Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes – A Cozy Skillet Classic
There’s something timeless about a skillet full of golden potatoes and savory beef smothered in creamy, melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth, beckoning everyone to gather around the table before it even hits the plates. This cheesy ground beef and potatoes recipe is comfort food at its finest — hearty, flavorful, and delightfully simple to make.
It’s the kind of weeknight meal that reminds you of simpler times — just meat, potatoes, cheese, and love. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy and satisfying, this dish has you covered.
The layers of tender potatoes, perfectly browned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese make this skillet meal irresistible. With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together beautifully, proving that the best comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prep the potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add olive oil or butter to the skillet, followed by chopped onions and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Add the potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the potatoes in the seasonings and beef drippings.
- Cook until tender: Cover the skillet and cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are soft and slightly golden.
- Add the creamy element: Pour in milk or heavy cream, stirring gently to create a light sauce that coats the beef and potatoes.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and evenly distributed.
- Final touch: Top with an extra handful of cheese, cover for a few minutes to let it melt, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Cheese choices: Try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra stretch or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Make it creamy: Swap milk for heavy cream or even a spoonful of sour cream for a richer texture.
- Crispy finish: Pop the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
- Shortcut tip: Use pre-cooked diced potatoes or frozen hash browns to save time.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and dice potatoes. Rinse and pat dry.
- Brown ground beef in skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic; cook until soft.
- Stir in potatoes, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Pour in milk, stir, and add cheese until melted.
- Top with extra cheese and parsley before serving.
Notes
Variations
- Tex-Mex Style: Add diced jalapeños, taco seasoning, and top with salsa and sour cream.
- Breakfast Version: Crack a few eggs on top in the last 10 minutes of cooking and bake until set.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in bell peppers, peas, or corn for a more colorful and balanced meal.
- Low-carb Swap: Use cauliflower florets instead of potatoes for a lighter twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty skillet with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for balance.
- It pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce.
- For a cozy brunch, add a fried egg on top and sprinkle with smoked paprika.
Storage Information
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet for best texture.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk while reheating to restore creaminess.
FAQ
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well for a lighter version.
- Can I bake this instead? Yes — transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes.
- What type of potatoes work best? Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes give the best creamy yet firm texture.
- Can I make it ahead? Yes, prep it up to the cheese step, refrigerate, and finish cooking when ready to serve.
History / Fun Facts
This skillet classic traces its roots back to the early days of homestyle American cooking, when families needed budget-friendly, filling meals that could feed a crowd. Meat and potatoes were a staple in nearly every household, and adding cheese was a way to make the dish indulgent without much extra cost. Over time, variations spread — from casseroles in the Midwest to skillet versions in the South — but one thing stayed constant: it’s always been a plate full of comfort and nostalgia.
There’s something about the smell of sizzling potatoes and melted cheese mingling with seasoned beef that just feels like home. Whether it’s a Tuesday night dinner or a lazy Sunday supper, cheesy ground beef and potatoes bring people together, one spoonful at a time.
