If you’re craving hearty comfort food with minimal fuss, this Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is sure to become your next go-to weeknight dinner. It offers cozy, familiar flavors in every bite, thanks to fluffy potatoes, tender beef, vibrant peppers, and a crown of golden, bubbling cheddar cheese. Best of all, the entire meal comes together using just one skillet, saving you time and cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for the family or want next-level leftovers, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something special about keeping ingredients simple yet purposeful. Each of these components brings its own charm to the Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes, creating delicious layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together seamlessly.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps crisp up the potatoes beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings a touch of creamy flavor that rounds out the dish.
- Starchy White Potatoes: Key for achieving that tender, comforting bite without turning mushy.
- Romano or Bell Peppers: These vibrant veggies add pop and a gentle sweetness.
- Lean Ground Beef: Delivers hearty flavor and satisfying protein.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a subtle, savory backbone to the base.
- Garlic Cloves: Infuse the skillet with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Sweet Paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness and striking color.
- Black Pepper: Grounds the dish with just the right kick.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that offers warmth and complexity.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Chili Flakes: For those who like a subtle heat and extra flair at the finish.
- Double Concentrated Tomato Paste: Deepens the sauce and adds tangy richness.
- Chopped Parsley: Fresh and bright, both in the dish and as a garnish.
- Chicken Broth: Helps everything meld together and infuse flavor into the potatoes.
- Grated Cheddar: That all-important, gooey, golden topping—it’s not Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes without it!
How to Make Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before you fire up your skillet, take a few minutes to get everything ready. Peel the potatoes, slice them into half-moons about a quarter-inch thick, chop your onion and parsley, mince the garlic, and thinly slice the peppers. Being set up from the start ensures the recipe moves along quickly and smoothly.
Step 2: Brown the Potatoes
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Toss in the sliced potatoes and cook them for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re attractively golden and starting to crisp. Scoop the potatoes out of the pan and set them aside for now. This first sizzle helps lock in their structure and flavor.
Step 3: Soften the Peppers & Start the Beef
Working with the same skillet (hello, easy cleanup!), add the chopped Romano or bell peppers. Let them cook for about 3 minutes, just until they begin to soften. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula, and cook for another 2 minutes until it starts to brown. That caramelization amps up the savory flavor.
Step 4: Build the Base
Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Let them cook with the beef for another 2 minutes, stirring often, until everything smells completely irresistible. Sprinkle in the salt, chili flakes, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, then stir in the tomato paste until everything is cozy and thoroughly combined.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Now, return the golden potatoes to the pan along with the chopped parsley. Gently fold everything together so you don’t break down those lovely potato slices. Pour in the chicken broth, stir, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it all simmer for about 10 minutes, giving the potatoes time to turn tender and soak up all those mouthwatering flavors. Remove the lid, and keep cooking until the broth has mostly evaporated, concentrating all that goodness.
Step 6: Cheese, Melt, and Finish
Sprinkle every last bit of the grated cheddar generously over the skillet. Pop the lid back on so the cheese melts into a gooey, blissful blanket. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra pinch of chili flakes make it look and taste even more inviting. Serve your Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes hot, straight from the skillet while it’s bubbling and melty.
How to Serve Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
Garnishes
A big shower of chopped fresh parsley and a little pinch of chili flakes at the end instantly brighten the whole dish, making it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to your taste buds. If you love a little extra zing, try a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sliced scallions right before serving.
Side Dishes
Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is a full meal on its own, but a big green salad with a zippy vinaigrette or some steamed green beans make refreshingly crisp counterpoints. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, warm bread for mopping up any cheesy, savory bits will always be a hit at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn weeknight dinner into something special by serving the skillet family-style in the center of the table. For a fun twist, scoop the mixture into individual ramekins and broil for an extra-cheesy finish. You can also pile leftovers into a wrap or use them as a delicious baked potato topping for a next-day lunch that feels brand-new.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes left after dinner (which is a big if!), let it cool to room temperature. Transfer to airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually get even richer as they mingle overnight.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! Portion out the cooled Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes into freezer-safe containers, seal well, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For a quick meal, reheat portions in the microwave until steamy and hot, or pop the whole skillet back on the stove over medium-low, covering with a lid to keep everything tender and prevent the cheese from drying out. If you want to refresh the cheesy crust, add a little more cheddar and broil for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I swap out the ground beef for another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well for a lighter twist, or you could even use ground pork for added richness. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled cooked lentils or a meat alternative; just be sure to season well for the best flavor.
What potatoes are best for this recipe?
Starchy varieties like russet or white potatoes really shine in Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes because they soak up flavor without getting mushy. However, Yukon golds will also give you a beautiful creamy texture if that’s your jam!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach make great additions if you want to bulk up the veggie content. Just toss them in with the peppers or at the simmer stage, depending on how soft you like your veggies.
How do I make it spicier?
For more heat, simply amp up the chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. You can also top individual portions with hot sauce if different spice levels are needed in your household.
Is it possible to prepare Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes ahead for a party?
Yes! Prepare the recipe up until the cheese step, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, sprinkle with cheese, cover, and reheat gently until warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This makes entertaining so much easier.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food in a skillet sounds like your dream dinner, Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is calling your name! It’s simple enough for busy nights, yet cozy and crowd-pleasing for any special gathering. Give it a try and watch it become a family-favorite that’s requested again and again.
