Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe (Easy One-Pan Comfort Dinner)
Introduction
Few dinners hit the sweet spot between comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing flavor quite like Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes. This classic, hearty dish combines tender potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, and a generous layer of melted cheese into a one-pan meal that feels nostalgic yet endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for feeding a hungry family on the weekend.
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance: crispy edges on the potatoes, deeply seasoned beef, and creamy, gooey cheese tying everything together. It’s budget-friendly, relies on pantry staples, and requires minimal prep, making it a dependable go-to when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Optimized for both flavor and ease, this version delivers reliable results every time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
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1½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
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1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
Cheese & Finish
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes in an even layer. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender with crisp, golden edges. Transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Season the Beef
Season the beef mixture with the remaining salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to evenly coat the meat and onions with the spices. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to bloom the seasonings.
4. Combine Beef and Potatoes
Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the seasoned beef. Gently fold everything together, ensuring the potatoes are evenly distributed and coated in the beef mixture. Cook for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.
5. Add Cheese and Finish
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the sour cream until evenly incorporated. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Expert Tips & Variations
Pro Cooking Tips
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Even potato cuts matter: Uniform cubes ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from turning mushy while others stay raw.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your skillet is small, cook the potatoes in batches to achieve proper browning.
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Cheese choice counts: Sharp cheddar adds depth, while mozzarella provides that irresistible cheese pull.
Flavor Variations
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Tex-Mex style: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder and ½ teaspoon cumin; finish with pepper jack cheese.
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Italian-inspired: Use Italian seasoning and swap cheddar for provolone or fontina.
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Spicy kick: Stir in ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Dietary Adjustments
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Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free as written.
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Lighter option: Use lean ground beef (90/10) and reduce cheese by ½ cup.
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Beef substitute: Ground turkey or chicken works well with a little extra olive oil for moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the richness. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli. For a more indulgent spread, add buttered dinner rolls or garlic bread.
This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet, when the cheese is perfectly melted and stretchy. It’s ideal for casual family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep lunches.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
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Freezing: While possible, freezing may slightly alter the texture of the potatoes. If freezing, store for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
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Make-ahead tip: Cook the beef and potatoes separately up to one day in advance, then combine and add cheese just before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 4 servings
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Calories: 520
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Protein: 28 g
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Fat: 34 g
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Saturated Fat: 14 g
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Carbohydrates: 28 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sugar: 3 g
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Sodium: 780 mg