Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes – The Ultimate Comfort Skillet Dinner

Nothing brings people together like a warm, satisfying skillet meal—and Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is a true family favorite. This hearty, one-pan dinner is rich in flavor, loaded with tender potatoes, savory beef, and gooey cheese that melts into every bite. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and offers maximum flavor with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re a home cook looking for quick weeknight ideas or craving a nostalgic casserole-style dinner, this cheesy hamburger potato bake checks every box. With simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, it’s no wonder this dish is a beloved classic.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and potatoes are affordable staples.
• Family Approved: Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
• Comfort Food Classic: A nostalgic flavor that feels like home.
• Quick Prep: Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
• Flexible: Easily adaptable with different veggies or cheeses.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores and reheats beautifully.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Just make sure your beef broth is certified.

Ingredients for Success

Every ingredient in this ground beef and potato casserole with cheese serves a purpose—here’s how.

• 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean (85/15 or 90/10) for rich flavor without excess grease.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the beef brown evenly and adds flavor.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic base flavor.
• 3 medium potatoes, diced: Use Yukon Gold or Russet for the best creamy texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt + 1/2 tsp black pepper: Essential seasoning.
• 1 tsp paprika + 1/2 tsp oregano: Adds warm, earthy flavor.
• 1/2 cup beef broth: Helps the potatoes steam and soak up flavor.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a luscious, golden topping.
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley: A pop of color and freshness.

🧠 Substitution Tips:

• Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Replace cheddar with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for variety.
• Add frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers for a veggie boost.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Let’s break this down step-by-step with culinary insights to make your dish perfect every time.

1. Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Browning creates the Maillard reaction, a flavor-building process essential for richness.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This enhances sweetness and builds the flavor base.

3. Add and Season the Potatoes

Stir in diced potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Toss everything to coat the potatoes evenly—this ensures balanced seasoning in every bite.

4. Simmer with Broth

Pour in the beef broth. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20–25 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. The broth gently steams the potatoes while infusing them with savory flavor.

5. Add Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover again and cook for 2–3 minutes until melted and bubbly. The residual heat helps the cheese melt without drying out the beef.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for brightness and serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Beef and Potato Skillet

❓How do I avoid soggy potatoes?

Cut your potatoes into uniform cubes (~1/2 inch) for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they may steam instead of sauté.

❓Can I make this in the oven?

Yes! After browning the beef and adding everything to the pan, transfer to a 9×13 baking dish. Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, then uncover and add cheese to melt.

❓What skillet is best?

Use a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet with a lid. Cast iron gives the best sear and even heat distribution.

Best Ways to Serve This Dish

This one-pan beef and potato dinner is incredibly versatile. Try pairing it with:

• Crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Buttered corn on the cob
• Crusty bread or garlic toast

For more cozy recipes like this, check out our Skillet Chicken and Rice Bake or the viral Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg

Storage & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Microwave with a splash of water or reheat on the stovetop with lid on low heat.

Pro tip: Don’t overheat or the cheese may separate!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, but thaw them first and reduce cooking time slightly.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Swap the cheddar for dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.

What other meats can I use?

Try ground sausage, ground chicken, or leftover shredded beef for fun twists.

Delicious Variations to Try

🥘 Baked Ground Beef and Cheesy Potatoes:

Assemble everything in a casserole dish and bake at 375°F until golden.

🔥 Spicy Beef and Potato Skillet:

Add cayenne or diced jalapeños for heat.

🥓 Loaded Hamburger Hash:

Top with crispy bacon, green onions, and sour cream.

🥬 Veggie-Boosted Version:

Add spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Comfort Meal

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes brings together everything we crave: comfort, ease, flavor, and satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy night in, this skillet meal is guaranteed to hit the spot.

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