There's nothing more comforting than the sizzle of ground beef and potatoes cooking together, followed by the delicious, cheesy aroma that fills the kitchen. This one-pan wonder has everything you need for a hearty meal: tender potatoes, savory beef, and a gooey cheese topping that pulls everyone to the table.

I discovered this dish on a chilly evening when I needed something simple yet satisfying. It quickly became a weeknight staple, thanks to its rich flavors and how easy it is to make. You’re going to love how every bite delivers warmth and comfort in a truly unforgettable way.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes
Get ready to add a new favorite to your rotation! This recipe combines the best of comfort food into one skillet, perfect for busy nights.
First off, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and one skillet, you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour. Perfect for those nights when you want a satisfying meal without extra cleanup.
The flavors are perfectly balanced. Savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese come together with seasonings that make each bite irresistible. It's a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults!
Plus, it's wonderfully budget-friendly. You can feed a whole family with this meal without breaking the bank, and it's versatile enough to adapt to what you have on hand.
Lastly, it's a great make-ahead option. You can even prep everything earlier in the day, making it ideal for meal planning. Just reheat and serve when you're ready.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Ground Beef: The heart of this recipe. I use an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. You can opt for leaner beef if you prefer, but keep in mind that a bit of fat adds a ton of flavor.
- Potatoes: Yukon Golds or Russets work best. Yukon Golds hold their shape well and have a creamy texture, while Russets break down a bit more and create a fluffier consistency. Dice them into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook properly.
- Onion: A yellow onion adds a subtle sweetness that complements the beef beautifully. You can use a red onion for a sharper flavor if you prefer.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a rich, tangy finish. You can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a combination for different flavors.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika are essential for a deep, savory flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste.
You’ll also need a large skillet with a lid or a heavy-duty sauté pan to cook everything evenly. Having a lid is crucial for cooking the potatoes through without drying them out.
How To Make This Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes

Creating this delicious dish is a breeze! Here’s how to make it step by step.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s nicely browned. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the beef and set it aside, leaving some of the fat in the pan for extra flavor.
- Sauté the Onions and Potatoes: In the same skillet, add diced onions. Cook them until they’re soft and translucent, soaking up all those delicious beef drippings. Next, toss in the diced potatoes. Season with salt, garlic powder, and paprika, and let them cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer Until Tender: Add the ground beef back into the skillet and pour in a cup of beef broth. Cover with a lid and let everything simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The broth will infuse the potatoes and beef with even more flavor as it cooks down.
- Add the Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt completely. For a crispy cheese layer, you can place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes – just be sure to use an oven-safe skillet.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if you like. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
This meal comes together in about 45 minutes, and the results are pure comfort on a plate.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (although that’s a big "if"), this dish stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen over time, making for even tastier leftovers.
- Freeze: You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: For best results, warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to keep it from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is! Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Switch Up the Protein: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile. Plant-based ground meat works well too!
- Try Different Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory beef and cheese. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Add Veggies: Throw in some diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas for extra nutrition and color. Sauté them with the onions to ensure they cook evenly.
- Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick. Smoked paprika can also add a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Use pepper jack for a spicy twist or a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nice, salty finish.
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. It’s hard to go wrong when you start with such a delicious base!
Enjoy experimenting, and I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and joy to your home as it does to mine. Happy cooking!
PrintCheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese. A hearty, one-pan meal that’s simple to make and full of flavor, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a satisfying family meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups sliced potatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and ground beef, cook until browned. Season with salt and black pepper. Drain excess fat.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Add half of the cooked beef mixture and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with beef broth until smooth. Pour evenly over the layers in the dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, try using seasoned ground beef or mixing in chopped bell peppers.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Adjust the amount of cheese based on personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
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