Irresistible Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner!: 5 Cozy One-Pan Dinners

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner! I’m a busy mom who believes weeknights deserve meals that are warm, comforting, and easy. After years of juggling kid activities and late meetings, I learned a truth. You can feed a hungry family with flavor and minimal cleanup. This one-pan casserole delivers exactly that—a hearty combo of beef, creamy dairy, and perfectly layered potatoes.

It comes together quickly, reheats beautifully, and leaves leftovers that still taste cozy the next day. This is a go-to for busy families, and you’ll love how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, this dish hits the spot with little fuss. Read on for practical steps, smart shortcuts, and delicious variations that fit a busy lifestyle. Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner!

What Make This Recipe It Special

As a busy home cook, I reach for this dish on chaotic weeknights. It delivers warm, cozy comfort with minimal cleanup. It stacks beef, potatoes, and cheese into one forgiving skillet. So I can keep the family fed and the kitchen sane. The creamy dairy makes every bite silky and reassuring. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner is my go-to on tight nights.

One-Pan Convenience

This dish is designed to cook everything in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and simplifying weeknight routines.

Creamy, Comforting Flavor Profile

The sour cream and milk create a creamy base, with cheddar that melts into coziness.

Budget-Friendly and Adaptable

Ground beef, potatoes, and dairy come together affordably, with room to add pantry veggies or swap ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I know weeknights can sap our energy, but this dish lifts the load. Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner! brings warmth, flavor, and cleanup simplicity in one skillet. It’s affordable, adaptable, and forgiving when plans shift. I love how the potatoes, beef, and cheese come together into a cozy, crowd-pleasing centerpiece. It reheats beautifully, making leftovers feel like a new meal the next day. Great for busy moms and professionals alike.

Quick, Crowd-Pleasing Weeknight Meal

Ready in about an hour with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy moms and professionals.

Versatile and Family-Friendly

Easily tailor with peas, corn, or different cheeses to suit picky eaters.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner!

Here’s my quick, ingredient-by-ingredient guide for this dish. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner is my weeknight hero. Exact quantities are printed at the bottom for easy printing. Optional veggies can be added before layering the potatoes.

• 1 lb ground beef — hearty base; 85–89% lean for flavor.
• 1 small onion, diced — adds sweetness and depth to the beef.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced — a punch of aroma in every bite.
• 1 tbsp olive oil — helps brown the beef and stay juicy.
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced — starch that soaks up the sauce.
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese — melts into a gooey, golden topping.
• 1 cup milk — creaminess; whole milk preferred, or 2% works too.
• ½ cup sour cream — tang and creaminess that smooths the sauce.
• 1 tsp paprika — warm color with a mild kick.
• 1 tsp dried parsley — light herb aroma without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper to taste — baseline seasoning; adjust as you go.
• Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or corn for added veggies — adds color and sweetness.
• Fresh chives or green onions, for garnish — bright finishing touch.

Notes: Exact quantities are printed at the bottom of the article for easy printing. Optional vegetables can be added before layering potatoes.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner!

This step-by-step guide keeps everything simple in one pan and saves you time.

Step 1: Brown the beef, onion, and garlic

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add ground beef, onion, and garlic; cook until beef is browned and onions are soft.

Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Creamy dairy base

Stir in sour cream and milk until creamy.

Let simmer briefly to merge flavors.

Step 3: Layer the potatoes

Arrange thin potato slices evenly over the beef mixture.

Lightly season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Bake covered until potatoes are tender

Cover the skillet with foil.

Bake in the 375°F oven for 35–40 minutes.

Test tenderness by piercing with a fork.

Step 5: Finish with cheese

Remove foil; sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with chopped chives or green onions and serve warm.

Tips for Success

• Slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking; thin slices make a smoother layer.
• Brown the beef deeply for richer flavor; it adds color and depth.
• Keep the pan covered during the potato stage to trap steam.
• Use lean beef and lighter dairy if you’re watching fat intake.
• Let the casserole rest before slicing to keep it neat and moist.
• Don’t hesitate to add a handful of peas or corn for color.

Equipment Needed

• Large oven-safe skillet or 9×13 baking dish; if you only have one pan, a deep skillet with a lid or a foil pan works in a pinch.
• Spatula and wooden spoon for sautéing and stirring.
• Sharp knife and cutting board to slice potatoes evenly.
• Aluminum foil for covering during baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Variations for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner!

• For Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner!, add ½ cup frozen peas or corn for color and sweetness.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella to get a milder flavor or extra meltiness.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a sweeter, creamier bite; adjust bake time slightly.
• Introduce cumin or chili powder to give a Tex-Man vibe to Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner!
• Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still delivers comfort.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner! with a crisp salad or steamed broccoli for balance.
• Pair with crusty bread to mop up that creamy sauce.
• Garnish with chives and a dab of sour cream.
• A glass of iced tea or light white wine complements the dish nicely.

Make It Your Own: Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner!

I love how this dish feels cozy and flexible at the same time. When weeknights sprint by, I reach for a version I can customize with what’s in the pantry. It’s my go-to for a warm, no-fuss meal that still tastes like a hug from the kitchen.

Here are simple ways I tailor it to fit schedules, dietary needs, and picky eaters. Each idea keeps the core comfort and cheesiness intact while giving you room to improvise.

• Meal-prep hack: assemble in advance, refrigerate, then bake longer when ready—your oven does the heavy lifting while you supervise homework or emails.
• Dairy-free option: swap in dairy-free milk and dairy-free cheese so everyone can enjoy the creamy texture without dairy.
• Spice level: add red pepper flakes or chipotle powder to heat things up, or keep it mild by skipping the heat.
• Family-friendly tweaks: mix in finely chopped carrots or celery for extra veggies without changing the flavor much.

Give these a try and tell me which version your family loves most. I’m always swapping ideas and hearing what works in real kitchens.

FAQs

How long does it take for potatoes to cook in the oven?

In my kitchen, when potatoes are sliced about 1/4 inch, I bake them 35–40 minutes at 375°F with the dish covered. Then I uncover for 10 minutes to finish with melted cheese.

What is in cowboy casserole?

Cowboy casserole usually features ground beef, potatoes, corn, onions, and cheese. Some variations add peppers, black beans, or jalapeños, giving extra heat or color.

How long do I leave a potato in the oven at 400 degrees?

A large potato typically needs about 45–60 minutes at 400°F. Test tenderness with a fork to be sure it’s done.

How long do you put a potato in the oven at 350 degrees?

A large potato generally takes 60–75 minutes at 350°F. Check for softness with a fork.

Final Thoughts

I call it ‘Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole One Pan Dinner!’ and it tastes amazing.
I love how the flavors stay cozy after the oven cools.
The creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and melty cheese feel like a hug.

Leftovers taste just as good, saving me for tomorrow’s meetings.
If you’re short on time, this meal still shines.
I customize with peas, different cheeses, or extra spices to please everyone.

Best of all, cleanup is a breeze when the pan does the work.
As a busy cook, I savor meals that travel well to busy mornings.
Delicious, practical joy today.

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