Cheesy and Hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet is the perfect comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. This one-pan dish is packed with flavor, combining savory beef, tender potatoes, and delicious melted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a meal solo, this recipe is simple, tasty, and perfect for those busy days when you want something hearty without a lot of hassle.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Why Make Cheesy and Hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Cheesy and Hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand or adjust the spices to suit your family’s tastes. This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be customized to include healthy ingredients, making it a balanced option for dinner. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients from your fridge.
How to Make Cheesy and Hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet Step by Step
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup milk (optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook diced potatoes for 10–12 minutes until golden and tender. Transfer to a plate. In the same skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine. Return potatoes to the skillet and mix. Add milk if desired for creaminess. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy and Hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet
To enjoy Cheesy and Hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet, consider serving it with a side of steamed veggies or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish. You could also pair it with garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal. A drizzle of hot sauce can also add a nice kick if you like some heat.
How to Store Cheesy and Hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply microwave it until heated through, or you can re-sauté it in a skillet to retain some texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in portions, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just allow it to cool completely before freezing.
Expert Tips for Cooking Cheesy and Hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet
- Choose beef with some fat content for added flavor; an 80/20 blend works well.
- Consider adding chopped bell peppers or other vegetables during the cooking process for added nutrition and taste.
- For a golden crust, let the potatoes sit in the skillet without stirring for a few minutes while they cook.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, use the optional milk; otherwise, it’s delicious without it!
- Always taste and adjust seasonings, especially if you’re using different brands of spices or cheeses.
Delicious Variations of Cheesy and Hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet
For a spicy version, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also jazz it up with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a herbed twist. Looking for a lighter option? Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or lentils to create a vegetarian-friendly version.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy and Hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Can I make this dish in advance? Absolutely! Just prepare it as directed and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe? Besides cheddar, you could use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of your favorites for extra flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Give Cheesy and Hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet a try for your next family dinner. Its rich flavors, ease of preparation, and ability to adapt to your pantry make it an irresistible option. Enjoy this delicious comfort food that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
Cheesy and Hearty Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Choose beef with some fat content for added flavor; an 80/20 blend works well.
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced For a golden crust, let the potatoes sit in the skillet without stirring for a few minutes.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese You can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for flavor variety.
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Always taste and adjust seasonings.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the potatoes.
- ¼ cup milk (optional) Use for creaminess, otherwise it's delicious without it.
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook diced potatoes for 10–12 minutes until golden and tender. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Return potatoes to the skillet and mix. Add milk if desired for creaminess.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
