I grew up spooning Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes straight from a bubbling casserole dish on chilly weeknights. This beloved comfort food is now resurfacing as a viral sensation on TikTok and Pinterest, reminding us all of the cozy dinner we’ve been craving. This recipe is super easy, requiring only about 15 minutes of prep, and delivers a steamy, melty dish that everyone will eagerly dive into.
This is humble food at its bestsavory ground beef, tender potatoes, golden cheese, and a hint of onion. It’s a pantry-friendly mix that feels like a warm hug, reminiscent of a loaded shepherd’s pie meeting a cheeseburger casserole.
I tested this one twice in one week, much like Grandma used to when a recipe had to be “just right” for Sunday supper. My twist? A little extra spice and an easy layering trick for the ultimate cheese pull. You’ll definitely want this technique in your repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesy ground beef and potatoes recipe is the definition of simple, cozy, and satisfying. Here’s why it’s bound to become a family favorite:
Minimal effort, maximum flavor: With just 4 main steps and a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table quickly.
Kid and adult approved: The combination of savory beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese evokes nostalgic comfort food vibes that appeal to everyone.
Flexible and forgiving: Whether your potatoes are a bit larger or you prefer more spice, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.
One-pan ease: Cooking in a single pan means less mess and more time to relax after dinner.
Ingredients at a Glance
You likely already have most of these ingredients on hand, which is part of the magic of this dish. This recipe typically serves 4-6 people.
Ingredient
Notes
Olive oil (1 tbsp)
Or your preferred cooking oil, for sautéing.
Ground beef (1 lb)
Lean ground beef (80/20) works best. Feel free to sub with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Potatoes (3 medium)
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape. Russets can also work, just ensure even dicing.
Onion (1 small) & garlic (2 cloves)
Finely diced for added depth and aromadon’t skip these!
Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded)
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch, but a cheddar-jack blend works wonderfully for extra meltiness.
Beef broth (1/2 cup)
Helps keep everything moist and flavorful as it bakes and simmers. Low-sodium is always a good choice.
Spices & herbs
Salt, black pepper, paprika (smoked paprika for a deeper flavor), dried oregano, and fresh parsley for seasoning perfection.
How It Comes Together
This recipe may look (and taste) impressive, but the steps are truly simple. Here’s the plan to get your cheesy ground beef and potatoes on the table:
Sauté the base: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, filling your kitchen with their cozy aroma.
Add the potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and seasonings (1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano). Cook everything together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to give the potatoes a slight golden edge.
Simmer and soften: Pour in the 1/2 cup of beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and have soaked up most of the delicious broth. Stir gently once or twice to prevent sticking.
Cheese it up: Uncover the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef and potato mixture. Cover again and let the cheese melt for 3-5 minutes until it’s gooey and bubbling. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley for a finishing touch, and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Use a deep oven-safe skillet (like a cast-iron skillet) if you plan to finish melting the cheese under a broiler for an extra golden crust, or simply to keep everything contained as the cheese melts and bubbles on the stovetop.
Troubleshooting and Tweaks
Every kitchen and ingredient can vary a bit. Here’s how to adjust your cheesy ground beef and potatoes:
Potatoes taking too long to soften? Ensure your potatoes are diced evenly and not too large. Next time, dice them smaller or cook covered for a few extra minutes until fork-tender.
Want more seasoning? Taste and adjust! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat, a touch more oregano for an herby kick, or a dash of onion powder if you want to boost the savory notes.
Need a make-ahead option? Cook the beef and potato mix through step 3 in advance. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in the skillet, then proceed with step 4 to add and melt the cheese.
Serving and Storing
Once your cheesy ground beef and potatoes is ready, here’s how to enjoy and keep it:
Best served fresh: Scoop it straight from the skillet for maximum cheesiness and warmth. A simple green salad or some crusty bread makes a perfect accompaniment.
Leftovers: Store any leftover cheesy ground beef and potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave on medium power, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. For larger portions, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, loosely covered with foil.
Storage Tips
Details
Fridge
3 days, in an airtight container.
Freezer
Not recommended. Potatoes can become mushy or grainy in texture after freezing and thawing.
Microwave Reheating
Add a splash of broth to prevent drying, heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm.
Oven Reheating
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Reheat in an oven-safe dish, loosely covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Expert Insight: Perfecting Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
Combining ground beef with potatoes creates a comforting base, but adding cheese not only enhances flavorit also improves texture by binding the ingredients together. For best results, use a melty cheese that complements the dish’s richness, ensuring each bite of cheesy ground beef and potatoes is satisfyingly cohesive.
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The Journey to the Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
This cheesy ground beef and potatoes recipe didn’t come together overnightafter several attempts adjusting cooking times and seasoning, I finally nailed that perfect melty cheese pull and tender potatoes. The process was a mix of trial and error, but every step brought me closer to a cozy, family-loved dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
FAQs ( Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes )
How can I make this dish creamier?
To make this recipe creamier, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before baking. Mixing in some sour cream or cream cheese with the ground beef also adds richness. These ingredients meld beautifully with the cheese and potatoes without overpowering the flavors.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and offer a creamy texture in the casserole. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets as they can become too mushy. Slicing potatoes evenly ensures they cook uniformly, providing the perfect balance in texture.
Can I prep this meal in advance?
Absolutely, this meal can be assembled ahead and refrigerated overnight. Cover it tightly before baking the next day. This allows flavors to meld and makes dinner prep easier on busy days.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the texture intact. Adding a small sprinkle of cheese before reheating can refresh the dish nicely.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken make great lean alternatives that keep the dish hearty. For vegetarian options, crumbled tofu or lentils can work well but will change the texture. Adjust seasonings to suit the substitute for the best results.
Conclusion
This cheesy ground beef and potatoes recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and delivers that perfect mix of melty cheese, tender potatoes, and savory beef you’ll want on repeat. It’s an easy, comforting dinner that fills your kitchen with warm flavors and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Feel free to swap in ground turkey for a lighter touch, or add a pinch of smoked paprika to deepen those cozy notes. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of broth to revive that just-cooked charma handy trick I picked up from years in the test kitchen. Simple, forgiving, and always satisfying.
Did this dish bring back family dinner memories for you? I’d love to see your tweaks and cheesy pullsshare your photos or pass this one along to someone who needs a little kitchen comfort. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Thomas Baker
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes: Ultimate Comfort Food
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings together savory flavors of ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for Potato And Ground Beef Casserole Recipes lovers, this Ground Beef Potato Onion Casserole offers a delicious and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare for any night of the week. Enjoy a satisfying dish that combines elements of Ground Beef Potato Cheese Casserole and Beef Recipes Easy Dinners in one comforting casserole.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano.
Add diced potatoes and beef broth; stir to combine.
Cook for about 10 minutes until potatoes start to soften.
Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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