Name: Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 large onion, diced; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

There's nothing quite as comforting as a steaming plate of Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes. Imagine tender, golden potato slices layered with juicy, seasoned ground beef, all smothered in a velvety blanket of melted cheese. It’s hearty, simple to make, and perfect for feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight.

I discovered this recipe on a chilly evening when I needed a quick, budget-friendly meal to warm up the whole family. It’s now a staple in our dinner rotation, loved for its satisfying flavors and the way it fills the house with mouthwatering aromas.

Get ready to dig into the details of this savory delight.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes

Get ready to fall in love with this ultimate comfort food. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe will have everyone at your table coming back for seconds.

First, the simplicity of this dish makes it a lifesaver on hectic nights. With a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal in under an hour. Even better, most of the cooking is hands-off, allowing you to catch your breath while dinner simmers away.

Then, there’s the unbeatable combination of flavors and textures. The potatoes are perfectly tender, the ground beef is savory and flavorful, and the cheese ties everything together in the most delicious way. Every bite melts in your mouth, with just enough crisp from the oven-baked top layer.

Another highlight? This meal is wonderfully adaptable. You can easily customize it with different cheeses or add vegetables for a complete one-pan meal. It’s the kind of recipe you can experiment with to keep things exciting while still relying on its satisfying core flavors.

This dish also has fantastic make-ahead and reheating potential, perfect for meal-preppers or those looking to save time during a busy week. Now, let’s explore the ingredients that make this meal so special.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch when combined.

Potatoes are the heart of this dish. I prefer Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their balance of creaminess and structure. They hold up well during cooking and absorb the flavors of the beef and cheese beautifully. Be sure to slice them evenly, about ¼-inch thick, to ensure uniform cooking.

Ground beef is the protein hero here. Choose a medium-fat content (around 85/15) to add flavor without too much grease. If needed, you can drain excess fat after browning to keep things light.

For seasonings, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika create a deep, savory base. Fresh garlic and onions add even more flavor, and a hint of paprika lends a gentle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the cheese.

Speaking of cheese, go for a good melting variety like cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack. Grate the cheese fresh for best results – pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent smooth melting.

You'll also need chicken broth to keep everything moist and flavorful as it bakes. It infuses the potatoes with savory goodness, making every bite irresistibly tasty.

No special equipment needed here! A large skillet for browning the beef and a deep baking dish to layer everything together are all you need to make this recipe come to life.

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 warms up, peel and slice your potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to remove excess starch, then pat them dry. This helps keep the potatoes from becoming gummy as they bake.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and your ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, stirring well. If there’s excess fat, drain it carefully.

Once the beef is browned and fragrant, add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This base layer sets up the bold flavors that infuse the potatoes.

Now, it’s time to assemble. Grease a large baking dish and layer half of your potato slices on the bottom. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the beef.

Repeat with another layer of potatoes, beef, and a final topping of cheese. Pour chicken broth evenly over the top, ensuring it seeps through to keep everything moist and flavorful.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the cheese get bubbly and golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender, and the top is irresistibly gooey and browned.

The total cook time is just under an hour, but most of that is hands-off, giving you time to unwind or prepare a simple side salad.

Storage Options

This dish stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze, portion the baked dish into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

For reheating, warm individual servings in the microwave or cover a larger portion with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This method keeps the cheese from drying out and ensures the potatoes stay tender.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!

For a veggie boost, try layering in sliced zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers along with the potatoes. The added vegetables bring extra nutrition and flavor.

Prefer a spicy kick? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. The heat pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes.

You can also swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings slightly to enhance the flavor of the lighter meat.

If you’re in the mood for more herbs, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the baked dish for a burst of freshness. It’s an easy way to elevate both the flavor and presentation.

Experimenting with different cheese blends is another way to customize this recipe. Try a combination of Gruyère, sharp white cheddar, or even mozzarella for a unique twist.

No matter how you adapt it, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is sure to be a hit with your family. Enjoy experimenting and savor every comforting bite!