I absolutely love how this Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe turns out—it’s like the comfort of a chopped cheese sandwich packed into a hearty, flavorful bowl of crispy potatoes and cheesy beef. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how the fire-roasted potatoes soak up all the deliciousness from the melted cheese and savory seasonings. It’s one of those recipes you can easily serve for a casual family dinner or anytime you crave something that hits all the right savory and satisfying notes.
You’ll find that this recipe isn’t just tasty; it’s also super practical. The potatoes cook up golden and crispy thanks to a quick air frying method, while the chopped cheese mixture simmers with perfect seasoning—no fuss, just straightforward deliciousness. Plus, it’s a fun and unique way to switch up your weeknight meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavors: The smoky, buttery seasonings bring out the best in both potatoes and beef for a crave-worthy combo.
- Quick and easy: Air frying and simple stovetop cooking make this recipe doable on busy nights.
- Family friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love the melty cheese and crispy potatoes.
- Flexible ingredients: You can easily swap seasonings or toppings to suit your taste or pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to deliver that classic chopped cheese flavor, elevated by crispy potatoes and gooey cheese. When shopping, I recommend Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and natural sweetness, but really, any potato will do.
- Potatoes: Yukon golds are my favorite here, but russets or reds work well too—just chop into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: You’ll need this for roasting the potatoes and sautéing the beef mixture—extra virgin works best for flavor.
- Fire and Smoke Society Onion Butter Seasoning: This seasoning combo brings a smoky, rich note, but if you can’t find it, a mix of smoked paprika and garlic powder is a good substitute.
- Paprika and Black Pepper: Adds warmth and a little kick to the potatoes.
- Yellow Onion: Diced and sautéed to sweet perfection, this forms the savory foundation of the chopped cheese.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: I love these for layering in savory depth without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- Kinder’s Buttery Burger Blend Seasoning: This is key to giving the beef that buttery, seasoned flavor that makes the chopped cheese so addictive.
- American Cheese Slices: Choose white or yellow depending on your preference—it melts beautifully and gives that classic chopped cheese vibe.
- Shredded Lettuce and Diced Tomatoes: These fresh toppings add crunch and brightness to balance the richness.
- Ketchup and Mayonnaise: The perfect finishing touch for that iconic chopped cheese flavor.
Variations
I like to tweak this Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe sometimes depending on what we’re in the mood for or what we have in the fridge. It’s pretty forgiving, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños when cooking the beef to bring some heat. My family goes crazy for this variation when we want flavor with a little fire.
- Veggie boost: Toss in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra texture and nutrition.
- Cheese options: Swapping American cheese with provolone or pepper jack adds a different but delicious twist.
- Make it keto: Skip the potatoes and serve the chopped cheese over cauliflower rice or a bed of lettuce for a low-carb version.
How to Make Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Season and Air Fry the Potatoes
Start by chopping your potatoes into bite-sized pieces—you’ll want them roughly even so everything cooks uniformly. Toss them in olive oil and your seasonings: the Fire and Smoke Society Onion Butter Seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Don’t be shy here; the potatoes love a good coating. Pop them into the air fryer at 400°F and let them cook for 25 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through to ensure all sides get crispy and golden. I discovered this trick after burning a batch in the oven once—the air fryer really does make a difference in texture and speed.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Cook the Beef
While the potatoes are crisping up, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your diced yellow onion and cook until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. Then, add your ground beef along with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Kinder’s Buttery Burger Blend seasoning. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks; you want it nicely browned but not dried out. Drain any excess grease for a leaner dish.
Step 3: Melt the Cheese over the Beef
Lay your American cheese slices directly over the hot beef in the skillet and cover with a lid or foil for a minute or two. This helps the cheese melt perfectly into the beef mixture, making every bite irresistibly gooey. When you lift the lid, you’ll see the cheese has turned luscious and soft—just what you want.
Step 4: Assemble Your Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls
Spoon your crispy, seasoned potatoes into bowls first. Then pile on the cheesy chopped beef. Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for a fresh crunch. Finally, drizzle with ketchup and mayonnaise to finish it off—these condiments bring that classic chopped cheese flavor that always gets rave reviews. Trust me, this is the perfect way to assemble for both flavor and texture harmony.
Pro Tips for Making Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe
- Crispier Potatoes: Make sure the potato pieces aren’t overcrowded in the air fryer basket so they crisp up evenly instead of steaming.
