Picture this: the enticing smell of melting cheese wafts through your kitchen as a medley of flavors sizzles in one pot. That’s the magic of my Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes. This comforting dish marries tender ground beef with layers of thinly sliced potatoes and vibrant peppers, all hugged by gooey, melted cheddar cheese. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cozy embrace on a busy weeknight.
After a long day, there’s nothing quite like knowing dinner is only 30 minutes away. Even the pickiest of eaters will find it hard to resist this hearty, kid-approved feast. Plus, every bite is a reminder of homemade goodness, steering you far away from fast-food monotony. So put on your apron and get ready to bring a dash of warmth to your dinner table with this simple, delicious recipe!
Why Will You Love Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes?
Simplicity at its best: With just a handful of ingredients and only one pot, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Hearty and satisfying: A delightful mix of beef, potatoes, and cheese creates a meal that fills up hungry bellies and warms the soul.
Kid-approved: Especially appealing for little ones, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Flavor-packed: Each bite bursts with bold flavors from garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of heat from chili flakes.
Time-saving: Ready in just 30 minutes, it not only reduces kitchen chaos but also frees up time for precious family moments.
Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes Ingredients
For the Base
• Olive Oil – Adds fat for sautéing and flavor. Substitution: Can use any cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and flavor. Substitution: Can be replaced with margarine or additional olive oil.
• Potatoes (starchy, preferably white) – Main component serving as the hearty base. Note: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes can work well.
• Romano Peppers – Add sweetness and crunch. Substitution: Bell peppers can be used instead.
• Lean Ground Beef – Main protein source. Substitution: Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option.
For Flavoring
• Yellow Onion – Adds depth of flavor. Prep Note: Finely chop to soften quickly.
• Garlic Cloves (minced) – Introduces aromatic flavor. No direct substitutes, but garlic powder may work in a pinch.
• Sweet Paprika – Adds a mild, sweet smokiness. Substitution: Smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
• Black Pepper – Enhances overall flavor. Substitution: Freshly cracked is best, but ground pepper is fine.
• Italian Seasoning – Adds herbaceous notes. Substitution: A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme can be used.
• Salt – Essential for seasoning. Use to taste; can be omitted or reduced for low-sodium diets.
• Chili Flakes – Provide a slight kick. Substitution: Omit for a milder dish or use more for extra heat.
For the Finishing Touches
• Double Concentrated Tomato Paste – Adds umami and a bit of sweetness. Substitution: Regular tomato paste or diced fresh tomatoes.
• Chopped Parsley – Adds freshness and color. Can substitute with any fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions.
• Chicken Broth – Adds moisture and flavor to the dish. Substitution: Vegetable broth or water with seasoning.
• Grated Cheddar – Provides a creamy, flavorful topping. Substitution: Any melting cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
How to Make Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
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Prepare Ingredients: Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds and chop the onion, parsley, and Romano peppers. Mince the garlic. This setup makes cooking a breeze.
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Cook Potatoes: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced potatoes and sauté for about 6 minutes, until they turn golden brown. Set them aside on a plate.
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Sauté Peppers and Beef: In the same skillet, add the chopped Romano peppers and cook for 3 minutes. Then, add the lean ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned, about 2 minutes.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant—around 2 minutes. Season with salt, chili flakes, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, then mix in the double concentrated tomato paste.
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Combine and Cook: Gently fold the potatoes and chopped parsley into the beef mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and let it simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top, cover to melt, then serve warm garnished with parsley and additional chili flakes if desired.
Optional: Serve with a side salad for a fresh touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can chop the potatoes, onions, and peppers, and even brown the ground beef up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate the prepped ingredients in airtight containers. When you’re ready to cook, just sauté the aromatics, add in the prepped ingredients, stir in the broth, and follow the finishing steps to complete the dish. This makes your family-favorite Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes just as delicious while minimizing kitchen chaos. Enjoy the convenience and savor the cozy flavors without the rush!
What to Serve with Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes?
Picture your perfect family dinner complemented by delightful sides enhancing the cozy flavors of this one-pot meal.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the cheesy goodness, a loaf of warm, crusty bread adds texture and comfort to your meal.
