Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that brings together ground beef, tender potatoes, and colorful peppers under a delicious layer of melted cheddar cheese. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings with family and friends. It’s cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze, and can be ready in just about 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in one skillet.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices and cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
- Family-Friendly Meal: Kid-approved flavors make it an excellent choice for family dinners.
- Versatile Dish: Can be customized with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes, gather your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Ensures that the ingredients cook evenly without sticking, making it easier to serve.
- Sharp knife: Provides precision when chopping vegetables and ensures safety while preparing your ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1.8 pounds potatoes (starchy, preferably white potatoes)
- 2 Romano peppers (chopped, or bell peppers)
For the Meat Mixture
- 1.1 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
For Seasoning
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp chili flakes
For Additional Flavor
- 2 tbsp double concentrated tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (more for serving)
For Cooking
- 2 cups chicken broth
For Topping
- 1 ½ cups grated cheddar
How to Make Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Get all the prep done before you start cooking:
1. Peel the potatoes, cut lengthwise in half, and slice into ¼ inch/0.5 cm thick slices.
2. Finely chop the onion and parsley.
3. Mince the garlic.
4. Cut the Romano peppers lengthwise in half, deseed them, and slice thinly.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Heat oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat:
– Add potatoes to the skillet.
– Cook for about 6 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
– Remove potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers
In the same skillet:
– Add chopped peppers.
– Cook for about 3 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Add ground beef to the softened peppers:
– Break up into pieces with a spatula.
– Cook until slightly browned, about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Stir in garlic and onion:
– Cook until fragrant for about 2 minutes.
– Add salt, chili flakes, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Mix well.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the potatoes to the skillet:
– Stir gently until combined with meat mixture.
– Pour in chicken broth; cover with lid.
– Cook for about 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Remove lid:
– Simmer until most of the broth has evaporated.
– Sprinkle cheddar on top; close lid until cheese melts completely.
Step 8: Serve
Top with parsley and chili flakes:
– Serve immediately while still hot with a big side salad. Enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is a comforting and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
With a Fresh Side Salad
- A crisp salad made with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes pairs well to balance the richness of the dish.
Topped with Extra Cheese
- Adding an extra sprinkle of cheese on top just before serving enhances the cheesy flavor and creates a deliciously gooey texture.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up those flavorful juices from the skillet.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only add color but also enhance the flavors of the Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes.
As Leftovers
- This dish tastes even better the next day! Reheat it for a quick lunch or dinner option that’s just as satisfying.
With a Dollop of Sour Cream
- A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy tang that complements this rich dish beautifully.
How to Perfect Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
To achieve the best results with your Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes, consider these helpful tips.
Use Starchy Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like white or Yukon gold for that creamy texture while cooking.
Cook Evenly: Ensure that your potato slices are uniform in size for even cooking and tenderness throughout.
Sauté Before Mixing: Sautéing the peppers and onions before adding them to the beef helps develop deeper flavors.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak seasonings based on your taste preference. A bit more chili flakes can provide an extra kick!
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, try mixing in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
Pairing your Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some tasty options:
Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread adds crunch and flavor, making it perfect for dipping into your cheesy dish.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli provides nutrients and a pop of color, balancing out the richness of the beef.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to this hearty meal, adding crunchiness as well.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies like carrots and zucchini complement the main dish while adding more flavor.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a classic side that pairs well with any comfort food; boil or grill it for added flavor.
Baked Beans: A side of baked beans introduces sweetness that balances out savory notes in your one-pot meal.
Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad brings crispness and creamy dressing that works wonderfully alongside beef dishes.
Potato Wedges: For potato lovers, crispy potato wedges are an indulgent addition that goes hand-in-hand with this recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
Not Preparing Ingredients First: Skipping prep can lead to overcooking or burning ingredients. Always chop, slice, and measure everything before starting your cooking process.
Using the Wrong Type of Potatoes: Choosing waxy potatoes can result in a mushy texture. Stick with starchy potatoes like white potatoes for the best results.
Overcrowding the Skillet: Adding too many ingredients at once can prevent proper browning. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and flavor development.
Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Each ingredient has its own flavor strength. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings to ensure a balanced dish.
Forgetting to Let Cheese Melt Properly: Rushing this step can lead to uneven melting. Cover the skillet and give it time for that cheesy goodness to fully melt.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and safety.
Freezing Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Store in freezer-safe containers or bags; it will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes so special?
This dish combines hearty ingredients like ground beef and potatoes with melted cheese, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I customize the vegetables in Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas based on your preference or what you have on hand.
How can I make Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes healthier?
You can use leaner cuts of beef or substitute ground turkey. Additionally, increase the amount of vegetables for added nutrition.
What sides pair well with Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes?
A fresh side salad or steamed green beans complement this dish nicely, adding balance to your meal.
Is Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids usually love cheesy dishes, making this recipe an excellent option for family dinners.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is not only quick but also incredibly satisfying. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different veggies or proteins based on your family’s tastes. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe; it’s bound to become a favorite!
Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and colorful peppers, all topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese. This hearty dish is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, as it cooks in just one skillet and is ready in approximately 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that the entire family will love. With customizable ingredients and simple preparation steps, you’ll find it easy to whip up this flavorful dish any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1.8 pounds potatoes (starchy, preferably white potatoes)
- 2 Romano peppers (chopped, or bell peppers)
- 1.1 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp double concentrated tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (more for serving)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups grated cheddar
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping vegetables and mincing garlic.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sliced potatoes until golden brown (about 6 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped peppers for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until slightly browned (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and onion; cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Mix in seasonings and tomato paste.
- Return the potatoes to the skillet, pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Remove lid, sprinkle cheddar on top, cover again until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
