What is the ultimate comfort food: a Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet. What are some of the best meats to eat? Is it like a deconstructed shepherd’s pie? What is the best recipe for a hearty dinner that you can’t get enough of? I spend hours in the kitchen. What are some of the Best Cheesy beef and potato recipes?
What is a Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet?
Think of it as the love child of a hearty beef stew and cheesy Potato Casserole. What’s essentially a one-pan wonder where browned beef and tender potatoes are cooked in an luscious, smoky way? What is the best cheese sauce? What is the beauty of the Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet? What is the easiest way to cook with minimal effort? Is it named because it all comes together in one skillet? What is beefy, potato-e What is a dish I grew up on and still make every other week? What is it that always warms me up?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a game-changer. What I love most about this recipe is that it’s incredibly flavorful. The beef is browned to perfection, giving it a rich, savory taste that’s complemented by the creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s like a party in Your mouth! I always use a good quality cheddar, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses.
Secondly, it’s unbelievably simple to make. Seriously, even a beginner cook can nail this one. Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. I always make this Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet when I’m short on time but still want a home-cooked meal.
Thirdly, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Beef stew meat is typically cheaper than other cuts, and potatoes are always budget-friendly. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already!
Finally, it’s so versatile. You can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. I’ve even seen my husband sneak leftovers straight from the fridge (don’t tell him I told you!). I tested this dish with a side of fresh green beans and they paired perfectly!
If you’re a fan of comfort food classics like beef stroganoff or pot roast, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet. It’s like those recipes, but even easier and more satisfying.
How do I make a cheesy chicken and potatoes skillet?
Quick Overview
How do I make a Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet? First, you brown the beef to lock in all that delicious flavor. When the potatoes are tender, you add them to the pan and cook them until they’re tender. How do you bake everything until golden brown and bubbly? What is the end result of this whole process? What is the beauty of this method is that the potatoes cook in the same skillet as the beef, absorbing all the moisture, and the fat. What are some good savory juices
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet recipe:
* 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (I always trim off any excess fat)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped (yellow or white works best)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always better)
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
* 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
* 4 cups beef broth (low sodium, so you can control the salt)
* 1.5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (these hold their shape well)
* 4 tbsp butter
* 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk (whole milk is recommended for creaminess, but 2% works too)
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
What are the steps of
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven with olive oil. How do you remove a Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet from the pan? I like to use a cast iron skillet because it distributes the heat evenly, but any oven-safe skillet will do.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a preheated skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the beef cubes in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan, or they won’t brown properly). Brown beef on all sides until nicely seared. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. What’s the best way to prepare the minced garlic, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and salt? After 2 minutes, stir until fragrant. These aromatics will infuse the Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet with a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 4: Add Beef Broth and Potatoes
What are the best ways to remove browned bits from the bottom of a skillet? Where all the flavor is? Add the cubed potatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the browned beef to the skillet.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. How long does it take to cook beef cubes? What is the best way to check the tenderness of potatoes with a fork – they should be easily pierced.
Step 6: Make the Cheese Sauce
While the beef and potatoes are baking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Is it safe to bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens slightly?
Step 7: Add Cheese and Season
What is the best way to stir the cheddar cheese into a saucepan? Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to add a generous amount of cheese – it’s what makes this Cheesy Beef & Potato recipe so good. Why is Skillet so irresist
Step 8: Combine and Bake
Remove the skillet from the oven and pour the cheese sauce over the beef and potatoes. If you have leftover cheddar cheese, sprinkle it on top. If the cheese is melted in the skillet, return it to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove the Cheesy Beef & Potato Skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if using) for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served. What is a good side dish?For a Light Lunch:What’s a good green salad with vinaigrette dressing? What is a Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet I also like to serve it with steamed Green Beans or asparagus.What is a hearty dinner?Serve the Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet with a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up all that goodness. What is the best sauce What are some great side dishes to serve with roasted vegetables?For a Cozy Night In: What are some suggestions? Curl up on the couch with a bowl of Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet and a glass of red wine. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
Growing up, we always had this with homemade biscuits. It was a family tradition and honestly, it’s still my favorite way to eat it! You can find a bunch of biscuit recipes online or make your own from scratch, which isn’t too hard.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Here are some of my top tips for making the perfect Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet every time:
Beef Prep: Use good quality beef stew meat for the best flavor and texture. Trim off any excess fat before browning.
Browning Tips: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef. Brown it in batches to ensure it sears properly.
Potato Choice: Yukon gold potatoes are my favorite for this recipe because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture. You can also use red potatoes or russet potatoes.
Cheese Sauce: Use whole milk for the Creamiest Cheese sauce. If you want a richer flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream.
Cheese Selection: Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor to the cheese sauce. You can also use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese or pepper jack for a little heat.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you don’t like spice, you can omit it altogether.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning.
Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables to the Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
Salt Control: I always use low sodium beef broth so I can better control the salt level in the Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet.
I’ve learned over the years that the secret to a truly great Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet is to not skimp on the cheese! The more cheese, the better!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here are some tips for storing and reheating your Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out for more than two hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet in the refrigerator overnight. Then, transfer it to a saucepan or skillet and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as creamy.
If you’re reheating a large batch of Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet, you can reheat it in the oven. Transfer it to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
I always find that adding a little extra cheese on top before reheating helps to restore the creaminess and flavor. A splash of milk can also help to loosen up the sauce if it’s become too thick during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with family and friends, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. I love how simple it is to make, and the flavor is just incredible. If you’re looking for more comforting meals, try my Chicken Pot Pie or my beef stew. Both are amazing!
I can’t wait to hear how your Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Beef Stew Meat
- 2 lbs Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet, brown the beef stew meat over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Stir in the potatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve hot.
