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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet Casserole: Best One-Pan Dinner

easy cheesy ground beef and potato skillet casserole - featured image

A simple, budget-friendly one-pan dinner featuring crispy-edged potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole comes together in about 45 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1.5 pounds), sliced ⅛-inch thick
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth, low-sodium
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Position the rack in the middle.
  2. Slice the potatoes into ⅛-inch rounds. Place slices in a bowl of cold water and soak while prepping other ingredients.
  3. Drain and pat the potatoes dry thoroughly.
  4. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering.
  5. Brown the ground beef: Add beef to hot skillet, break it up, and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Stir and continue cooking until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes total. Transfer beef to a plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pan.
  6. Cook the onions: Add diced onion to the hot fat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, scraping up browned bits.
  7. Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Cook the potatoes: Add sliced potatoes and remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss to coat, spread into an even layer, and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes. Stir and cook for another 4-5 minutes until starting to soften.
  9. Add the broth: Pour beef broth into the skillet, stir, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  10. Return the beef to the skillet: Uncover and stir the browned beef back in. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  11. Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
  12. Bake: Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for a deeper golden top.
  13. Rest and garnish: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
  14. Serve: Scoop portions directly from the skillet.

Notes

Don’t rush the browning step for maximum flavor. Shred your own cheese for best melting. Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for neat portions. Leftovers reheat beautifully and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, potato, casserole, skillet, one-pan, cheesy, easy dinner, weeknight meal