Of course! Cheesy Ground Beef is less a single recipe and more a fantastic, versatile concept. It’s the ultimate comfort food base, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying, fast, and family-friendly.

Think of it as a blank canvas. Here’s a breakdown of the basic formula, several ways to use it, and a specific recipe to get you started.

The Basic Formula & Pro Tips

The core idea is simple: Cook seasoned ground beef, add a creamy element, and melt cheese into it.

· The Beef: 1 lb (450-500g) of ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but lean works too).
· The Aromatics: 1 small onion (diced) and 2-3 cloves garlic (minced). This is the flavor foundation.
· The Creamy Base: This prevents the cheese from seizing up and makes a smooth sauce. Common options are:
· Cream of Mushroom/Celery/Chicken Soup: The classic, easy route.
· Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: Adds a great tang and richness.
· Heavy Cream or Milk: A simple, straightforward option.
· Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (Rotel): Adds a little zing and texture.
· The Cheese: 1.5 – 2 cups of shredded cheese. Use a good melter like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Pro Tips:

· Don’t skip draining the fat. After browning the beef, drain off excess grease to avoid a greasy final dish.
· Season in layers. Season the beef with salt and pepper while browning.
· Low heat for melting. Add the cheese off the heat or over very low heat to ensure it melts smoothly without becoming stringy or oily.

Recipe: Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet

This is a classic, all-in-one-pan meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

· 1 lb ground beef
· 1 small onion, diced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 (10.5 oz) can Cream of Mushroom soup
· 1 (10 oz) can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (Rotel), undrained
· 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· Optional: 2 tablespoons sour cream for extra creaminess

Instructions