I absolutely love how the Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe brings together crispy, seasoned potatoes with that melty, savory chopped cheese topping. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and satisfying all at once. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or want something fun and filling for friends, this recipe really shines.

When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked by how easy it was to put together with simple ingredients, yet the flavors sing like you’ve spent hours perfecting it. You’ll find that the air-fried potatoes offer a perfect crispy base, while the cheesy beef topping makes it feel indulgent without being complicated. If you’re looking for a twist on your usual potato bowl, this one’s definitely worth trying!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy Preparation: You can have this hearty meal ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Flavor-Packed Layers: Each bite combines smoky potatoes, savory beef, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings.
  • Customizable Ingredients: Swap seasonings or cheese types easily to suit your taste or dietary needs.
  • Family Favorite: My kids and guests always ask for seconds, making it a hit every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work so well together—the potatoes bring a cozy crunch, and the chopped cheese topping packs that classic New York deli vibe. I recommend using Yukon Golds for creamy centers, but you can use whatever potato you have on hand.

  • Potatoes: Yukon Golds are my go-to since they crisp up nicely but stay tender inside.
  • Olive Oil: Helps get that perfect roast on the potatoes and adds subtle richness.
  • Fire and Smoke Society Onion Butter Seasoning: I adore this for its smoky-sweet flavor—it’s a game changer on the potatoes.
  • Paprika & Black Pepper: Adds color and a gentle kick; fresh-ground black pepper makes a difference here.
  • Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 for juicy, flavorful meat that won’t dry out.
  • Yellow Onion: Sweet and soft when sautéed, it blends beautifully with the beef.
  • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Pantry staples that boost savory depth.
  • Kinder’s Buttery Burger Blend Seasoning: My secret weapon for that burger-joint flavor.
  • American Cheese Slices: White or yellow both melt perfectly and bring that iconic creaminess.
  • Shredded Lettuce & Diced Tomatoes: Fresh, crisp toppings to cut through the richness.
  • Ketchup & Mayonnaise: Classic condiments that round out the flavor profile just right.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Feel free to mix up seasonings or toppings to keep things exciting and personal.

  • Veggie Swap: I once used diced mushrooms and bell peppers instead of beef for a tasty vegetarian version that my family loved.
  • Cheese Variation: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different melty twist.
  • Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for those who like a little heat.
  • Healthier Option: Air fry sweet potatoes instead, which add a lovely natural sweetness and a vitamin boost.

How to Make Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Air Fry the Potatoes

Start by tossing your chopped potatoes in olive oil and the Fire and Smoke Society Onion Butter seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—you want each piece to have a good coating. Then pop the potatoes in your air fryer at 400°F for about 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to get those edges crisp and golden. The key here is that nice balance of tender inside and crunchy outside—I always check them at 20 minutes just in case my air fryer runs hot.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté your diced onion for about 5 minutes until translucent and sweet-smelling. Add the ground beef along with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Kinder’s Buttery Burger Blend seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess grease to keep things from getting too oily.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

Lay the American cheese slices evenly over the cooked beef, cover the pan briefly, and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection. This is what makes the chopped cheese part truly special—make sure you see the cheese oozing through before you move on.

Step 4: Assemble Your Potato Bowls

Spoon your crispy air-fried potatoes into bowls, layer on the cheesy beef mixture, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and drizzle ketchup and mayonnaise over the top. The fresh vegetables and creamy sauces balance the savory richness so well—you’ll want to have your napkins ready!

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Pro Tips for Making Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe

  • Get Crispy Potatoes: Make sure your potatoes are dry before tossing with oil; moisture can prevent them from crisping properly.
  • Even Cooking: Shake or toss the potatoes halfway through air frying to get an even golden color on each piece.
  • Cheese Meltdown: Cover the pan briefly after adding cheese to trap heat and speed melting without burning.
  • Season Thoughtfully: Adjust seasoning carefully when substituting spices to maintain balance and avoid overpowering the potatoes.

