Cheesy One-Pot Beef and Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner

When it comes to soul-warming comfort food, few things beat the creamy, cheesy goodness of Cheesy One-Pot Beef and Potatoes. This dish captures everything we love about hearty home cooking — tender golden potatoes, flavorful ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a rich, savory sauce that brings it all together.

What makes this recipe a standout is how simple yet indulgent it feels. With just one pot and a few staple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that tastes like something your grandma might have made on a cozy Sunday evening. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you crave something filling and satisfying.

Let’s dive into what makes this cheesy skillet dinner a household favorite — and why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: No need to juggle multiple pans — everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup effortless.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of creamy potatoes, seasoned beef, and cheese pleases even the pickiest eaters.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable pantry staples — ground beef, potatoes, onions, and cheese.
• Customizable: Add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or peas to make it more colorful and nutritious.
• Ultimate Comfort: It’s like a cross between a cheeseburger casserole and loaded mashed potatoes — creamy, savory, and absolutely addictive.

Ingredients

For the One-Pot Beef and Potatoes

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium russet or gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• ½ cup milk or cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tbsp sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef:
   Heat a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add Aromatics:
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until fragrant and softened.
3. Season the Base:
   Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir well to coat the beef and onions evenly with spices.
4. Add Potatoes:
   Add the sliced potatoes to the pan, gently mixing them into the beef mixture. Let them cook for about 3–4 minutes to start softening.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   Sprinkle flour over the beef and potatoes, stirring constantly for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, ensuring no lumps form. Then, add milk or cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer Until Tender:
   Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes — or until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Add the Cheese:
   Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and gooey. For extra richness, mix in sour cream just before removing from heat.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the top. Serve hot and melty straight from the skillet.

Cheesy One-Pot Beef and Potatoes

A hearty, creamy, and cheesy beef and potato skillet dinner made in one pot — perfect for busy weeknights and pure comfort food satisfaction.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
• 1 tbsp olive oil optional
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 medium potatoes thinly sliced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme optional
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups beef broth
• 0.5 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 2 tbsp sour cream optional
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Brown the beef in a large skillet until cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant.
3. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
4. Stir in sliced potatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes.
5. Sprinkle flour, stir, then pour in beef broth and milk. Simmer covered 15–20 minutes.
6. Add cheeses and sour cream; stir until melted and creamy.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack. Add chili flakes for spice.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Potatoes:
  Gold or Yukon potatoes hold their shape better and become creamy without falling apart. Russet potatoes work too but can break down more quickly.
• Control the Thickness:
  If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
• Cheese Options:
  Use freshly grated cheese — pre-shredded blends can contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Boost Flavor:
  A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard enhances the beef flavor beautifully.
• Make It Spicy:
  Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for heat.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• A fresh green salad to balance the richness
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the sauce
• Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or brussels sprouts
• A crisp glass of white wine or iced tea

Variations

• Cheesy Beef & Veggie Skillet: Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition.
• Mexican-Inspired Twist: Swap paprika for taco seasoning, and add a sprinkle of cilantro and salsa on top.
• Cream of Mushroom Style: Stir in ¼ cup of cream of mushroom soup for a nostalgic, creamy casserole texture.
• Breakfast Hash Version: Add a few fried eggs on top for a hearty brunch meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

It also freezes well — let it cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Fun Fact

Did you know that dishes combining beef, potatoes, and cheese date back to early 20th-century “meat and potato suppers” in the American Midwest? Farmers used one-pot meals like this to stretch ingredients while feeding large families. The addition of cheese came later, turning practical pantry dinners into indulgent comfort classics.

Why This Recipe Works

Every layer of this one-pot meal brings harmony — the potatoes soak up the savory beef juices, the sauce thickens naturally with flour and cream, and the cheese ties everything together into a molten, flavorful medley. The best part? It’s comfort food made efficient, proving you don’t need multiple pans or complicated steps for big, bold flavors.