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One Skillet Cheesy Beef and Potatoes has turned into my go-to on those hectic weeknights when I crave cozy comfort food. With buttery potatoes that crisp up on the edges, savory beef mixed with peppers, and a delicious layer of melted cheddar, this meal brings everyone together in no time. You just need one skillet and around thirty minutes for a satisfying, tasty dish.
I’ll never forget whipping this up the first evening I found the fridge almost bare and everyone was exhausted. Now, it's my quick comfort option, and we can’t get enough of it. There’s something about that melted cheddar that pulls everyone into the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: adds a light richness and helps get those potatoes crispy
- Unsalted butter: enhances flavor and browns the potatoes
- Starchy white potatoes: crucial for that creamy inside and golden outside go for firm, smooth ones for the best chew
- Romano or bell peppers: sweet and colorful pick ones with glossy skin
- Lean ground beef: provides heartiness without excess grease grass-fed is great for deeper taste
- Yellow onion: offers natural sweetness and richness choose heavy onions with tight skin
- Fresh garlic: amps up aroma and zest mince it right before you cook for maximum flavor
- Sweet paprika: adds warmth and great color Spanish paprika brings extra boldness
- Black pepper and chili flakes: give a subtle kick
- Italian seasoning: adds herby freshness
- Salt: enhances all the other flavors
- Double concentrated tomato paste: delivers rich umami
- Chopped parsley: brings bright freshness save some for garnishing
- Chicken broth: keeps everything moist and builds savory complexity opt for low sodium if you're watching salt
- Grated cheddar cheese: melts wonderfully, covering each bite fresh grating is always better than pre-shredded
Instructions
- Prep the Veggies:
- Peel the potatoes and slice them into quarters of an inch thick. Finely chop onions and parsley. Mince the garlic. Remove seeds from peppers and slice them thinly. A good knife really helps speed this up.
- Brown the Potatoes:
- In your biggest nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil and butter on medium-high. Add the potato slices in one layer and cook for about six minutes. Turn occasionally until they’re golden all over. Set the potatoes aside.
- Cook the Peppers and Beef:
- In the same skillet, toss in the sliced peppers. Sauté for three minutes until they soften and start to flavor the oil. Then, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Brown it for about two minutes, leaving some pink bits.
- Build the Flavor:
- Add garlic and onion to the skillet while stirring to prevent burning. Cook for two minutes. Sprinkle in the paprika, black pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and chili flakes. Stir in the tomato paste well to coat everything, enhancing the flavor.
- Simmer with Potatoes and Broth:
- Return the browned potatoes along with most of the parsley to the skillet. Mix gently. Pour in the chicken broth. Cover with a lid and steam for roughly ten minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Reduce and Finish:
- Take off the lid. Let it cook a few more minutes to let the broth evaporate and warm up the flavors.
- Add Cheese and Serve:
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar all over. Cover again for two minutes to let the cheese turn into a delicious, gooey layer. Top with the rest of the parsley and a touch more chili flakes if you're into it. Serve it hot, alongside a fresh salad.
The cheddar cheese is what I love most about this dish. Those little browned, bubbly edges where the cheese meets the skillet are unbeatable. My kids always fight over those cheesy pieces, making every meal feel extra special.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors will intensify overnight, and it reheats well in a skillet or microwave. For freezing, portion it into smaller containers and thaw as needed, then heat until the cheese is bubbly again.
Ingredient Swaps
You can swap ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter option. Sweet potatoes can replace white ones, and red bell peppers add extra sweetness. Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a different flavor base.
Serving Ideas
I enjoy serving this straight from the skillet at the dinner table alongside a fresh salad and some crusty bread. If you’re feeding a crowd, you can spoon it into a casserole dish and let everyone help themselves.
Cultural Background
This dish makes me think of classic comfort food found in lots of cultures, from North American meat and potato meals to rustic European stews. The one pot method makes it quick and loaded with rich flavors.
Seasonal Changes
Throw in green peas or zucchini for a spring twist. Use heirloom potatoes in late summer for extra color. Add spinach or kale just before melting the cheese for a nutrient boost.
Success Stories
A friend once texted me after making this for their family, saying it’s become their new Sunday treat. Even the pickiest eaters clean their plates, and there are always requests for seconds.
Freezer Meal Tips
To freeze, prepare everything up to just before adding the cheese. Allow it to cool, then wrap it well for up to a month in the freezer. Thaw it overnight and bake or reheat in a skillet, adding fresh cheese before serving.
This one pot dish is a favorite for weeknights for a reason. With minimal cleanup and maximum comfort, you’ll likely find yourself making it time and time again.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Starchy white potatoes are ideal. They cook up creamy and soft while still keeping their shape.
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar melts wonderfully, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack can work for a lighter taste.
- → How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?
Make sure your skillet is well oiled and hot before you add the sliced potatoes, turning them until they're golden brown.
- → Is it possible to make this ahead?
This dish is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
A fresh green salad or some simple steamed veggies go well with the richness, adding some color and nutrients.