- Season Early: Tossing your potatoes in seasoning before cooking really infuses deep flavor—don’t wait until after!
- Cheese Melting: Covering the skillet helps the cheese melt faster without burning, so be patient during this step.
- Drain the Beef: Removing excess grease prevents the final bowl from feeling greasy and keeps flavors balanced.
How to Serve Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always garnish the bowls with shredded crunchy lettuce and ripe diced tomatoes—it adds a fresh, cooling crunch to balance the warm, rich beef and potatoes. Sometimes, I like to sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or green onions for an extra pop of color and mild onion flavor. Plus, don’t skip the ketchup and mayo drizzle; it’s the ultimate finishing touch that really ties the whole dish together.
Side Dishes
This bowl is so filling on its own, but I often like to serve it alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For extra indulgence, crispy baked sweet potato fries or a side of pickles make fantastic partners that complement the bold flavors in the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual get-togethers, serving the chopped cheese potato bowls in individual mason jars or small cast-iron skillets is a fun way to impress guests. I’ve even used hollowed-out mini bell peppers or small bread bowls for a playful presentation that amps up the “wow” factor but keeps it easy and approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chopped cheese potato bowls components separately in airtight containers—the beef mixture in one, and potatoes in another. This prevents sogginess and keeps the textures just right. Refrigerate and use within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Freezing
While I haven’t frozen the full assembled bowls, I have frozen the beef mixture with great results. Just reheat gently in a skillet before serving. Potatoes don’t freeze as well since they can become mushy, so I recommend enjoying those fresh or refrigerated instead.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming the beef mixture on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For the potatoes, brief reheating in a hot oven or air fryer restores their crispiness better than a microwave. Assemble fresh garnishes after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
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Can I bake the potatoes instead of air frying for the Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe?
Absolutely! Baking the potatoes at 425°F on a sheet pan for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, will give you crispy results similar to air frying. Just make sure they’re spaced out well to avoid steaming.
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What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
American cheese slices are classic because they melt so smoothly and have a mild, buttery flavor. That said, provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack can also be delicious alternatives depending on your taste preferences.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Season similarly, and consider adding extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
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How do I avoid soggy potatoes in this recipe?
Using an air fryer or baking at high heat helps get the potatoes crispy. Also, toss them in oil and seasoning before cooking and avoid overcrowding the cooking basket or pan so they roast evenly with good airflow.
Final Thoughts
This Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. It’s a perfect dish to make when you want something familiar yet a little different than your usual dinner routine. I encourage you to try it out—you’ll be surprised how quickly this one becomes a family favorite, too. Plus, it’s a fun way to bring that beloved chopped cheese flavor off the sandwich and into a bowl you can customize however you like. Give it a shot and let me know what variations you come up with!
PrintChopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls combine crispy seasoned air-fried potatoes with a savory, cheesy ground beef topping. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for a satisfying meal, topped with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, and mayonnaise for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 2 lbs Potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces (Yukon Gold or any variety)
- 1-2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1-2 tsp Fire and Smoke Society Onion Butter Seasoning
- 1-2 tsp Paprika
- 1-2 tsp Black Pepper
For the Chopped Cheese
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Kinder’s Buttery Burger Blend seasoning
- 6-8 slices American Cheese (white or yellow)
Toppings
- Shredded Lettuce
- Diced Tomatoes
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Toss the chopped potatoes with olive oil and the Fire and Smoke Society Onion Butter Seasoning, paprika, and black pepper until well coated.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (204°C) for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Sauté the Onions: While the potatoes cook, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onions, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Kinder’s Buttery Burger Blend seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Melt the Cheese: Lay 6 to 8 slices of American cheese evenly over the cooked beef. Cover the skillet or reduce heat to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly over the meat.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the crispy air-fried potatoes among four bowls. Top each bowl with the cheesy ground beef mixture. Garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, and mayonnaise to taste.
Notes
- Any variety of potato can be used, but Yukon Golds provide a creamy texture inside with crisp edges.
- Adjust seasoning amounts according to your taste preference for spiciness and smokiness.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef seasoning.
- American cheese slices melt well and give the classic chopped cheese flavor, but you can substitute with cheddar or mozzarella if desired.
- If you do not have an air fryer, roasting the potatoes in the oven at 425°F (218°C) for 30-35 minutes, tossing halfway, is a good alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg