Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Skillet with Cheddar Crust

My go-to ground beef potatoes recipe! This skillet dinner with a cheesy cheddar crust is pure comfort food. Easy, family-friendly, and so satisfying. Get the recipe now!

Alright, mate, let's get stuck into this! ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge thinking, "what on earth am i going to cook tonight ?" i know i have! that's where this ground beef potatoes skillet comes in handy.

It's proper comfort food, a bit like shepherd’s pie, but way easier. and honestly, who doesn't love a good, cheesy topping?

Hello Comfort Food: Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

This ground beef with potatoes dish has roots in classic comfort food. think about beef stews. it's simple, hearty and filling.

Perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want something that sticks to your ribs. this recipe is beginner-friendly and takes about an hour, feeding about six hungry bellies.

It can serve as one of your easy supper ideas for family .

Benefits Beyond the Bowl

One of the great things about this recipe is that it is perfect as one of your beef dinners easy weeknight meals.

It's got protein from the beef and complex carbs from the potatoes. not to mention, it is loaded with vitamin and minerals.

Perfect for a family dinner with kids or even for a cosy easy meals for 2 people , just halve the recipe! honestly, what makes it really special is that delicious cheddar crust.

Melty, gooey, and just plain yummy. it could easily become one of your favourite beef supper ideas or as part of your week dinner menu ideas .

Now, let’s get to those ingredients, shall we?

Alright, let's chat about what you need to whip up this amazing Ground Beef and Potato Skillet. This isn't your typical easy supper ideas for family , but trust me, it's gonna be a winner! I mean, who doesn't love a bit of cheesy, beefy goodness?

Ingredients & Equipment Breakdown

Honestly, this is one of those recipes where you can totally wing it a little. But, let's get down to brass tacks.

Main Ingredients

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . This is just to get things going. Any oil will do, really.
• Onion: 1 large , chopped. Yellow onions are my go-to, but white works too!
• Ground Beef : 1 pound (450g) . Go for 80/20 if you like a little more flavour or lean if you are looking for Easy Meals For 2 People and weight conscious! Quality-wise, look for a nice, bright red colour. That's a good sign it's fresh.
• Salt & Pepper: 1 teaspoon (5g) salt , ½ teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper . Seasoning is key!
• Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5g) each . Don't skip the smoked paprika – it adds such a lovely smoky depth.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can (411g) , undrained. Yup, just chuck the whole can in there.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (8 ounce) can (227g) . Adds richness.
• Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml) . Low sodium is best, so you control the salt. If you're thinking of Meatless Dinners Easy , broth should be of vegetable or mushrooms.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: 1 ½ pounds (approx. 680g) , peeled and diced. These are my fave. Waxy potatoes holds their shape better. I usually peel them, but skin-on works too.
• Frozen Peas: 1 cup (120g) , optional. Adds a bit of sweetness. I love peas.

Seasoning Notes

This recipe is all about building flavour. I sometimes like to call this dish, one of my Beef Dinners Easy meals.

• Essential Spice Combo: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika are the base.
• Flavor Enhancers: A bay leaf thrown in while simmering adds a subtle depth. Worcestershire sauce is my secret weapon to boost the beef flavor.
• Quick Subs: Out of smoked paprika? Regular paprika works in a pinch! Don't like garlic powder? Use fresh garlic instead, about 2 cloves, minced. For a Dinner With Kids consider adding some ketchup for sweetness.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, eh? I always try to find Week Dinner Menu Ideas which are easy to clean up, and do not require too much equipment.

• Oven-Safe Skillet: 12-inch . A must-have for this recipe. If you don't have one, no worries! Just transfer everything to a baking dish before adding the cheese.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvs.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For, you know, measuring.
• Mixing Bowl: For the cheesy topping.

And that's it! see? nothing too scary. let's get cooking and get one of those beef supper ideas onto the table! it's basically a fancy, cheesy way to serve ground beef potatoes , and everyone loves it.

Alright, let's dive into making this super easy ground beef potatoes skillet! trust me, it's proper lush, perfect for those nights when you just can't be arsed to spend ages in the kitchen.

This is seriously one of those easy supper ideas for family that everyone will actually eat, even the fussy ones! it’s also brill if you need some beef dinners easy up your sleeve.

The Ground Beef Potatoes Method

Think of this as a sort of cowboy cottage pie, but without all the faff. dinner meals with ground beef never looked so good, or tasted so comforting.

I swear, even on the greyest day, this is an absolute winner. if you are looking for easy meals for 2 people just cut this in half.

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place . first things first, get your bits and bobs ready. chop one large onion. dice your 1 1/2 pounds of yukon gold potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.

Grate 2 cups of cheddar cheese . this saves so much time later. for the time-saving organization tips , use those cute little bowls.

Safety reminder when chopping. keep your fingers tucked back!

