Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes: Ultimate Comfort Food

Some nights just call for a skillet full of cozy. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe has been making waves on Pinterest and Reddit for good reasonit’s quick, filling, and feels like a warm hug. With just a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes to prep, anyone can pull this off. Total beginner or weeknight pro, this one’s for you.

Imagine the magic of a burger and friesbut baked up in Grandma’s favorite casserole dish. This is one of those Potato And Ground Beef Casserole Recipes that just tastes like home. All you need is savory ground beef, tender potatoes, aromatic onions, and melty cheese. Feeds a crowd, rewarms like a dream.

I grew up layering beef and spuds with my grandma in her old blue Pyrex. Each time I make this, I hear her humming. Now I test every version till it’s just *right*, focusing on delicious, comforting flavors. This one’s got a special depth of flavor, enhanced by the cheese layer. It’s a recipe I’m truly proud of, and I think you’ll love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy & Nostalgic: This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is practically a hug in a casserole dish. If you’ve got fond memories of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s, this will truly hit the spot.
• Simple Ingredients: Only pantry basics and fresh staplesno guessing about hard-to-find items.
• Beginner-Friendly: Minimal prep (just 10 minutes!) and a single skillet mean you don’t have to be a kitchen pro for this one.
• Family-Approved: Creamy, cheesy, and heartyeveryone in the family will love it, from picky eaters to meat-and-potato fans.

Ingredients & Tips

This dish keeps things simple with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Here’s the full lineup, along with tips to make it extra foolproof:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef (85-90%) for less grease, but any variety works. For a lighter twist, swap in ground turkey or chicken.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are your best bet for a creamy, hearty texture that holds up well. Chop them into small, even pieces (about ½-inch dice) to ensure they cook quickly and uniformly!
• Onion & Garlic: Freshly chopped onion and minced garlic are essential aromatics that build the foundational flavor of the dish. Don’t skip these!
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp or mild cheddar melts perfectly, creating that classic gooey topping. Feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
• Spices: Paprika and dried oregano add a cozy, earthy warmth to the dish, while salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. These are little flavor powerhouses you won’t want to miss.
• Beef Broth: A touch of beef broth keeps the casserole moist, infuses the potatoes with rich flavor, and prevents sticking. Vegetable or chicken broth can be substituted if beef isn’t on hand.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley at the end adds a bright pop of color and a touch of fresh herbaceousness.

Pro Tip: Chop and prep all your ingredients (mise en place!) before starting. It’ll make the cooking process simple, smooth, and stress-free!

Quick Ingredient Breakdown

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Here’s your step-by-step guide for creating cozy, cheesy goodness in under 40 minutes, with minimal fuss:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease thoroughly, then transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion & Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet (add a touch more olive oil if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add Potatoes & Seasoning: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix everything well to ensure the potatoes and beef are evenly coated with seasoning.
4. Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Cheese It Up: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef and potato mixture. Cover the skillet again (or place the oven-safe skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes for extra crispy cheese, watching carefully) and let it stand for 3–5 minutes on very low heat (or off the heat) to allow the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.
6. Finish & Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley (if using) over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm directly from the skillet and enjoy!

Troubleshooting & Tips

• Potatoes Still Firm? If your potatoes aren’t soft after simmering for 20 minutes, they might need a bit more time. Give them 5–10 additional minutes, covered, on low heat. Add a splash of broth if the skillet starts to look too dry. Ensure your potato pieces are small and uniform for even cooking.
• Greasy Casserole? The most common culprit is not draining the fat from the ground beef. Always drain excess grease after browning for the best texture and flavor. If you’ve used fattier beef, consider rinsing it quickly under hot water after draining and before returning to the skillet, then draining again.
• Cheese Not Melting? Make sure the skillet is still warm (or on very low heat) when you add the cheese, and cover it tightly. The trapped steam will help the cheese melt beautifully and evenly. Avoid high heat, which can make cheese seize or burn.

Serving & Storage

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Here’s how to serve and store it:

• Serving Suggestions: Pair this hearty dish with a crisp green side salad dressed with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up all the savory goodness. It’s excellent as a stand-alone meal for easy family dinners.
• Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the ground beef and potato mixture (up to step 4, before adding cheese). Let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to

Joe Rooney

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes: Ultimate Comfort Food

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings together savory flavors of ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for Potato And Ground Beef Casserole Recipes lovers, this Ground Beef Potato Onion Casserole offers a delicious and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare for any night of the week. Enjoy a satisfying dish that combines elements of Ground Beef Potato Cheese Casserole and Beef Recipes Easy Dinners in one comforting casserole.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano.
6. Add diced potatoes and beef broth; stir to combine.
7. Cook for about 10 minutes until potatoes start to soften.
8. Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.