Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes

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This Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard. Picture ground beef, baby potatoes, and melty cheese bubbling together in one skillet—comfort food meets simplicity. I invented this on a chilly evening when I wanted a hearty dinner that didn’t require endless prep. In under 40 minutes, dinner was served, cheesy, golden, and glorious. It’s now a go-to meal that fills bellies and warms hearts—and yes, cleanup is a breeze.

This dish plays on everyone’s love for meat and potatoes, but makes it better: tangy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re after a family meal or simple weeknight comfort, this one-pan wonder delivers every time.

What’s on the Plate

Overview

• Cuisine: American Comfort
• Course: Dinner, Main Course
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

What’s in Every Bite

• Calories: 540
• Carbs: 26g
• Fats: 32g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg

Total Recipe Cost

• Estimated Total Cost: $12.50
• Cost Per Serving: $3.13
• Main Cost Factors: Ground beef, baby potatoes, shredded cheese

The Story Behind the Flavor

The concept of combining meat, potatoes, and cheese in a single dish dates back centuries—but the American-style casserole really took off during the 1930s and ’40s, thanks to dishes like hotdish and tater tot casserole. In the Upper Midwest, inventive cooks layered ground beef, potatoes, canned veggies, cream soup, and cheese in a baking dish—a godsend during the Depression and war years.

I first made my version of Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes back in 2015 when I wanted all that comfort served fast in one skillet instead of baking. I browned beef, stirred in halved baby potatoes, added onions, garlic, broth, then shredded cheese right on top. The steam from the potatoes melts the cheese perfectly. Classic Americana comfort, updated for modern kitchens—and no dirty casserole dish!

Perfect For

Let me tell you—Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is the kind of dish that fits into your life like a warm hug. It’s comfort food with an edge, and here’s where it really shines:

• Cozy Weeknight Dinners:
  After a long day, nothing beats a bubbling skillet of cheesy beef and potatoes. It’s hearty, simple, and comes together without wrecking your kitchen. Total weeknight hero status.
• Game-Day Grub with Hungry Fans:
  You want a dish that satisfies a crowd? This one brings bold flavor, melty cheese, and meat-and-potato comfort that’ll have everyone hovering over the pan like it’s the final play of the game.
• Budget-Friendly Family Meals:
  Ground beef and potatoes are two of the most wallet-happy ingredients around, and when you mix them with pantry staples, you’ve got a feast that feels indulgent without the price tag. The whole family will ask for seconds.
• Meal Prep That Reheats Beautifully:
  Make it once, eat it all week. This dish holds up well in the fridge and gets even better the next day when the flavors deepen. Divide it into containers and you’ve got lunch (or another dinner) ready to roll.
• Any Time You Crave Comfort in a Bowl:
  Seriously, sometimes you just want something cheesy, savory, and deeply satisfying—and this one checks all the boxes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Alright, let me lay it out for you—Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is the weeknight MVP, and here’s why it’s going to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

• One pot = minimal cleanup:
  • This baby cooks up in a single skillet, so you’re not stuck washing a pile of pots and pans when you’d rather be on the couch. Fewer dishes = happier you.
• Flavorful and cheesy comfort food:
  • Think sizzling ground beef, crispy-edged potatoes, and a cheesy blanket that melts right into the mix. It’s savory, rich, and totally soul-soothing.
• Family-friendly crowd-pleaser:
  • Picky eaters? No problem. This dish speaks the universal language of beef, potatoes, and cheese—kids and adults alike will clear their plates.
• Easily customizable with veggies or spices:
  • Want to toss in some bell peppers? Go for it. A little paprika or a dash of chili flakes? Yes, chef! This skillet welcomes your personal spin with open arms.
• Ready in under 40 minutes:
  • You’ll go from chopping board to cheesy bliss in less than an hour. Quick enough for busy nights but satisfying enough for when you need a little comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup frozen peas or corn
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Toasted breadcrumbs for crunch

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground beef: Browns well and adds savory depth. Choose 85% lean for flavor.
• Baby potatoes: Hold shape better than diced regular potatoes.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers bold flavor.
• Broth deglaze: Lifts browned bits and infuses the entire dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, cook 5–6 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté aromatics:
   Push beef to one side, add onion and garlic. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Spice it up:
   Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything together.
4. Add potatoes & broth:
   Add potatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer.
5. Cover & cook:
   Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, simmer 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
6. Cheese time:
   Sprinkle cheddar evenly over the skillet. Cover briefly until cheese melts (2–3 minutes).
7. Garnish & serve:
   Scatter parsley and optional breadcrumbs. Spoon onto plates with fork in one hand and cheesy grin in the other!

