Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines hearty ground beef and tender potatoes, all wrapped in the gooey goodness of melted cheese. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is a delightful one-pan meal that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a dish to impress friends, this recipe is sure to bring warm smiles and satisfied bellies to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is nicely browned and fully cooked, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika as it cooks.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, then pour in both the beef broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the delightful aromas to fill your kitchen.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This is the time for those potatoes to become perfectly tender, so remember to stir occasionally!
- Once the potatoes are cooked through, remove the lid and generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover the skillet again and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a blissful, gooey layer.
- Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve warm to your eager diners!
Notes or Tips
Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover roast beef or chicken by simply swapping out the ground beef. For an extra creamy texture, consider stirring in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking.
Cooking Techniques
The key to this dish is mastering the sauté technique for the onions and garlic, which lays the foundation for incredible flavor. Cooking the beef until it’s nicely browned also adds depth to the dish, while simmering the potatoes allows them to soak in the rich broth. Lastly, the melting cheese creates that lovely, gooey finish that makes each serving irresistible.
FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just be aware that the cheese might not be as melty when reheated.
What can I serve with this dish?
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes dish is a complete meal on its own, but you could serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a more well-rounded dinner.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is the epitome of comfort food, bringing warmth and joy to any dinner table. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Try it tonight and watch your loved ones dig in with delight!