Description
This Simple Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender baby yellow potatoes are cooked to crispy perfection before being combined with savory browned ground beef, fragrant onions, and garlic. The mixture simmers in rich beef broth and tomato paste, then finishes off with a generous amount of melted cheddar cheese for a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Ground Beef and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 ½ lbs baby yellow potatoes, chopped in half
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Pot: Place a large pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of salted butter. Allow the butter to melt and the oil to heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the 1 ½ pounds of halved baby yellow potatoes to the pot. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes develop crispy edges. Then, transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In the same pot, add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Use a masher or spatula to break the beef into small pieces. Cook and crumble the beef until it is browned and no longer pink, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add 1 cup of diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the browned beef. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and give everything a good stir. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer. Cook until the broth reduces completely and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. The dish is now ready to be served hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce when browning the beef.
- If you prefer spicier food, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other seasonings.
- Using baby yellow potatoes helps them cook evenly and achieve a nice texture.
- Ensure to stir occasionally while simmering to avoid burning or sticking at the bottom.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
