Easy One-Skillet Ground Beef Potato Bake – A Classic Comfort Dinner

When you need a meal that brings everyone to the table without hours of prep work, this Easy One-Skillet Ground Beef Potato Bake – A Classic Comfort Dinner is the answer. It combines savory, browned beef with tender, thinly sliced potatoes in a rich, herb-infused tomato reduction. This one-pan meal is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, offering deep, hearty flavors that feel like a home-cooked Sunday roast. Best of all, it keeps cleanup minimal, making it a favorite for families looking for an easy, delicious dinner that hits the spot every single time.

To pull off this hearty meal, you will need a few simple components that work in harmony. Quality ground beef and the right potato variety are the foundations of this dish.

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
• 4 medium Russet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds / 700g), thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

You can easily tweak this recipe based on what you have in your cupboard.

• Potatoes: Using a mandoline ensures all slices are 1/8-inch thick, which is vital for even cooking.
• Cheese: Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier, meltier consistency.
• Beef Broth: If you are out of beef broth, you can use chicken broth or even just hot water with an extra pinch of salt.
• Vegan option: Swap the beef for a plant-based crumble and use vegan cheese to keep it dairy-free.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary works wonderfully if you have it on hand, but keep the quantity small as it is quite potent.

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice your peeled potatoes into even 1/8-inch rounds. Using a mandoline is the fastest way to get uniform slices, which ensures they all finish cooking at the same time.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until nicely browned. Season immediately with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and your chosen dried herbs.

Step 3: Aromatics and Flavor

Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly, which deepens the flavor of the entire dish.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Once reduced, spread the mixture evenly in the skillet. Layer the potato slices on top, overlapping them slightly to cover the beef. Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Final Melt

Remove the cover, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the potatoes, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. Wait until the cheese is bubbling and the edges of the potatoes are golden and crispy before removing from the oven.

This meal is quite filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fresh sides to add texture.

• Serve with a crisp garden salad dressed in a bright vinaigrette.
• Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans add a nice pop of color and freshness.
• A dollop of sour cream or fresh chopped parsley on top adds a final touch of flavor.
• Offer side crusty bread to soak up any leftover savory beef juices in the pan.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it is best to place the slices back in a skillet over low-medium heat with a tablespoon of water, covering until warmed through, or use the oven at 350°F until heated evenly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the beef mixture and slice the potatoes ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge and layer them in the skillet right before you are ready to bake for the best results.

Can I freeze this recipe?

While possible, we recommend enjoying it fresh, as potatoes can sometimes take on a grainy texture after being frozen and thawed. If you must freeze it, do so after cooking and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I serve with this recipe?

This dinner pairs perfectly with a side of steamed seasonal vegetables or a light, acidic side salad. The acidity helps cut through the richness of the ground beef and melted cheese.

How do I keep this recipe from drying out?

Ensure the potatoes are fully covered by the steam generated under the lid for the first 30 minutes of baking. Adding just a little extra broth or water at the start can also help create a sauce-like consistency.

If you are looking for more comforting one-skillet meals, check out these reader favorites:

• Try our Easy Beef Stew for another classic family favorite.
• For quick weeknights, our Ground Beef Pasta Skillet is a must-make.
• Check out our Cheesy Potato Casserole if you love all things spuds.
• If you need meatless inspo, look at our Vegetable Skillet Bake.

This Easy One-Skillet Ground Beef Potato Bake – A Classic Comfort Dinner is truly the hero of the modern kitchen. It manages to balance hearty, rustic flavors with a workflow that respects your limited time. By utilizing the starch from the potatoes and the savory richness of the beef, you get a cohesive, satisfying meal that hits every craving. Whether you are cooking for a hungry family or just prepping for a busy week ahead, this dish is guaranteed to become a household staple. Give it a try tonight and see how effortless comfort food can be.

Easy One-Skillet Ground Beef Potato Bake

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This comforting one-pan dinner features savory, lean ground beef and tender, thinly sliced Russet potatoes simmered in a rich, herb-infused tomato reduction. Perfectly hearty and budget-friendly, this meal is a fantastic solution for busy weeknights, offering deep, home-cooked flavors with minimal cleanup. The top layer of cheese crisps up beautifully, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

• Author: Clarice
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop and Broil
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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1 pound lean ground beef
4 medium Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute.
Layer the thinly sliced potatoes over the beef mixture.
Pour in the beef broth, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Remove the cover, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding bell peppers, diced carrots, or peas to the beef mixture. If you prefer a different cheese, Monterey Jack or a blend of Mozzarella works well for a creamier melt. Ensure your potatoes are thinly sliced to ensure they cook through evenly in the skillet.