Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

Sizzling Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering cheesy ground beef and potatoes skillet that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly for a quick weeknight meal everyone craves.

Lean ground beef pairs perfectly with crispy potato chunks, creating a delightful texture explosion.

Melted cheese cascades over each bite, turning simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Packed with robust flavors, this dish delivers serious home-style goodness in minutes.

Rich and filling, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to savor slowly.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience a true dinner champion that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

Ground Beef And Potatoes That Satisfy Quickly

Ground Beef And Potatoes That Satisfy Quickly
  • Savor Weeknight Simplicity: Effortless one-pan meal that transforms basic ingredients into a comforting dinner masterpiece.
  • Maximize Family Satisfaction: Kid-friendly recipe packed with hearty ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese that pleases every palate.
  • Quick Preparation Power: Total cooking time under an hour, with just 15 minutes of active prep work, making it perfect for busy households.
  • Flexible Meal Solution: Adaptable dish that works brilliantly as a main course or potluck contribution, easily scaled up for larger gatherings.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes Essentials

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef, Potatoes: Perfect protein and starch base for a hearty casserole. Lean ground beef works best for less grease.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Adds creamy, melty texture and rich flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provides depth of flavor and classic savory base. Fresh ingredients offer the most robust taste.
  • Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme: Brings warm, earthy spices and balanced seasoning. Thyme adds optional herbal note.
Moisture and Creaminess:
  • Beef Broth, Sour Cream, Olive Oil: Creates moisture, helps bind ingredients, and adds richness.

Cheesy Ground Beef Potatoes Easy Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef Potatoes Easy Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Meat Mixture

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in:
  • Ground beef
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook until the beef turns a rich brown color.

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Create First Potato Layer

Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes across the baking dish, letting them slightly overlap.

Scatter some fresh thyme leaves if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 4: Build First Protein And Cheese Layer

Spread a generous portion of the cooked beef mixture over the potato base.

Shower the surface with:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Step 5: Repeat The Delicious Layers

Mirror the previous step with remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese, creating a mouthwatering tower of goodness.

Step 6: Add Creamy Liquid Magic

Whisk beef broth and sour cream together in a bowl.

Drizzle this creamy mixture evenly across the casserole.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until potatoes become tender and cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Let It Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Dig in and enjoy your comforting meal!

Cooking Tips for Ground Beef and Potatoes with Cheese

  • Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp, clean-tasting dish.
  • Slice potatoes uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Check potato tenderness with a fork before removing from oven to ensure they're perfectly cooked.
  • Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the dish's hearty essence.

Store Ground Beef Potatoes And Reheat Easy

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Cheese should melt smoothly and edges turn golden.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Dishes That Pair with Ground Beef and Potatoes

  • Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the ground beef and creamy cheeses.
  • Balance with Crisp Salad: Create a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a fresh contrast to the heavy dish.
  • Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus to add nutritional balance and provide a vegetable side that enhances the meal's overall texture and taste.
  • Enhance with Craft Beer: Choose a medium-bodied amber ale or brown ale that matches the dish's hearty profile and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Ground Beef and Potatoes with Hearty Topping Ideas

  • Vegetarian Potato Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content. Maintain the cheese and seasonings for a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified. Double-check broth and seasonings to avoid hidden gluten sources. Use cornstarch as a potential thickener if needed.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt or cashew cream for a similar creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s overall texture and appeal.

  • Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No, you don’t have to peel the potatoes. Leaving the skin on adds extra nutrition and gives the dish a rustic look. Just wash them thoroughly before slicing.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduce the cheese quantity, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value. You can also use low-fat sour cream and cheese.

  • Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed in the original recipe.

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Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe


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4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty “Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes” brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending savory beef with melted cheese and crispy potato layers. Home cooks savor this classic one-pan meal that promises satisfying warmth and flavor in every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (57 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Liquid and Creamy Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray.
  2. Sizzle olive oil in a heavy skillet, then introduce ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, caramelized brown. Enhance with aromatic salt, cracked pepper, and smoky paprika. Carefully drain any lingering fat.
  3. Create the first foundation layer by arranging potato slices across the baking dish, allowing them to slightly overlap. Dust the surface with fragrant thyme leaves.
  4. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the potato landscape, creating a hearty base layer.
  5. Blanket the beef with a generous cascade of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella cheeses, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Replicate the layering process: another stratum of potato slices, followed by remaining beef, concluding with a final cheese avalanche.
  7. Whisk beef broth and tangy sour cream into a silky sauce, then delicately pour over the entire casserole, allowing the liquid to seep between layers.
  8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and nestle into the preheated oven for 40 minutes of transformative cooking.
  9. Remove the foil and return to the oven, allowing the top to develop a golden, crispy cheese crust for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  10. Extract from the oven and permit the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to harmonize.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the dish soggy and heavy.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for better structure and creamy interior when baked.
  • Consider swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option suitable for different dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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