Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes

A Cozy, Family-Friendly Skillet Dinner That Delivers Big Flavor with Minimal Effort

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a one-pan meal that brings together hearty ingredients, rich flavors, and melty cheese into a single, satisfying dish. Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is exactly that kind of recipe—a cozy, skillet-cooked dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable, rustic yet weeknight-friendly. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warm, savory aromas and gathers everyone around the table without the stress of complicated prep or endless cleanup.

This dish combines tender slices of starchy potatoes, well-seasoned lean ground beef, sweet peppers, onions, and garlic, all simmered together in a flavorful broth and finished with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese. Everything cooks in one pan, allowing the flavors to build on each other naturally. The potatoes absorb the seasoned broth, the beef stays juicy and savory, and the cheese melts into a rich, comforting topping that ties the whole dish together.

Perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even meal prep, Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is proof that simple ingredients can create deeply satisfying food. It’s hearty without being heavy, comforting without being boring, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand.

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Why Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes Works So Well

One-pot meals have earned their place in modern kitchens, and for good reason. This recipe is a great example of why they’re so popular:

• Flavor layering in one pan: Each step builds on the last, creating depth without extra dishes.

• Balanced textures: Tender potatoes, juicy beef, soft vegetables, and gooey cheese.

• Time-efficient: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Minimal cleanup: One skillet means fewer dishes and less hassle.

• Family-friendly: Familiar flavors that appeal to both adults and kids.

What really sets Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes apart is the way the ingredients complement each other. Potatoes provide substance and comfort, beef brings richness and protein, peppers and onions add sweetness and aroma, and cheddar cheese delivers that irresistible, melty finish.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Calories: ~582 per serving

• Cuisine: American

• Method: One-Pan / Skillet

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Ingredients Breakdown and Why They Matter

Fats

• Olive oil & unsalted butter: Using both gives you the best of both worlds. Olive oil provides stability at higher heat, while butter adds richness and flavor.

Potatoes

• Starchy white potatoes: These are ideal because they soften beautifully and absorb flavors without falling apart. When sliced evenly, they cook quickly and evenly in the skillet.

Vegetables

• Romano or bell peppers: Add sweetness and color.

• Yellow onion: Builds the aromatic base of the dish.

• Garlic: Enhances depth and warmth.

Protein

• Lean ground beef: Adds hearty flavor while keeping the dish balanced and not overly greasy.

Seasonings

• Paprika, black pepper, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt: A simple but effective spice blend that enhances the beef and potatoes without overpowering them.

Flavor Boosters

• Double-concentrated tomato paste: Adds umami, slight acidity, and richness.

• Chicken broth: Helps cook the potatoes and infuses them with savory flavor.

Cheese & Herbs

• Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and comforting.

• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish and balances the richness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions with Technique Tips

1. Prepare All Ingredients First

Good organization makes one-pot cooking smooth. Peel and slice the potatoes evenly (about ¼-inch thick), chop the onion and parsley, mince the garlic, and slice the peppers.

Tip: Even potato slices ensure they cook at the same rate and become tender without turning mushy.

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2. Brown the Potatoes

Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop golden edges.

Why this matters: Browning adds flavor and prevents bland potatoes later.

Remove the potatoes and set them aside.

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3. Cook the Peppers and Beef

In the same skillet, add the peppers and cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until lightly browned.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps the beef brown instead of steaming.

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4. Build the Flavor Base

Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, chili flakes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook briefly to deepen its flavor.

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5. Simmer Everything Together

Return the potatoes to the skillet along with parsley. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Remove the lid and simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, leaving a flavorful coating on the ingredients.

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6. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt completely.

Finish with extra parsley and chili flakes, then serve hot.

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Tips for Best Results

• Slice potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

• Use a wide skillet so ingredients brown instead of steaming.

• Let the cheese melt gently—don’t rush this step.

• Taste before serving and adjust salt if needed.

• Rest for a minute before serving to let flavors settle.

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Variations and Customizations

Cheese Variations

• Mozzarella for extra stretch

• Colby Jack for mild creaminess

• Sharp cheddar for bold flavor

• Smoked cheese for depth

Vegetable Add-Ins

• Mushrooms

• Zucchini

• Spinach (stir in at the end)

• Corn for sweetness

Protein Swaps

• Ground turkey

• Ground chicken

• Sausage (adds spice and richness)

Spice Level Adjustments

• Add cayenne or hot paprika for heat

• Omit chili flakes for a milder version

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

• Microwave: Cover loosely and heat in intervals.

Tip: Add a bit of extra cheese when reheating to refresh the dish.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad to balance richness

• Pair with crusty bread to soak up juices

• Add a simple cucumber or tomato salad for freshness

• Enjoy on its own—it’s a complete meal

Print

Nutrition Overview (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 582 kcal

• Protein: ~34 g

• Fat: ~34 g

• Carbohydrates: ~35 g

• Fiber: ~4 g

• Sodium: ~780 mg

This balance makes Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes filling and satisfying without feeling overly heavy.

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Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

This dish checks all the boxes:

• Quick

• Comforting

• Affordable

• Family-approved

• Minimal cleanup

It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, especially on nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Final Thoughts

Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is more than just an easy dinner—it’s a reliable comfort food recipe that brings warmth, flavor, and simplicity together in one skillet. The beauty of this dish lies in its balance: rich but not overwhelming, hearty but still fresh, indulgent yet practical for everyday cooking.

The tender potatoes soaked in seasoned broth, the savory ground beef, the subtle sweetness of peppers and onions, and the melty cheddar cheese create a combination that feels familiar and satisfying, yet never boring. It’s adaptable to your tastes, forgiving in execution, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or enjoying leftovers the next day.