Pro Tips

Want to take your skillet game from good to glorious? Let me walk you through a few insider tricks that make this Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes the real deal:

• Even potato size is key:
  • Cut your potatoes into evenly sized cubes—think about ½-inch chunks. This guarantees they all cook at the same pace, so you don’t end up with some mushy and others underdone. Nobody wants a potato surprise.
• Don’t drain all the fat:
  • Once you’ve browned that beef, keep about a tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pan. It’s liquid gold that adds richness and depth to the dish—and helps those potatoes get that golden, crispy edge.
• Deglaze with broth like a pro:
  • After sautéing, pour in a splash of broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Those brown bits stuck to the pan? That’s where the flavor hides. Don’t leave ’em behind!
• Cover tightly for cheese melt magic:
  • Once you’ve sprinkled on that glorious mountain of cheese, pop a lid over the skillet. Let it steam for a couple of minutes to melt everything into a creamy, gooey topping that hugs every bite.
• Let it rest before serving:
  • Give your skillet about 5 minutes off the heat before digging in. This helps everything set up slightly so you don’t get soupy servings—and it makes scooping way easier.

Recipe Variations

Let’s shake things up! Whether you’re catering to picky eaters, spicing things up for flavor junkies, or simply cleaning out the fridge, this one-pan classic has all kinds of remix potential:

• Creamy Comfort Version
  • Want it extra indulgent? Stir in about ¼ cup of heavy cream or even a dollop of sour cream right after the beef simmers. It gives the whole dish a rich, velvety finish that tastes like a hug in a bowl.
• Veggie-Packed Powerhouse
  • Toss in chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini during the simmer stage. It’s a clever way to sneak more nutrition into the mix—and a great excuse to clean out your crisper drawer.
• Spicy Kick Edition
  • Swap in pepper jack cheese and crank up the chili flakes if you like things fiery. You could even drizzle in a spoonful of hot sauce or add a diced jalapeño for next-level heat.
• Low-Carb Swap-Out
  • Watching your carbs? Sub in cauliflower florets for the potatoes. Sauté them with the beef and simmer just until tender. You’ll still get that hearty, cheesy comfort—just a little lighter.
• Mexican-Inspired Fiesta
  • Bring on the flavor with a packet of taco seasoning, a handful of corn kernels, black beans, and chopped cilantro. Top with a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a squeeze of lime for a Tex-Mex twist that’ll wake up your taste buds.

Gluten-Free Version

Good news—this dish is naturally gluten-free with just a little label-checking! The core ingredients (beef, potatoes, cheese, onions, and spices) don’t contain gluten. The only thing that needs your attention is the broth and seasoning blends.

Make sure you’re using gluten-free certified beef broth, as some store-bought broths sneak in wheat-based additives or flavor enhancers. Same goes for any pre-mixed spice blends—stick with individual spices or labeled GF mixes to be safe.

Want to really lock it in? Grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that can sometimes include trace gluten. And if you’re serving with bread or toast on the side, go with a crusty gluten-free loaf to round out the meal.

Kid-Friendly Version

This one’s already a kid magnet—cheese, potatoes, and beef in one cozy skillet? Yes, please! But to make it even more little-belly-approved, just skip the red pepper flakes and keep the seasoning simple. Kids usually prefer milder flavors, so dialing back the spice is key.

Want to turn it into a fun plate? Serve it with a smile—literally! Add a ketchup happy face on top, or use sliced cherry tomatoes and olives to decorate each portion like a mini pizza. You can also pair it with some steamed baby carrots, peas, or sweet corn for a pop of color and extra nutrition.

Cut the potatoes smaller so they’re easier to chew, and if your kids are in the “no green stuff” phase, hold off on garnishing with parsley or chives. This meal reheats beautifully too, so it’s perfect for lunchboxes or a quick dinner after sports practice. Total winner!

Taste What’s Next

Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Baked Feta Eggs
or you Can Dig Deeper Recipes by clicking this: Appetizer, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Desserts.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Got leftovers? Lucky you. Just let everything cool to room temp, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen things up and prevent it from drying out. Cover it with a lid to help it steam and reheat evenly. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between—just don’t overdo it or the cheese may separate.
• Freeze: Want to stash some for a future comfort food emergency? Let the dish cool completely, then spoon into a freezer-safe bag or container (press out the air if using bags). Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Keep in mind the potatoes may soften slightly, but the flavor will still hit all the right notes.

Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Cheese grater

FAQs

Can you cook ground beef and potatoes together in one pot?
Absolutely! The secret is even-potato sizing and adding broth to help potatoes cook fully while the beef simmers.

What kind of potatoes are best for one pot beef and potatoes?
Baby potatoes or fingerlings hold their shape best. Regular russets can fall apart during cooking.

How do you make cheesy potatoes with ground beef?
Brown the beef, add potatoes and broth, simmer, then top with cheese and cover until melted—exactly like this recipe!

Can I prep this ahead for meal prep?
Definitely. Cook the dish, cool, and portion into containers. Reheat in a skillet or microwave when ready to eat.

What to serve with cheesy beef and potatoes?
Serve alongside a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.

External Resources

• Choosing and storing potatoes properly

Conclusion

This Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is everything you want in a comfort meal—simple, delicious, and totally satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that wins over taste buds and weekend vibes. One-pan cleanup; full-pan flavor. What’s not to love?

So go ahead—snap a pic and post it! Tag me—I can’t wait to see your cheesy masterpiece. Happy cooking, Chef!