- Garden Salad: A crisp, refreshing garden salad provides a bright contrast to the hearty dish, balancing the richness with fresh greens and a zesty dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots bring earthy sweetness and a slight char that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the beef and potatoes.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery garlic breadsticks enhance the comforting vibe while offering a deliciously garlicky bite—perfect for dipping!
- Coleslaw: The crunch and tang of coleslaw provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy dish, making every bite enjoyable and interesting.
- Iced Tea: A tall glass of sweetened iced tea complements this comfort food wonderfully; its slight sweetness and coolness will balance the meal’s richness perfectly.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Finish off with warm chocolate chip cookies for dessert, embracing that homemade sweetness that draws families together after a hearty meal.
Expert Tips for Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
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Uniform Slicing: Chopping the potatoes evenly ensures they cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overly soft.
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Control the Heat: If excess liquid remains after cooking, increase the heat with the lid off during the final steps to evaporate it and achieve a thicker consistency.
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Cheesy Finish: For a crispier cheese topping, consider briefly broiling the dish after melting the cheddar for added texture and flavor.
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Seasoning Adjustments: Taste and modify seasonings according to your preference, particularly with salt and chili flakes to ensure it suits everyone’s palate.
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Try Variations: Feel free to customize this comforting dish by swapping in different vegetables or cheese varieties for a unique twist on this Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes meal.
How to Store and Freeze Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Ensure it cools completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. Portioning into smaller containers can help with quick reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to regain moisture. Enjoy your Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes warm and delicious!
Thawing: To thaw, move the container to the fridge overnight or defrost in the microwave before reheating.
Variations & Substitutions for Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes
Feel free to get creative and customize this comforting recipe to suit your taste and needs.
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Vegetable Boost: Add frozen peas, corn, or shredded carrots for an extra burst of color and nutrition.
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Cheese Swap: Experiment with other melting cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a buttery flavor. Both options add a delightful twist.
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Lean Protein: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
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Herb Infusion: Substitute chopped parsley with fresh basil or thyme to impart different aromatic notes that enhance the overall dish.
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Zesty Flavor: For a tangy twist, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce into the beef mixture while cooking.
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Spice Level: Adjust the chili flakes according to your heat preference. For a bolder flavor, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while sautéing.
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Broth Variations: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option, infusing the dish with rich, savory flavors.
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Potato Variety: Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet and nutritious spin, adding a lovely contrast to the savory beef and cheese.
Embrace these variations to make this one-pot wonder uniquely yours, and relish every comforting bite!
Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Starchy potatoes, like Yukon Gold or Russet, are ideal choices. They provide a creamy texture and hold up well during cooking, ensuring that you get that hearty bite of potato in every spoonful.
How do I store leftovers of Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation, which can make it soggy.
Can I freeze this dish for later?
Very! You can freeze Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. For easier reheating, consider portioning it out into smaller containers. Just remember to defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.
What should I do if the dish is too watery?
If you find your dish has excess liquid, don’t worry! Simply remove the lid and increase the heat on your stovetop for a few minutes. Stir gently and let it simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, giving you that creamy, thick consistency you’re looking for.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes, definitely! If you need a lighter option, feel free to substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, simply replace the meat with a hearty plant-based protein like lentils or black beans, and use vegetable broth instead.
What if I have an allergy to garlic?
If garlic is a concern, you can easily omit it from the recipe. While it adds wonderful flavor, the dish will still be delightful with just onions and seasoning. If you want an alternative flavor, consider using 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder instead, or even a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for a different depth.
Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes for Cozy Family Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds and chop the onion, parsley, and Romano peppers. Mince the garlic.
- Cook Potatoes: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced potatoes and sauté for about 6 minutes, until golden brown.
- Sauté Peppers and Beef: In the same skillet, add the chopped Romano peppers and cook for 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up until browned.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant—around 2 minutes. Season with salt, chili flakes, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix in the tomato paste.
- Combine and Cook: Gently fold the potatoes and chopped parsley into the beef mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and let simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. Sprinkle grated cheddar on top, cover to melt, then serve garnished with parsley.