Are you looking for a hearty meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or multiple dishes to wash? Look no further than this One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese in just one skillet. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or cooking for yourself, this dish saves you time on prep, cooking, and cleanup while delivering mouthwatering flavors that satisfy every craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner.
- Comforting & Filling: Ground beef and potatoes are a classic pairing, amplified by gooey, melted cheese.
- Quick & Easy: Straightforward steps and everyday ingredients make this recipe accessible, even on the busiest weeknights.
- Adaptable: Swap in different cheeses or veggies to personalize the dish to your liking.
Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Use lean or regular ground beef—just remember to drain off excess fat if using a fattier cut.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well because they maintain their shape and become tender when cooked.
- Onion & Garlic: Aromatics that build a flavorful base for the dish.
- Cheese: Cheddar or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella are popular choices for a rich, gooey finish.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, dried herbs, or even taco seasoning can amp up the flavor.
- Broth or Water: Helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents the dish from drying out.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4–5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Ingredients List
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, depending on the fat content of the beef)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (about ¼-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef
- Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- If you’re using leaner ground beef (like 90/10), add about a tablespoon of olive oil. Otherwise, place the ground beef directly into the skillet.
- Season with half the salt and half the pepper and cook for 5–7 minutes or until browned.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Onions and Garlic
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Stir frequently, cooking for 2–3 minutes or until the onions become translucent.
- Season with the remaining salt and pepper, plus paprika and oregano if you’re using them.
- Layer in the Potatoes
- Arrange the sliced potatoes over the beef and onion mixture.
- Gently stir the potatoes in with the beef so they start to coat and pick up the flavors from the pan.
- Add Broth (or Water)
- Pour in the beef broth or water, making sure it reaches the bottom of the pan to help cook the potatoes evenly.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a little more broth or water, then reduce the heat slightly.
- Top with Cheese
- Once the potatoes are cooked through, turn off the heat (or reduce to low).
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the beef and potatoes.
- Cover the skillet again for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove the lid and sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the melted cheese for a pop of freshness (optional).
- Serve hot straight from the pan. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Cheese Choice: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or a Mexican cheese blend for unique flavors.
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrients, add sliced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the pan with the onions.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne if you like a hint of heat.
- Make It a Casserole: If you prefer a casserole-style dish, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until the cheese is golden.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the cheesy beef and potatoes.
- Bread or Rolls: If you love soaking up juices and cheese, serve this dish alongside warm rolls or crusty bread.
- Pickles or Condiments: A few pickles or a dollop of sour cream can add brightness and tang.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes dish is all about simplicity and hearty, comforting flavors. With just a few common ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and leaves behind only one skillet to clean. It’s the perfect go-to for busy evenings, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave a delicious one-pan wonder.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to add your own creative twists. We’d love to hear how you make it your own!