From Hob to Table: Step-by-Step

1. Sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes , til soft.

2. Chuck in 1 pound of ground beef. season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.

   Brown it off! drain any excess fat. no one wants a greasy skillet.

3. Stir in 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, 1 (8 ounce) can of tomato sauce, and 1 cup of beef broth. Simmer time.

4. Add in those diced potatoes. Stir it all about. Give it a good mix.

5. Cover and simmer on low for 15- 20 minutes, or until the tatties are tender. if you’re feeling fancy, bung in 1 cup of frozen peas for the last 5 minutes .

6. Mix 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder in a bowl.

7. Sprinkle that cheesy goodness evenly over the beef and potatoes.

8. You’ve got two options here: bake in a preheated oven at 375° f ( 190° c) for 10- 15 minutes , or broil on low for 2- 3 minutes.

   keep a very close eye, as it can burn in a second.

Pro Tips for a Cracking Skillet

Honestly, the best beef supper ideas are born from little tricks. avoid this mistake and you will be ok. make sure you use a good quality cheese.

Those pre-shredded bags don't melt the same. another brilliant thing about is that there are many week dinner menu ideas to create the perfect meal.

If you want to save some time, you can brown the beef and chop the veg the night before.

So there you have it! a proper tasty ground beef with potatoes skillet. this is proper belly-warming food and perfect for a quick dinner with kids .

If you're trying for more meatless dinners easy , hold the beef! it is your choice, but is not the same.

Enjoy, you legends.

Alright, so you've got the recipe for my hearty ground beef and potato skillet. this isn't just your average beef supper ideas .

Think of it like shepherd's pie, but way easier! now, let's get into those extra bits and bobs that make this dish a real winner.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions

Okay, so plating this up is a doddle. i like to dollop a big spoonful right in the middle of a plate.

Maybe sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley on top if you're feeling fancy. for sides? honestly, a simple green salad does the trick.

A balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. and if you're feeling really hungry, some crusty bread for soaking up that sauce is a must .

As for drinks, i reckon a crisp white wine goes down a treat!

Storage Tips

Listen up, because leftovers are a lifesaver. you can totally keep this ground beef with potatoes in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Make sure it's in an airtight container, yeah? freezing is also an option, honestly! just let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer bags or containers.

It'll keep for up to 3 months. when you're ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Just make sure it's piping hot all the way through!

Variations

Fancy a change? you could easily swap out the cheddar for a different cheese. monterey jack works a treat. or, if you're feeling adventurous, try a bit of gruyère.

For a meatless dinners easy option, just swap the ground beef for lentils or even some crumbled veggie mince. you could even use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a bit of extra sweetness.

It really does offer easy supper ideas for family .

Nutrition Basics

Right, so let's talk numbers, but keep it simple. a serving of this ground beef potatoes skillet is gonna clock in around 420 calories, give or take.

You're looking at about 30 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat, and 20 grams of carbs. don't forget the fiber too.

Those potatoes and peas are doing you good. and hey, protein builds muscle, right? these nutritional information makes this one of the best easy meals for 2 people .

So there you have it! my hearty ground beef and potato skillet. honestly, it's a winner for dinner with kids , beef dinners easy , and quick week dinner menu ideas .

Get in the kitchen and give it a go. you won't regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make ground beef potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prepping. You can prepare the ground beef and potato mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just top with the cheddar cheese mixture and bake or broil as directed. Just like a good Sunday roast, it's even better the next day!

What kind of potatoes are best for ground beef potatoes?

Yukon Gold potatoes are our top pick because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during cooking. However, Russet potatoes will also work, though they'll be a bit more starchy. If you're feeling adventurous, try a mix of red potatoes for color and Yukon Golds for flavor! Just remember, even potato sizes are key to even cooking, no one wants a rogue hard spud ruining the experience.

How should I store leftover ground beef potatoes?

Store any leftover ground beef and potato skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months, but the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing, a bit like frozen chips, but still delicious!

Can I add other vegetables to this ground beef potatoes recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. Diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even mushrooms would be great additions to the ground beef and potato mixture. Think of it as your own personal "grow your own" garden turned into dinner! Just add them when you sauté the onions to ensure they cook through.

Is there a way to make this ground beef potatoes dish healthier?

You can definitely lighten this dish up. Use lean ground beef (or even ground turkey), reduce the amount of cheese, or use a lower-fat cheese option. You could also add more vegetables to bulk it up and increase the fiber content. Also, consider using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a boost of vitamins. Every little helps, as they say!

My cheese topping is burning before the potatoes are cooked! What should I do?

Ah, the dreaded burnt cheese! If you notice the cheese getting too dark, tent the skillet loosely with aluminum foil to shield it from the heat while the potatoes finish cooking. Alternatively, you can remove the skillet from the oven and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. The residual heat should melt the cheese without burning it. Remember, slow and steady wins the race, even with cheesy goodness!

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