There's nothing quite as comforting as a hearty dish of Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes. The aroma of sizzling beef, melting cheese, and perfectly roasted potatoes fills your kitchen with warmth, making it hard not to sneak a bite before dinnertime. This crowd-pleaser is a weeknight lifesaver and a guaranteed favorite for both kids and adults.

I stumbled upon this recipe one chilly evening when I needed to whip up something satisfying using ingredients I already had in my pantry. What started as a throw-together meal quickly turned into a staple that’s now requested over and over by my family and friends.

Get ready to add this simple yet sensational recipe to your weekly rotation.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort meal. Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is a game-changer for those looking for something easy, filling, and irresistibly delicious.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a few basic steps, this dish comes together effortlessly, even on the busiest nights. No need to worry about complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.

Plus, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch, and you’ll have leftovers that taste just as amazing the next day. The flavors meld beautifully, and reheating is a breeze – a serious win for busy families or anyone looking to plan ahead.

The combination of flavors is out of this world. Tender ground beef, perfectly seasoned potatoes, and gooey, melted cheese create the ultimate comfort food experience. Every bite is packed with savory goodness, and the crispy edges of the potatoes add a wonderful texture contrast.

Lastly, it’s a budget-friendly option. Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes makes this recipe an excellent choice for feeding a hungry crowd without breaking the bank. Simple, hearty, and delicious – this dish checks all the boxes.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes lies in its simple yet well-balanced ingredients. Each component works together to create a comforting dish that's impossible to resist.

The potatoes are the base of this recipe, and choosing the right variety makes a difference. I prefer using russet or Yukon gold potatoes. Russets become soft and fluffy, while Yukon golds hold their shape and add a buttery flavor. Be sure to dice them evenly so they cook uniformly.

Ground beef is the heart of this dish, adding a savory, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes. I recommend using lean ground beef (around 85% lean), as it has just the right amount of fat to keep everything moist and flavorful without being greasy. If you have ground turkey on hand, it works well as a lighter alternative.

To season the dish, onion and garlic are essential. Freshly diced onion adds a touch of sweetness, and minced garlic provides an aromatic punch that elevates the whole meal. These flavors mingle beautifully with the meat and potatoes, giving the dish a savory, comforting depth.

Cheese ties everything together. I use a blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella for the best of both worlds. The cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor, while mozzarella provides that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses for a personal twist.

If you have a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, it’s the perfect tool for this recipe. The skillet allows you to brown the beef and bake everything in one pan, cutting down on dishes and streamlining the cooking process.

How To Make This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Creating this mouthwatering dish is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare your potatoes by peeling (if desired) and dicing them into small, evenly-sized cubes. This ensures they cook through at the same rate. Set the potatoes aside.

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and a dash of your favorite dried herbs, like thyme or oregano, for extra flavor.

Once the beef is cooked, add the diced onion and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. This step infuses the meat with a deliciously savory aroma.

Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly in the beef and onion mixture. Pour in about half a cup of low-sodium beef broth to help the potatoes soften and to add more flavor. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove the skillet from the oven, uncover it, and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. The total cook time should be around 45 minutes, making this a manageable meal for weeknights. The wait is worth it – your taste buds will be delighted!

Storage Options

This dish is perfect for leftovers and can be easily stored for future meals. Once cooled, transfer any remaining Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!

If you’re looking to freeze it, make sure the dish has fully cooled. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, label with the date, and store for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

For reheating single portions, the microwave works well. Cover the plate with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. Stir between intervals for even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

For a veggie-packed version, add diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms when sautéing the onion. These additions bring a pop of color and extra nutrition, and they blend seamlessly with the existing flavors.

If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes when browning the ground beef. This will turn up the heat and add a whole new dimension to the dish.

You can easily swap the ground beef for ground chicken or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to ensure the flavors are still robust.

Experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack adds a zesty touch, while Monterey jack makes for a super creamy melt. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some crumbled feta for a tangy surprise.

Don't be afraid to experiment! This recipe is a fantastic base, and adding your personal twist can make it even more memorable. Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!