When the craving for a truly satisfying and easy meal strikes, nothing beats a classic comfort dish. This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet delivers on all fronts: hearty, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make, all in one pan! It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering.
Imagine tender, seasoned potatoes mingling with savory ground beef, all blanketed under a luscious layer of melted, bubbly cheese. This dish isn't just about delicious flavors; it's about the ease it brings to your kitchen. Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy with your loved ones, making it an instant family favorite. Get ready to add this ultimate comfort food to your regular meal rotation!
Why This Skillet Recipe Will Become Your New Go-To
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary hero for several reasons:
- One-Pan Convenience: Say goodbye to piles of dishes! Everything comes together in a single skillet, simplifying both cooking and cleanup.
- Hearty & Wholesome: Packed with protein from the beef and wholesome potatoes, it's a complete meal that truly fills you up.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of savory beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese is universally loved, even by the pickiest eaters.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you can have this delicious meal on the table in under an hour, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Success
This recipe shines with simple, readily available ingredients. You'll need:
- Lean ground beef
- Fresh potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work wonderfully)
- An onion and garlic for aromatic depth
- Your favorite cheese, shredded (cheddar is highly recommended!)
- Common pantry seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika
- A touch of olive oil and beef broth
Choosing the right potatoes can make a difference. Russet potatoes break down beautifully, becoming tender and soaking up all the skillet's flavors. If you prefer a slightly firmer bite, Yukon Gold or even red potatoes are excellent alternatives. Just ensure they are diced into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Mastering Your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Creating this dish is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate it from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Perfectly Browned Beef
The key to flavorful ground beef is proper browning. Don't overcrowd your skillet; cook the beef in batches if necessary to ensure it truly browns and doesn't just steam. This creates a rich, deep flavor base for your dish. For more detailed guidance, check out this helpful guide on how to brown ground meat effectively.
Evenly Cooked Potatoes
Consistency is crucial when dicing your potatoes. Aim for roughly 1/2-inch cubes. This ensures every potato piece cooks through at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others become mushy.
Layering the Cheese
For that perfect golden, bubbly cheese topping, don't rush the final step. Once the cheese is added, cover the skillet briefly to help it melt, then consider a quick finish under a preheated broiler for a few minutes. Watch it closely, as cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly!
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This cheesy ground beef and potatoes skillet is undeniably a complete meal on its own. However, if you're looking to round out your dinner, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans make excellent companions. For another comforting and easy beef recipe, consider our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe. If you're exploring other quick meal ideas, you might also enjoy our Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Your 15-Minute Recipe Guide! for a lighter option.
This skillet dish is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth, a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami, or even some frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
We hope you and your family love this incredibly easy, cheesy, and satisfying ground beef and potatoes skillet as much as we do. It’s a dish that truly embodies comfort and brings warmth to any meal!
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this skillet recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of Mexican cheeses. For an extra kick, a touch of pepper jack would be delicious.
What are the best potatoes to use for a cheesy skillet dish?
Russet potatoes are excellent as they become fluffy and absorb flavors well. Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work beautifully, offering a slightly firmer texture. Ensure they are diced evenly for consistent cooking.
How can I add more vegetables to my ground beef and potatoes skillet?
It's easy to boost the veggie content! Sautu00e9 diced onions and bell peppers along with the ground beef. You can also stir in frozen corn, peas, or diced zucchini during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
Can this cheesy ground beef and potatoes skillet be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can brown the ground beef and dice the potatoes in advance. For best results, assemble the dish just before cooking to prevent the potatoes from discoloring. If fully assembled and refrigerated, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Ultimate Comfort: Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A hearty and satisfying one-pan skillet meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large Russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the diced potatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to coat the potatoes and beef evenly.
Step 4: Pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Once potatoes are tender, remove the lid. If there's still a lot of liquid, increase heat slightly and cook uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef and potato mixture. Cover the skillet again or place the skillet under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings. Serve with a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet, Stovetop, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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