness that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly adaptable. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a moment of pure culinary joy, a dish that will become a cherished staple in your repertoire. Get ready to transform everyday ingredients into something truly extraordinary with this delightful Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Preparing the Base

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. As the beef cooks, it will release its own delicious fat, which will help us build flavor. Once browned, I like to carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming too oily, leaving behind just enough to sauté the aromatics.
2. To the browned ground beef, add the chopped medium onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion begins to soften and turn translucent, which typically takes about 5 minutes. Onions provide a wonderful sweetness and depth to the dish. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for just another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
3. Now, it’s time to incorporate the seasonings that will give our Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes its signature flavor. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir everything together well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed amongst the beef and onions. Let these flavors meld together for about a minute, allowing the heat to bloom the spices and release their aromatic oils. This step is crucial for a truly flavorful foundation.
4. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Give them a good stir to coat them in the seasoned beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth. The broth will help the potatoes cook and also create a bit of a savory sauce as everything simmers. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the potatoes. If the liquid seems to be evaporating too quickly before the potatoes are tender, you can add a tablespoon or two more of beef broth or water.
5. Once the potatoes are fork-tender and the liquid has thickened slightly, it’s time for the cheesy finale! Remove the lid from the skillet and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the ground beef and potato mixture. Cover the skillet again for a minute or two, allowing the heat to melt the cheese into a glorious, gooey blanket. You can also gently stir some of the melted cheese into the mixture for an even distribution of cheesy goodness.
6. Finally, just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley. This adds a burst of freshness and a lovely vibrant green color, making the Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes look as appealing as it tastes. The parsley also provides a slight peppery note that complements the rich flavors of the beef and cheese beautifully. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, hearty goodness.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes! This dish is a true comfort food classic, bringing together tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a gooey, melted cheese topping for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward preparation and its ability to be customized to your liking. I hope you enjoy making and eating this delightful Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes as much as I do!

For serving, this dish is fantastic on its own as a hearty one-pan meal. However, it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. If you’re looking for variations, don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices to the ground beef mixture, such as a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder. You can also swap out the cheese for a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even add some finely chopped onions or bell peppers to the beef mixture while it’s browning.

Give this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe a try soon. I’m confident you’ll find it to be a go-to for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While russet potatoes work wonderfully for their fluffy texture when cooked, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the potato variety and the size of your cubes.

How can I make this recipe even cheesier?

To amp up the cheesiness, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese over the potatoes before adding the ground beef mixture, or even add a layer of cheese in between the potato and beef layers. For an extra decadent touch, you could also mix a tablespoon of cream cheese into your shredded cheese before topping the dish. This will create an even creamier, meltier cheese topping for your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Easy Recipe

A simple and comforting one-pan dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
2. Step 2
   Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3
   Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
4. Step 4
   Add diced potatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed.
5. Step 5
   Remove lid and sprinkle cheddar cheese over the mixture. Cover for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese. Gently stir to combine.
6. Step 6
   Stir in fresh parsley just before serving for a fresh garnish. Serve immediately.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.