This Cheesy One-Pot Beef and Potatoes recipe is a hearty, comforting dish made with ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and Romano peppers, all topped with a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes and cooked in one skillet, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Serve with a fresh salad for a complete dinner!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dish:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1.8 lbs starchy potatoes (preferably white potatoes)
2 Romano peppers, chopped (or substitute with bell peppers)
1.1 lbs lean ground beef
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp chili flakes
2 tbsp double-concentrated tomato paste
2 tbsp chopped parsley (plus more for serving)
2 cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Peel the potatoes, cut them lengthwise in half, and slice into ¼-inch (0.5 cm) thick slices. Chop the onion, parsley, and peppers, and mince the garlic.
Cook the Potatoes: Heat oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and cook for about 6 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the Peppers and Beef: In the same skillet, add the peppers and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef, break it into pieces, and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly browned.
Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in garlic, onion, salt, chili flakes, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste.
Combine Everything: Add the parsley and cooked potatoes back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, cover with a lid, and cook for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Remove the lid and simmer until the broth is evaporated.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the dish, cover with a lid, and let it melt completely.
Serve: Garnish with extra parsley and chili flakes. Serve hot with a side salad and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per serving, approximate)

Calories: 582 kcal
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fat: 28g
Sodium: 1105mg
Fiber: 6g
Calcium: 362mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a game-changer when it comes to quick and comforting meals. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your weekly meal rotation:

One-Pot Convenience: Everything is cooked in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
Flavor-Packed: A combination of sweet paprika, chili flakes, garlic, and Italian seasoning enhances the taste.
Hearty and Satisfying: With a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, this dish keeps you full and energized.
Kid-Friendly: The cheesy topping and mild flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Customizable: You can switch up the protein, add more veggies, or experiment with different cheeses for variety.

The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Potatoes

Getting the potatoes just right is key to making this dish a success. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out tender and delicious:

Choose the Right Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like white potatoes or Yukon Golds work best because they absorb the flavors and become tender without falling apart.
Slice Them Evenly: Cutting the potatoes into uniform ¼-inch slices ensures even cooking.
Pre-Cook for a Crispy Texture: Sautéing the potatoes first before adding the beef helps them develop a slightly crispy, golden-brown surface.
Simmer for Maximum Flavor: Cooking the potatoes in chicken broth allows them to soak up all the delicious flavors in the skillet.

How to Make the Best Ground Beef Mixture

Ground beef is the star of this dish, and when seasoned properly, it elevates the entire meal. Here’s how to get the best results:

Use Lean Ground Beef: A leaner cut (such as 90% lean) keeps the dish flavorful without being too greasy.
Break It Up Well: Cooking the beef until it’s slightly browned and breaking it into smaller pieces ensures even distribution.
Layer the Flavors: Sautéing garlic, onion, and spices with the beef deepens the taste. Adding tomato paste enhances the umami and provides a slight sweetness.
Don’t Overcook: Since the beef continues cooking with the potatoes, avoid overcooking it in the first step to keep it juicy.

The Magic of Cheddar Cheese

Cheese makes everything better, and in this dish, it adds creaminess and richness to complement the beef and potatoes. Here’s why cheddar is the perfect choice:

Melts Beautifully: Cheddar cheese creates a gooey, stretchy topping that coats everything in deliciousness.
Bold and Sharp Flavor: Aged cheddar adds a rich, tangy taste that enhances the dish.
Creates a Golden Crust: Covering the skillet while the cheese melts helps create a lightly crispy, golden-brown top layer.

If you prefer other cheeses, you can experiment with mozzarella for extra stretchiness, gouda for a smoky touch, or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamy flavor.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Cheesy Beef and Potatoes

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dish can elevate it even more. Here are some great options:

Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes adds freshness and balance.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans provide extra nutrients and texture.
Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy dish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish reheats beautifully and can even be made ahead for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the dish can be frozen, potatoes may lose some texture when thawed. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

Tips for Customizing This Dish

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some ways to switch things up:

Use Different Proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add More Vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots can add more texture and nutrition.
Make It Spicier: Increase the chili flakes or add diced jalapeños for some heat.
Try a Different Cheese: Experiment with pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone for a new twist.
Make It Extra Creamy: Stir in a little sour cream or heavy cream before adding the cheese for a richer texture.

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

This Cheesy One-Pot Beef and Potatoes recipe has everything you need in a comfort meal—hearty ingredients, bold flavors, and cheesy goodness. It’s a great option for families because it’s filling, easy to prepare, and uses pantry-friendly ingredients.

Kids love the cheesy topping, while adults appreciate the well-seasoned beef and tender potatoes. Plus, since it’s a one-skillet meal, it minimizes cleanup, making it even more appealing for home cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Can I use frozen potatoes? While fresh potatoes are best, frozen sliced potatoes can be used in a pinch—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian? Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or hearty lentils.
How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy? Be sure to use starchy potatoes and avoid overcooking them. Cooking them in broth rather than water also helps retain their texture.
Can I cook this in the oven? Yes! After assembling everything in a skillet, transfer it to an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

Cheesy One-Pot Beef and Potatoes is the ultimate quick and hearty meal that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. With perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender golden potatoes, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, every bite is packed with comfort and satisfaction.

This dish is easy to customize, making it a great addition to any meal plan. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a simple yet delicious home-cooked dinner, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a favorite.

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