I was cleaning out my freezer last month when I found a package of ground beef tucked behind some frozen veggies, and I had a few potatoes starting to sprout eyes on my counter. Instead of making my usual spaghetti, I decided to get creative and throw together a one-pan meal. The result was this incredible Ground Beef & Potato Hash with Cheddar & Herbs that’s become a weekly staple in my house. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather in the kitchen because the smell is just unreal.
What I love about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You can use whatever herbs you have on hand, swap the cheese, or add extra veggies from the fridge. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers and create something delicious without a lot of fuss. The combination of savory beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheddar is pure comfort in a skillet.
If you’re looking for an easy family dinner that feels special but comes together quickly, you’ve found it. This ground beef and potato dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week. Let’s get cooking!
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Course
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
What You’ll Need
When I’m shopping for this, I look for lean ground beef—around 85/15 works great to keep it from being too greasy. For the potatoes, I prefer Yukon Gold because they hold their shape and get creamy inside, but russets are fine if that’s what you have. Don’t skip the fresh herbs if you can help it; they really brighten up the whole dish.
You’ll need a large skillet, preferably oven-safe if you want to melt the cheese under the broiler, plus basic kitchen tools like a knife, cutting board, and spatula. Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
INGREDIENTS
I remember one time I was halfway through making this and realized I was out of thyme, so I used dried Italian seasoning instead—it turned out wonderfully! That’s the beauty of this recipe; it’s flexible and forgiving. Just make sure your potatoes are diced evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Ground Beef & Potato Hash with Cheddar & Herbs Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef & Potato Hash with Cheddar & Herbs Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 3 medium)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
PREPARATION
One common mistake is crowding the skillet, which can steam the potatoes instead of browning them. I learned this the hard way when I first started cooking—my hash was pale and soft instead of golden and crispy. Give everything space to sizzle, and you’ll be rewarded with perfect texture.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F if you plan to finish it there.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown.
- Push potatoes to one side, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until no pink remains.
- Stir in minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Transfer to the oven or cover the skillet to melt the cheese for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and thyme before serving.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 380 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Expert Tips for the Best Hash
From experience, letting the potatoes sit in cold water for 10 minutes before cooking removes excess starch and helps them crisp up better. I do this every time now, and the difference is noticeable—golden edges and fluffy centers. Also, don’t stir too often; let each side get that beautiful crust.
Making It Your Own
Around here, we love adding bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies. If you’re feeding a crowd, you can double the recipe and use a sheet pan to bake it all at once. The herbs are flexible too; rosemary or oregano work beautifully if you don’t have thyme.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Ground Beef & Potato Hash with Cheddar & Herbs up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and reheat in the oven or skillet to keep the texture perfect.
What can I serve with this dish?
It’s great on its own, but we often pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. The recipe is hearty enough to be a complete meal, but it also goes well with crusty bread to soak up any juices.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory beef. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since they may cook faster than regular potatoes.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef & Potato Hash with Cheddar & Herbs is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and always delivers on flavor. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too—give it a try and let me know how it turns out! For more family dinner ideas, check out my other ground beef recipes.