How to Serve Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe

A white plate filled with a layered dish starting with a base of browned, small potato cubes. On top of the potatoes is a layer of cooked ground beef, followed by shredded pale green lettuce scattered all over. Chopped bright red tomatoes are spread unevenly on the lettuce. The whole dish is topped with thick, smooth white sauce applied in parallel lines and bright red sauce drizzled in a similar pattern. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with parts of other white bowls of food visible in the background, and a woman's hand reaching from the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with crisp shredded lettuce and juicy diced tomatoes for freshness and texture contrast. A drizzle of ketchup and mayo is classic, but sometimes I swap in spicy sriracha mayo to give it a little kick. A sprinkle of chopped scallions or pickled jalapeños also works great if you want to get creative.

Side Dishes

My go-to side dishes with this are simple—like an easy green salad or some oven-roasted vegetables. Sometimes I also pair it with a light coleslaw to add a bit of crunch and tanginess, which complements the richness of the chopped cheese beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the chopped cheese potato bowls in hollowed-out bell peppers or small cast iron skillets for individual servings at a casual dinner party. I’ve also layered the ingredients in clear glass jars for grab-and-go lunch options, making it a hit during picnics and potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover potatoes and chopped cheese separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the potatoes from getting soggy from the beef’s moisture. They stay good for about 3-4 days, making for easy weekday lunches.

Freezing

Freezing works better for the beef mixture than the potatoes. I freeze the cheesy beef portion in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When thawed, it reheats nicely and you can freshly air fry new potatoes to pair with it.

Reheating

Reheat leftover potatoes in the air fryer or in a hot oven to regain that crispness. The beef and cheese topping heats well in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep textures pleasant—though for a quick fix, it does get the job done.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free seasonings and condiments. Just double-check your spice blends and sauces if you’re using store-bought ones.

  2. What’s the best type of cheese to use?

    American cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, but you can experiment with pepper jack for some spice, mozzarella for stretchiness, or even cheddar for a sharper taste.

  3. Can I bake the potatoes instead of air frying?

    Yes, you can roast the potatoes in a 425°F oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer just speeds up the process and crisps them up nicely.

  4. How do I prevent the potatoes from getting soggy when stored?

    Store the potatoes and beef mixture separately in airtight containers and reheat the potatoes in an air fryer or oven to bring back their crispness before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something both comforting and a little different from the usual. I love how it’s approachable for cooks of any skill level but still impresses every time. If you want a satisfying meal that’s easy to customize and full of vibrant flavors, give this a try—you’ll be glad you did!

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Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 61 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls are a flavorful, comforting dish featuring crispy air-fried potatoes topped with savory chopped cheese—a classic mixture of ground beef, melted American cheese, and seasoned sautéed onions. Finished with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, ketchup, and mayonnaise, this recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes in a convenient bowl format.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Potatoes

  • 2 lbs Potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces (Yukon Golds recommended, but any variety works)
  • 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)
  • 1 lb Ground Beef

Toppings

  • Shredded Lettuce
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Ketchup
  • Mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Toss the chopped potatoes in olive oil and season them thoroughly with Fire and Smoke Society Onion Butter Seasoning, paprika, and black pepper to ensure even coating.
  2. 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 crisp the potatoes evenly on all sides.
  3. Sauté Onions: While the potatoes air fry, 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 lightly browned.
  4. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Kinder’s Buttery Burger Blend seasoning. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Lay the slices of American cheese evenly over the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Allow the cheese to melt completely, forming a cheesy blend with the beef.
  6. Assemble the Bowls: Spoon the crispy air-fried potatoes into serving bowls. Top each bowl with the cheesy chopped beef mixture. Garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of ketchup, and a dollop of mayonnaise to finish.

Notes

  • You can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes with Russet or red potatoes depending on your preference.
  • If you do not have an air fryer, roasting the potatoes in an oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 30 minutes works as an alternative method.
  • Feel free to adjust seasoning quantities to taste, especially the spicy or smoky seasoning blends.
  • To make it milder, omit or reduce the black pepper and paprika.
  • Leftover chopped cheese mixture can be stored separately and reheated for easy lunches.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 recipe)
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

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