Savory Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort comes alive with this hearty cheesy ground beef and potatoes skillet that transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

Simple pantry staples blend seamlessly to create a satisfying dinner everyone craves.

Tender potatoes and seasoned beef mingle under a blanket of melted cheese, creating irresistible layers of flavor.

Home cooks adore this one-pan wonder for its quick preparation and crowd-pleasing taste.

The combination of crispy edges and creamy cheese makes this dish an instant family favorite.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of savory meat, soft potatoes, and gooey cheese.

Grab your skillet and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this comforting classic.

Ingredients for Cheesy Beef and Potatoes

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the core of this comforting casserole.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create a delicious base and provide a satisfying texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy topping.

• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that adds a fresh garnish and light herbal note.

• Milk, Olive Oil, Onion: Ingredients that help bind the casserole, add moisture, and provide additional depth of flavor.

Cooking Up Cheesy Ground Beef Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Step 2: Cook The Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 3: Create First Layer

Spread a generous layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the baking dish.

• Cooked ground beef
• Diced onions

Step 4: Build Second Layer

• Potato slices
• Remaining ground beef
• Remaining diced onions

Step 5: Add Moisture

Pour milk evenly over the entire casserole to keep the dish moist and creamy.

Cover the baking dish with foil to trap steam and help potatoes cook perfectly.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Bake the covered casserole for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and potatoes to become tender.

Step 7: Cheese Finale

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Tips for Cheesy Beef Dinners

• Remove as much grease as possible from cooked ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a cleaner, lighter texture.
• Cut potatoes to uniform thickness to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Create neat, even layers of potatoes and ground beef to guarantee balanced flavor distribution in every bite.
• Select a sharp cheddar cheese for more intense flavor and better melting properties that create a creamy, golden topping.
• Keep an eye on the dish during the final uncovered baking stage to prevent cheese from burning and achieve perfect golden-brown color.

Cheesy Beef and Potato Variations

• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Replace standard cheese with pepper jack, add diced jalapeños between layers for extra heat and kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potato slices with cauliflower florets, maintaining same cooking technique for keto-friendly alternative.
• Vegetarian Bean Replacement: Swap ground beef with black beans or lentils, using vegetable broth instead of milk for protein-packed plant-based option.
• Mediterranean Style: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar, incorporate oregano and diced bell peppers, replace milk with Greek yogurt for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

How to Serve This Beef and Potato Dish

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that brings everyone together.
• Comfort Food Sidekick: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to add extra nutrition and color to your plate.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform leftovers into a delightful breakfast by topping with a fried egg and adding a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Garnish with extra chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the dish's visual appeal and flavor profile.

Storing Cheesy Beef and Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding fresh cheese on top for extra flavor boost.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile.

• How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they’re tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. If they’re not soft after 45 minutes, cover and bake a bit longer.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific ingredients to ensure no hidden gluten sources are present.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes: Family Favorite

• Boost Family Comfort: A hearty one-dish meal that brings everyone together with rich, satisfying flavors and minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Quick Weeknight Hero: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe perfect for busy households seeking delicious, stress-free dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra spices to match personal tastes, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and skill levels.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients like ground beef and potatoes, delivering maximum taste without breaking the bank.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and potatoes casserole delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending savory meat with creamy potato layers. Rich cheese melts perfectly over this classic dish, promising a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F and lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, infusing it with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Eliminate any excess grease.
3. Create the first foundation layer by spreading half the potato slices across the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Distribute half the seasoned ground beef and diced onions evenly over the potato layer.
5. Construct a second identical layer using the remaining potato slices, ground beef, and onions, building a hearty casserole structure.
6. Gently cascade milk across the layered ingredients, ensuring uniform moisture distribution.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing potatoes to tenderize and flavors to meld.
8. Uncover the casserole and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the surface.
9. Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching the cheese transform into a golden, bubbling crust.
10. Finish by scattering fresh parsley on top for a vibrant, aromatic garnish and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika and garlic powder to match personal taste preferences.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Consider using low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance or vegetarian needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg