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Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes

A hearty, comforting one-pan dinner with seasoned ground beef, tender baby potatoes, and a rich creamy cheddar sauce. High in protein and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef 90/10 recommended
  • 1 lb baby potatoes halved or quartered into uniform pieces
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced fresh
  • 2 cup beef broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded from block
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate. Set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the halved baby potatoes, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly and let the spices toast for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot tightly, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are completely fork-tender. Test at the 15-minute mark.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, then add the shredded cheddar in two additions, stirring between each until the sauce is glossy and smooth, about 2 minutes. If the sauce looks grainy, reduce heat immediately.
  6. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir to combine and cook on low for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
  7. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Shred your own cheddar from a block for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Leftovers reheat best on the stovetop with a splash of broth. Tastes even better the next day.