Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

I’ll be honest; the minute I think of any dish worthy of being labelled comfort food, this comes to mind. From tender potatoes to juicy ground beef to that glorious layer of melted cheese that ties everything together, it is just pure joy of comfort!

It’s not fancy; it’s not complicated; it is comfort food on a plate to me. I grew up eating this in several variations, and every time I make it, I am reminded simple ingredients can make a meal that people would want to gather around.

What This Recipe Is All About

Cheesy ground beef and potatoes is a skillet-style dish that layers hearty potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheese into one pan. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but filling enough to be the star of the table. You get crispy edges from the potatoes, a savory meatiness from the beef, and creamy richness from the cheese—all in one comforting forkful.

Why This Recipe Is Special

What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. It can be casual and homey when you want something cozy, but with a few tweaks—think fresh herbs, maybe a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce—and suddenly it feels gourmet. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that calls for things you probably have lying around. It’s good on the pocket, kid-approved, and infinitely customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why I think you’ll come back to this dish again and again:

• Simple ingredients – pantry and fridge staples you already know.
• Quick to make – dinner on the table in under an hour.
• Crowd-pleaser – picky eaters, kids, and adults all say yes to this.
• Customizable – spice it up, mellow it down, swap the cheese—your choice.
• Comfort food at its best – hearty, cheesy, and filling without being fussy.

Tools You’ll Need

Let’s keep this simple. You don’t need a chef’s kitchen—just these basics:

• Large skillet (or sauté pan) – I like using cast iron for crispy potatoes, but any large skillet works.
• Sharp knife & cutting board – for dicing potatoes and chopping onions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – makes stirring easier and more gentle on your pan.
• Measuring cups & spoons – to keep seasoning balanced.
• Box grater (or pre-shredded cheese) – if you grate your own, the cheese melts smoother.

Ingredients (US + Metric)

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes (about 1 ½ lbs / 680 g), diced into small cubes
• 1 medium onion (about 150 g), finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt, plus more to taste
• ½ tsp (2 g) black pepper
• ½ tsp (2 g) smoked paprika (optional, adds warmth)
• ½ tsp (2 g) dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the potatoes: Small cubes are about where you want to be for potatoes (somewhere around ½ inch / 1.2 cm). So the smaller they are, the faster they are gonna cook. Don’t worry about being completely uniform. Rustic is good.
2. Cook the potatoes: Add 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and place it over medium flame. Add potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. And if they stick a bit, that’s all good-for flavor. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Brown the beef: In the same skillet, drizzle a little oil and add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as you fry it until brown and crumbly, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if need be.
4. Add aromatics: Add onions and garlic and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until fragrant and softened.
5. Season it: Add salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Taste and correct seasoning- your choice.
6. Bring it together: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet together with the beef. Mix carefully so that the potatoes don’t break apart too much.
7. Add the cheese– Spreading shredded cheese over the top, reduce heat to low, and cover for 2 to 3 minutes, just until cheese melts into gooey perfection.
8. Garnish and serve– Add a pinch of fresh parsley or green onions for garnish. Serve while hot, and see it vanquished.

Serving Ideas

• Scoop it into bowls and top with sour cream and hot sauce.
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad for balance.
• Wrap it in a warm tortilla for a quick burrito-style dinner.
• Pair with fried eggs in the morning for a hearty breakfast hash.

Variations & Customizations

• Some heat can be injected by including diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chili powder.
• This can easily be converted into a veggie delight by incorporating bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Use any number of cheeses-mozzarella for gooeyness, pepper jack if you are craving the heat, or a mixture for a flavor punch.
• Creamy it up by stirring in a healthy splash of heavy cream-or cream of mushroom soup-just before putting in the cheese.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to four days.
• Yes! Cool it down and freeze it in portions for up to two months.
• Reheat in a pan with a splash of water so it stays nice and moist, or microwave for bursts of one minute.
• Make-ahead: Dice the potatoes and grate the cheese earlier in the day for quick cooking at dinner.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t overcrowd the potatoes. Give them space in the pan so they crisp instead of steam.
• Season in layers. A little salt when cooking potatoes, another pinch with the beef—this makes flavor pop.
• Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded works, but freshly grated melts creamier and smoother.
• Taste as you go. Trust your tongue—it knows what’s missing.

Recipe Summary

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, approx.):

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 23 g
• Carbs: 28 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Final Thoughts

If you want a good bite for the tummy, something simple, with a short ingredient list, and prepared in little time-a cheesy ground beef-and-potatoes recipe is just what it is. It will fill your tummy and make you feel warm and secure. This is what comfort food ought to do.

It would mean the world to me if you tried it out and then put your own spin on it. Share it with family or friends; when you make it, let me know how it turned out. I swear-it is one of those recipes you will want in your back pocket.