There’s something magical about the aroma of seasoned ground beef sizzling in a skillet, mingling with tender potatoes and bubbling melted cheese. Growing up, my mom made a version of this dish on busy weeknights when she needed something quick, filling, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. The beauty of this cheesy ground beef and potatoes recipe lies in its simplicity—just one pan, a handful of ingredients, and about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish checks all the boxes for weeknight dinner success. First, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, using affordable staples like ground beef, potatoes, and cheddar cheese that you probably already have in your kitchen. The entire meal comes together in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup—a blessing after a long day.
Beyond convenience, the flavor combination is truly satisfying. Savory browned beef pairs beautifully with tender potato chunks, while aromatic garlic and onion add depth to every mouthful. The cheddar cheese melts into the mixture, creating pockets of gooey richness that make each bite irresistible. Additionally, the paprika and oregano bring a subtle warmth and earthiness that elevates the dish beyond basic meat-and-potatoes fare.
Kids and adults alike gravitate toward this recipe because it’s familiar yet flavorful. Furthermore, it’s highly adaptable—you can easily modify the seasonings or add vegetables based on what your family enjoys or what needs to be used up in your refrigerator.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Components
- 1 lb ground beef – The protein base that provides hearty, savory flavor
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For browning the beef and preventing sticking
- 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and aromatic depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for building savory complexity
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – Russet or Yukon Gold work beautifully
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a gentle kick
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Contributes smoky warmth and color
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – Brings an herbal note
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar delivers the best flavor
- 1/2 cup beef broth – Helps cook the potatoes and creates a light sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – For a bright, fresh garnish
Optional Additions
Consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra vegetables. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce can also deepen the umami flavors if you’re looking for more complexity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Browning the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and no longer pink. As the beef cooks, it will release some fat—you can drain most of it if you prefer a lighter dish, leaving just a tablespoon or so for flavor.
Building the Aromatics
Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir the mixture and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and softens. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely incredible at this point—the combination of garlic, onion, and beef is pure comfort food magic.
Adding the Potatoes and Seasonings
Now it’s time to add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano, then stir everything together thoroughly so the potatoes are well-coated with the seasonings. Make sure the potatoes are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch cubes) so they cook evenly.
Simmering to Perfection
Pour the beef broth over the potato and beef mixture, then give it one more good stir. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the potatoes will absorb the flavors from the beef and seasonings while becoming fork-tender. Check occasionally and give it a stir to prevent sticking. If the mixture looks too dry, you can add a splash more broth or water.
The Cheese Finale
Once the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, it’s time for the best part—the cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top of the beef and potato mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, golden layer. Finally, remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while everything is hot and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy ground beef and potatoes dish is substantial enough to stand on its own as a complete meal. However, pairing it with a few simple sides can round out the dinner beautifully. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy main dish. Alternatively, steamed green beans or roasted broccoli add color and nutrients to the plate.
For a more indulgent meal, serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce in the skillet. Some families enjoy adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on top for extra creaminess or heat. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider making a double batch—this recipe scales up easily and is always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks or family gatherings.
Recipe Variations to Try
Tex-Mex Twist
Transform this dish into a Mexican-inspired meal by swapping the paprika and oregano for taco seasoning. Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, and top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Serve with tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a zesty variation the whole family will love.
Loaded Baked Potato Style
Channel the flavors of a loaded baked potato by adding crispy bacon bits to the beef mixture. Top the finished dish with sour cream, sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheese. This variation takes the comfort level up several notches and makes for an impressive yet easy dinner.
Healthier Version
For a lighter take on this recipe, use lean ground turkey instead of beef and replace half the potatoes with cauliflower florets. Reduce the cheese to 1/2 cup and add extra vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach. The result is still satisfying but with fewer calories and more vegetables per serving.
Italian-Style Rendition
Give this dish an Italian flair by using Italian sausage instead of ground beef and adding dried basil and Italian seasoning. Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes and top with mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal that feels special but remains simple to prepare.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe works wonderfully for meal prep and can save you time during hectic weeks. You can brown the ground beef with the onions and garlic up to two days in advance, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the potatoes, seasonings, and broth, then proceed with the recipe as written.
Alternatively, prepare the entire dish through the simmering stage, then let it cool completely before refrigerating. When dinner time arrives, reheat it in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, then top with fresh cheese and let it melt.
The leftovers keep beautifully for 3-4 days in the fridge and actually taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick lunch, or warm the whole batch in a covered skillet on the stovetop.
Notas (Cooking Notes)
Potato Selection: Russet potatoes work wonderfully because they break down slightly during cooking, creating a creamier texture. However, Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape better if you prefer distinct potato cubes in the final dish. Red potatoes also work but may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Cheese Matters: Sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor, but feel free to experiment with cheese blends. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates excellent meltability, while adding a bit of smoked gouda introduces wonderful depth.
Browning is Key: Don’t rush the browning step with the ground beef. Properly browned meat develops rich, savory flavors through the Maillard reaction. Let the beef sit undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring to achieve better browning.
Skillet Size: Use a large skillet (at least 12 inches) with a lid to ensure everything cooks evenly. If your potatoes are crowded, they’ll steam rather than absorb the flavorful broth, resulting in a less cohesive dish.
Liquid Adjustments: Different stovetops cook at varying intensities. If your mixture looks dry before the potatoes are tender, add broth or water a few tablespoons at a time. Conversely, if there’s too much liquid at the end, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen diced potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen diced potatoes work well in this recipe and cut down on prep time significantly. Since they’re pre-cooked, reduce the simmering time to about 15 minutes and watch carefully to avoid overcooking. Keep in mind that frozen potatoes may release more moisture, so you might need slightly less broth.
How can I make this dish spicier?
There are several ways to add heat to this recipe. Try using hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef, add red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings, or stir in diced jalapeños with the onions. You can also top individual servings with hot sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper over the dish before adding the cheese.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat leftovers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The microwave also works in a pinch—heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until warmed completely.
Can I make this in the oven instead of on the stovetop?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics in an oven-safe skillet, add the potatoes, seasonings, and broth. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil, top with cheese, and return to the oven for 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Certainly! Simply omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying thanks to the seasoned beef and aromatic vegetables. Consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy, or drizzle with a dairy-free cream sauce before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings