Cheesy One Pot Beef

Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes is a trusty comfort dish that brings cozy flavors to your dinner table with almost no fuss. One skillet delivers tender potatoes and browned ground beef, sautéed Romano or bell peppers, savory seasonings, and a gooey blanket of cheddar. If you need a filling meal that comes together fast and pleases everyone from kids to grownups, this is the easy dinner I reach for after a long day. There is something about all those melty edges and savory bites that gets everyone excited for seconds.

I started making this during a busy week of after-school events and late work days because I wanted something hearty but quick. Now it is our go-to for family movie nights and last-minute guests.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: provides a gentle base for browning without overpowering flavors so choose a good-quality extra virgin oil for best results
• Unsalted butter: blends with the olive oil to bring richness and helps potatoes get golden so pick a fresh block with a mild aroma
• Starchy white potatoes: soak up all the flavor while holding their shape if using russet or Yukon Gold you’ll get the creamiest texture
• Romano peppers or bell peppers: add sweetness and color choose firm peppers with glossy skin for the best flavor
• Lean ground beef: brings protein and savory depth look for meat with little visible fat for a lighter bite
• Yellow onion: finely chopped for subtle sweetness and aroma a firm heavy onion gives the freshest taste
• Garlic cloves: minced to build aroma and depth always use fresh garlic for mellow pungency
• Sweet paprika: infuses smokiness opt for a Spanish or Hungarian type for the most flavor impact
• Black pepper: offers gentle heat grind fresh for a bold kick
• Italian seasoning: includes herbs like oregano and basil find a blend with no added salt for more control
• Salt: brings everything together use sea salt if possible for clean seasoning
• Chili flakes: add a gentle heat adjust up or down to your spice preference
• Double concentrated tomato paste: becomes the rich flavor backbone grab the deepest red paste you can find
• Chicken broth: keeps everything moist and layered look for a low-sodium version to let the other flavors shine
• Cheddar cheese: melts into every bite using a block of sharp cheddar and grating it yourself delivers gooier melt and best flavor
• Fresh parsley: sprinkled for a burst of color and fresh finish vibrant green leaves mean the most fragrant garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Vegetables and Potatoes:

Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds with even thickness for even cooking. Chop peppers into bite-size strips. Finely chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic to help them melt into the skillet later.

Brown the Potatoes:

Heat olive oil and butter together in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced potatoes in a single layer. Cook for about six minutes until each side turns golden and lightly crisped. Stir occasionally but let them take on color. When golden remove potatoes and set aside on a plate.

Sauté Peppers and Beef:

In the same skillet add the chopped peppers. Sauté for three minutes stirring now and then until the peppers are soft and just begin to brown. Add the ground beef and use a spatula to break it into small pieces. Cook until the beef loses all pink and browns evenly.

Build the Flavor:

Push beef and peppers to the edge of the skillet then add chopped onion and minced garlic to the center. Stir until fragrant and the onions are translucent. Sprinkle in sweet paprika black pepper Italian seasoning salt and chili flakes plus the tomato paste. Stir well to coat everything so it is evenly seasoned.

Finish Cooking with Broth and Cheese:

Return the browned potatoes and a big handful of chopped parsley to the skillet. Pour chicken broth over everything then cover tightly with a lid. Cook for about ten minutes on medium heat until potatoes are fork-tender and flavors meld. Uncover and sprinkle grated cheddar all over the top. Replace the lid and let it sit for two to three minutes until the cheese has melted into every pocket.

Serve and Garnish:

Spoon hot cheesy beef and potatoes onto plates. Scatter extra parsley across the top for brightness and freshness.

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There is nothing more comforting than sharp cheddar slowly melting into every crevice. My son loves helping sprinkle the cheese at the end and we always fight over the browned corners.

Storage Tips

Once cooled store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results reheat in a skillet over medium until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can freeze portions for up to one month just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Romano peppers are not available use any bell pepper you like. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work very well if you can’t find starchy white potatoes. For a more intense flavor try adding diced poblano or a pinch of smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet meal is filling enough to serve by itself but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or simple steamed green beans. For family gatherings serve with warm bread on the side for catching any extra sauce.

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Cultural Context

Cheesy one pot beef and potatoes has roots in classic American comfort food but every family makes it a little differently. It reminds me of homey skillet suppers and shared weeknight meals where laughter and melting cheese always brought people closer together.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Starchy potatoes, like white or Russet, are ideal as they cook tender and absorb flavors well.

→ Can I substitute the Romano peppers?

Yes, bell peppers are a great alternative that adds sweetness and color.

→ How to ensure the cheese melts evenly?

Cover the skillet after sprinkling cheese to trap heat, allowing it to melt gently and evenly.

→ Is it possible to prepare this meal in under 30 minutes?

Yes, prepping ingredients beforehand and using medium-high heat helps keep total time around 30 minutes.

→ What is the purpose of tomato paste in this dish?

Tomato paste adds depth and a rich umami note that complements the beef and spices.