Cheesy One Pot Beef Potatoes

Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes has become my go to dinner when I want something hearty and comforting without spending all evening in the kitchen. It brings together simple ingredients in one skillet for a cozy meal everyone gets excited about at the table.

The first time I made this we scraped the skillet clean long before leftovers were an option. Now it is a regular in my weeknight rotation whenever I want maximum flavor with minimum effort.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Helps create those crispy golden potato edges Choose extra virgin for the best flavor
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich depth and helps the potatoes brown beautifully Use real butter for best results
• Starchy white potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up through cooking and soaks up all the seasoning Look for medium to large firm potatoes without blemishes
• Romano peppers or bell peppers: Brightens up the dish with sweetness and color Pick firm glossy peppers that feel heavy for their size
• Lean ground beef: Brings savory heartiness to the skillet Choose beef that is at least ninety percent lean for less grease
• Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and flavor Finely chopped so it melts into the sauce
• Garlic cloves: Delivers bold aroma and punch Mince fresh for the best taste
• Sweet paprika: Provides a gentle smoky warmth Choose a fresh spice for the brightest flavor
• Black pepper: For seasoning and mild spice Freshly ground is worth the extra step
• Italian seasoning: Gives the dish a herby lift A blend with oregano basil and thyme works best
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors Use sea salt or kosher salt if you have it
• Chili flakes: Adds a little kick Adjust according to your heat preference
• Double concentrated tomato paste: Deep and tangy flavor Opt for the tube variety for richer taste
• Chopped parsley: Brings freshness to brighten the final dish Select fresh vibrant parsley without wilted leaves
• Chicken broth: Moistens the potatoes and brings everything together Choose a good quality broth for deeper flavor
• Grated cheddar cheese: The gooey finishing touch Look for sharp cheddar and grate it yourself if you can for the best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Vegetables:

Peel the potatoes cut them lengthwise and slice into quarter inch thick pieces. Finely chop the onion and parsley. Mince the garlic. Cut the peppers in half remove seeds and slice thinly. Getting everything prepped beforehand will make cooking smooth and stress free.

Brown the Potatoes:

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium high. Add the potato slices arranging them in a single layer if possible. Sauté for about six minutes turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside. This step ensures your potatoes stay tender and flavorful.

Sauté the Peppers:

Add the chopped peppers to the same skillet and cook for three minutes stirring occasionally until they are slightly softened and beginning to caramelize. The sweet aroma will give you a nice head start on flavor.

Cook the Beef:

Add ground beef to the skillet with peppers. Break it up with a spoon and cook for about two minutes until just browned. Do not overcook as it will cook further in the sauce.

Build the Flavor Base:

Add garlic and onion to the beef. Stir and cook over medium until the onion is translucent and garlic is aromatic about two minutes. Add salt chili flakes pepper sweet paprika and Italian seasoning and sauté until everything is well toasted. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until it darkens slightly.

Combine Vegetables and Simmer:

Return the browned potatoes to the skillet along with chopped parsley. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients without mashing the potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth then cover and let the skillet simmer for ten minutes so the potatoes become fully tender. After ten minutes remove the lid and let it cook until most of the broth has reduced and the mixture is thick.

Finish with Cheese:

Sprinkle grated cheddar evenly over the top. Cover again for two or three minutes so the cheese melts into a blanket over the potatoes and beef. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and more chili flakes if you like things spicier.

Serve and Enjoy:

The dish is best served hot right from the skillet. A big tossed salad on the side makes for a perfect weeknight meal.

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My favorite part is the molten cheese at the end I have vivid memories of my family fighting over the last bubbly cheesy piece in the skillet. Even picky eaters always want seconds when this is on the table.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat place portions in a nonstick skillet over low heat until warmed through You can also microwave but the texture will be softest straight from the skillet. This dish does not freeze well because the cheese and potatoes change texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Romano or bell peppers swap in diced zucchini or carrots for sweetness You can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter version For a dairy free option try vegan cheddar style shreds and plant based butter for richness.

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad with a bright lemony vinaigrette is my favorite side Pickles or crusty bread also make a great pairing For brunch make this with half potatoes and half sweet potatoes and offer hot sauce for extra zing.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Hearty skillet meals like this have decades of roots in comfort food traditions across Europe and America They were made to stretch simple ingredients and feed hungry families This one pot version brings those classic flavors together in a modern streamlined way perfect for busy dinners today.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend to suit your taste.

→ What potatoes work best?

Starchy white potatoes hold their shape and absorb flavors well, making them ideal for this skillet dish.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Let the dish cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

→ Is this dish spicy?

It has gentle heat from chili flakes. Adjust the amount or omit if you prefer a milder meal.

→ Can I make this ahead?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. For best texture, finish cooking and add cheese just before serving.

→ What sides pair well with this?

A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables are great choices to balance this cheesy, hearty dish.