Getting dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor is a real win, and that’s exactly what this Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe delivers. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both hearty and cheesy, perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without a fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe more times than I can count because it’s simply dependable and comforting. There’s something about tender potatoes soaking up all that savory beef and tomato flavor, topped off with melty cheese—it’s my go-to when I want an easy crowd-pleaser.
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time and cleanup.
- Balanced Comfort Food: Starchy potatoes and lean beef create a filling yet not too heavy meal.
- Flavorful and Flexible: The seasonings and tomato paste pack a punch, but you can easily tweak it.
- Cheesy Goodness: That melting mozzarella or cheddar gives a luscious finish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe balances humble ingredients that you probably have on hand, turning simple potatoes and ground beef into a cozy, flavorful dish. Each element brings something special to the skillet, and picking the right kind of potatoes can really make a difference.
- Potatoes: I prefer Yukon Gold or red-skinned potatoes because they hold their shape well but also soften enough to absorb flavors.
- Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These add a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch that complement the meat perfectly.
- Lean Ground Beef: Using lean beef keeps the dish from getting too greasy, while still offering that classic meaty taste.
- Tomato Paste & Tomato Sauce: These create a rich, savory base that ties everything together with a slightly tangy sweetness.
- Seasonings (Italian seasoning, ground mustard, seasoning salt, pepper, red pepper flakes): This blend adds depth and a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Broth and Cream: The broth helps everything simmer into tenderness, while the cream adds a silky, slightly luxurious touch.
- Shredded Cheese: Mozzarella or cheddar melts beautifully over the top, creating that irresistible gooey layer.
- Fresh Parsley or Green Onions: A fresh herb garnish brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
Make It Your Way
This Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is so versatile—feel free to swap in what you like or have around. Personally, I love adding a handful of frozen corn or diced mushrooms sometimes, just to mix up the textures and flavors.
- Variation: One time, I replaced the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner meal, and it was just as satisfying—plus the spices really helped keep it flavorful.
- Add Veggies: Toss in extra diced veggies like zucchini or carrots if you want a veggie boost without the extra fuss.
- Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for some smoky heat that wakes up the dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the cream and cheese for coconut milk and vegan cheese to keep the creaminess without dairy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Crisp and Soften the Potatoes
I heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet and toss in the cubed potatoes. The key here is to cook them long enough until they’re golden on the outside and just tender when pierced with a fork—usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir every few minutes so they brown evenly but don’t mush up. If you want to shave off time, microwaving the potatoes for 3-4 minutes beforehand works well too, just don’t let them get too soft.
Step 2: Cook the Beef with Veggies and Seasonings
Once the potatoes are almost there, I add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and the ground beef right into the same skillet. Breaking up the beef and browning it well gives the dish that depth of flavor. Next, stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, and all the seasonings—Italian seasoning, ground mustard, seasoning salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cooking this together helps the tomato paste mellow and infuses the beef with a rich, savory base.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauces Until Perfectly Tender
I pour in the broth, tomato sauce, and cream, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Covering the skillet and letting it cook for about 10-15 minutes softens the potatoes completely and lets the flavors meld. This step is where the magic happens—the sauce thickens slightly, the potatoes soak up all that goodness, and the beef stays tender and juicy.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Finish with Fresh Herbs
Finally, I sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the skillet. Cover it for a few minutes just to let the cheese melt into bubbly, gooey perfection. Before serving, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a lovely fresh note that cuts through the richness. Trust me, this finishing touch makes all the difference.
Top Tip
After cooking this dish a bunch of times, I’ve discovered a few little tricks that really elevate it. These tips ensure your skillet comes out perfect and save you some troubleshooting in the kitchen.
- Potato Prep: Par-cook your potatoes in the microwave if you’re tight on time—just don’t overcook or they’ll turn to mush in the skillet.
- Don’t Rush Browning: Let the beef develop a nice crust instead of stirring constantly; this builds flavor and texture that lifts the whole dish.
- Cheese Coverage: Use a thick layer of cheese and cover the pan to melt it perfectly—less time with the lid off means the sauce stays creamy.
- Fresh Garnish: Always add fresh herbs last to keep their brightness and avoid wilted greenery that loses impact.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions—it adds a fresh, vibrant touch against all that cheesy richness. Sometimes a little sprinkle of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes can ramp up the flavor, too.
Side Dishes
Because the skillet is pretty complete, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or simple steamed broccoli to balance the richness. A crusty piece of bread on the side for soaking up any extra sauce is always a plus in my book.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this skillet topped with a sunny-side-up egg or dollops of tangy sour cream. It also looks festive when garnished with colorful bell pepper strips or a sprinkle of chopped chives for a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they keep well for up to 3 days, making great next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe, do so before adding the cheese topping. Freeze in portion-sized containers, and when you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh cheese during reheating for melty goodness.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet on low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, covering the pan to warm it through without drying out. Then, top with cheese and cover again for a minute or two so it melts fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold up best, you can use Russets too, but they may get a bit softer. If you want firmer texture, just cut the cubes a little larger or soften them less before adding to the skillet.
You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils and mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Adjust seasonings as needed to maintain that rich, savory flavor.
Definitely! This dish reheats well and keeps its flavor and texture. Simply store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding cheese fresh each time to keep it melty.
The recipe has a mild heat thanks to just a small pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer it spicier, you can easily add more or include chili powder or hot sauce to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe has been my reliable weeknight hero—so quick, satisfying, and delicious. If you’re looking for hearty comfort food that doesn’t require a ton of effort or fancy ingredients, I can’t recommend this enough. Give it a try, and soon it'll become your own kitchen classic too.
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Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe featuring tender cubed potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy tomato-based sauce, topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 ½ lbs potatoes (any kind), cubed
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce and Toppings:
- ¾ cup low sodium beef or chicken broth
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Potato Mixture: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly softened, about 10-15 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables and Beef: Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the potatoes. Then add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Add Sauces: Pour in the low sodium beef or chicken broth, tomato sauce, and cream. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.
- Melt Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet briefly and allow the cheese to melt, about 3-5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Potatoes: Use red-skinned or Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Cooking Tip: For a faster cooking process, pre-cook or microwave the potatoes before adding them to the skillet.
- Variations: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, adjust spice levels to taste, or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to customize the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
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