Description
This Simple Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender baby potatoes cooked to crispy perfection are simmered with savory ground beef, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, then finished with a generous melt of sharp cheddar cheese for a creamy and flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 ½ lbs baby yellow potatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Dairy
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Pantry
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Heat the pot: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of salted butter to melt and combine.
- Cook potatoes: Add the halved baby yellow potatoes to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes develop some crispy edges. Once browned, transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the same pot. Break up the meat into small pieces using a spatula or masher. Cook and crumble until the beef is fully browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Stir in the diced yellow onion and minced garlic with the browned beef. Cook together for 1 minute to release their aromas and soften slightly.
- Add seasonings and tomato paste: Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano. Stir well to evenly coat the beef and onions with the spices.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and stir to combine. Cover the pot with a lid and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, until the broth has reduced significantly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cheese and serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated. Serve the cheesy ground beef and potatoes hot.
Notes
- You can use Yukon gold or red potatoes as alternatives to baby yellow potatoes.
- For extra flavor, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes alongside the paprika.
- Make sure not to overcook the potatoes while crisping to avoid mushiness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
