Can I use leftover or pre-cooked potatoes in this recipe?

Absolutely! If using already cooked potatoes, add them later in the process—after you've browned the meat and created the sauce. Just simmer them in the sauce long enough to heat through and absorb some flavor, about 5 minutes.

My potatoes are taking forever to get tender. What am I doing wrong?

Potato cooking time can vary based on the variety and how they're cut. If your potatoes are taking too long, cover the skillet tightly to trap steam, and consider adding an extra splash of broth. You can also partially cook potatoes in the microwave before adding them to speed things up.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the cream with coconut cream or your favorite plant-based cooking cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

How can I make this meal stretch further to feed a crowd?

This recipe scales up beautifully! Double the ingredients and use a larger pan, or serve it over rice or pasta to make it go further. You could also add an extra can of beans (like kidney or black beans) for more protein and bulk without much added cost.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil; 1½ lbs potatoes (any kind, diced into ½-inch cubes); ½ medium onion (finely diced); ½ green bell pepper (finely diced); 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1½ teaspoons seasoning salt; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon ground mustard; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¾ cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth; ½ cup tomato sauce (marinara or similar); ¼ cup cream (any kind); 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; fresh chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes skillet is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese all in one pan. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of savory beef, creamy sauce, and golden potatoes creates a dish that’s both nourishing and incredibly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your evening.
Family-Friendly: This dish has universal appeal – even picky eaters will ask for seconds! The familiar flavors and comforting textures make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like ground beef and potatoes creates a filling meal that won’t break the bank.
Versatile: Easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it perfect for using up ingredients in your fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Oil: Used for sautéing the potatoes first to get that perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Potatoes: The hearty base of this dish that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Red-skinned or Yukon gold work beautifully, and leaving the skins on adds extra nutrition.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These aromatics add depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness as they soften and meld with the other ingredients.
Ground Beef: The protein star of the show that adds richness and heartiness. Choose lean ground beef for best results without excessive grease.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor that brings depth and umami to the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that irreplaceable aromatic punch that takes the dish to the next level.
Seasonings: A perfect blend of seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes creates layers of flavor without being complicated.
Broth: Adds moisture and flavor while helping to cook the potatoes to tender perfection.
Tomato Sauce: Creates the base for our sauce, bringing everything together with tangy richness.
Cream: Just enough to add a velvety texture and slight richness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Cheese: The crowning glory that forms an irresistible melty topping. Both mozzarella and cheddar work wonderfully – choose based on your preference for mild stretch or sharp flavor.
Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or green onions adds color, freshness, and a final flavor boost.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Protein Options

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version, or try Italian sausage for extra flavor. Ground chicken works well too, though you might want to add a bit more seasoning since it’s milder.

Vegetable Additions

This recipe is perfect for cleaning out your vegetable drawer! Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor, zucchini or yellow squash for extra nutrition, or corn kernels for a touch of sweetness.

Cheese Variations

Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, Swiss for a nutty flavor, or a Mexican cheese blend for something different. You can even do a combination of cheeses for more complex flavor.

Make It Spicy

Double the red pepper flakes, add a diced jalapeño with your bell pepper, or stir in a tablespoon of hot sauce to give this dish some serious heat.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potato cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes until they start to turn golden and begin to soften. Stir frequently to ensure even browning without burning.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the potatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the vegetable mixture. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s completely browned. Once cooked, drain or soak up any excess fat with paper towels to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring for about a minute, which allows the spices to bloom and the tomato paste to caramelize slightly.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Pour in the broth, tomato sauce, and cream, stirring well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Let the mixture cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork. This could take 10-15 minutes depending on your potato variety and size. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat, uncover, and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again just until the cheese melts into gooey perfection—usually only takes a minute or two.

Step 8: Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor, then serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Uniform Potato Cubes: Cut your potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
Parcook Potatoes: If you’re short on time, microwave the potato cubes with a splash of water for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the skillet—they’ll cook much faster.
Layered Cooking: Brown the potatoes first, then add ingredients in the right order to build flavors without overcooking anything.
Don’t Rush: Allow enough time for the potatoes to fully cook through—they should be fork-tender before adding the cheese.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning before adding the cheese, as it’s your last chance to perfect the flavor.

How to Serve

Main Dish Pairings

This hearty skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Family-Style Serving

Serve directly from the skillet at the table with crusty bread on the side to soak up any extra sauce—it’s the best part!

Garnish Options

Beyond parsley or green onions, try diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or even some pickled jalapeños for those who like extra heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often get even better overnight as they have time to meld.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the potatoes might change texture slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. If the cheese looks a bit separated after reheating, stirring in a touch of fresh cheese can bring it back to life.

FAQs

Can I use leftover or pre-cooked potatoes in this recipe?

Absolutely! If using already cooked potatoes, add them later in the process—after you’ve browned the meat and created the sauce. Just simmer them in the sauce long enough to heat through and absorb some flavor, about 5 minutes.
My potatoes are taking forever to get tender. What am I doing wrong?

Potato cooking time can vary based on the variety and how they’re cut. If your potatoes are taking too long, cover the skillet tightly to trap steam, and consider adding an extra splash of broth. You can also partially cook potatoes in the microwave before adding them to speed things up.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the cream with coconut cream or your favorite plant-based cooking cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this meal stretch further to feed a crowd?

This recipe scales up beautifully! Double the ingredients and use a larger pan, or serve it over rice or pasta to make it go further. You could also add an extra can of beans (like kidney or black beans) for more protein and bulk without much added cost.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is comfort food at its finest—simple, satisfying, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. Give it a try and watch it become a regular request in your home. The combination of golden potatoes, savory beef, and melty cheese creates magic in a skillet that’s hard to resist!