I made this Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes Recipe last weekend, and wow—it was a game-changer! There’s something so comforting about tender beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a gooey layer of melted cheese all in one pot. I love recipes that are simple, yet feel homemade and hearty.

Plus, cleaning up is a breeze since everything cooks in a single pot. Honestly, it’s become my go-to weeknight dinner. You can also enjoy a similar comforting feel with the Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup Recipe for a creamy, savory twist.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy, cheesy dish. I’ve included tips on why certain ingredients make the recipe better.

1 lb ground beef – I always go for 80/20 for juicier flavor.
4 cups diced potatoes – Yukon gold work best because they hold shape but stay tender. I sometimes pair them with creamy soups like the Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup Recipe for extra indulgenc
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Grate it fresh for the creamiest melt.
1 small onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth; yellow onion works perfectly.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives a more robust flavor than powder.
1 cup beef broth – Using low-sodium broth helps control saltiness.
½ cup milk – Full-fat milk makes the dish creamier.
1 tsp paprika – Adds subtle smokiness.
½ tsp black pepper – Freshly ground is best.
1 tsp salt – Adjust to taste.
2 tbsp butter – Unsalted butter balances the flavors and enriches the sauce.
2 tbsp olive oil – Helps brown the beef and onion evenly.
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish – Adds freshness and color.

Note: several serving as a note of full line under the ingredients quantity.

Variations

I love experimenting with this dish to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Dairy-free: Use a plant-based cheese and almond or oat milk.
Extra veggies: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor.
Spice it up: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder.
Low-carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
Flavor boost: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang.

Cooking Time

Here’s the timing you can expect when making this recipe:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet or Dutch oven – Perfect for browning meat and cooking potatoes.
Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring ingredients without scratching your pan.
Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures proper seasoning and consistency.
Grater – If shredding cheese fresh, this is essential.
Knife and cutting board – For prepping onions, garlic, and potatoes.

How to Make Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes Recipe?

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the potatoes, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. I like to keep everything ready before heating the pan—it makes the cooking process so much smoother. Fresh ingredients really make a difference in flavor.

Brown the Beef and Onion

Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat, then cook the ground beef until it’s browned. I always break it into small pieces for even cooking. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent to release its sweetness.

Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for a minute until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor that makes the dish so comforting.

Cook the Potatoes

Add diced potatoes and stir to coat them with the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth and milk, then bring to a gentle simmer. I usually cover the skillet to help potatoes cook faster and evenly.

Melt the Cheese

Once the potatoes are tender, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top. Cover the pan briefly to allow the cheese to melt perfectly. I love seeing that golden, gooey layer—it’s the best part!

Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot straight from the pot for a rustic, cozy presentation.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, these little tricks really elevate the dish:

I always grate cheese fresh; pre-shredded can be waxy and won’t melt as well.
Let the potatoes simmer gently; rushing can make them mushy.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end—it ensures balanced flavors.
If I want extra creaminess, I stir in a tablespoon of cream or sour cream before serving.
Leftovers reheat well, but I add a splash of milk to keep the sauce from drying out.

How to Serve Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but I love serving it with a side salad or steamed green veggies. For presentation, I spoon it into bowls and sprinkle parsley on top. A little paprika over the cheese adds color and makes it look restaurant-worthy.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutrition per serving:

Calories: 420 – It’s filling but still balanced.
Protein: 25g – Great for a high-protein meal.
Carbohydrates: 28g – Mostly from potatoes, providing energy.
Fat: 22g – From beef, butter, and cheese for richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Cool the dish completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze it in portions for up to 2 months. I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. I find that covering the pan prevents the cheese from drying out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why I keep coming back to this dish:

Easy to prepare – One pot, minimal cleanup, and simple steps.
Comfort food perfection – Warm, cheesy, and satisfying in every bite.
Versatile – Can adjust for dietary preferences or add your favorite veggies.
Quick weeknight meal – Ready in under 40 minutes without fuss.
Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ash Tyrrell