If cozy comfort food had a mascot, it would definitely be Cheesy One-Pot Beef and Potatoes. Think of it as the hearty cousin of shepherd’s pie and the lazy sibling of scalloped potatoes — creamy, cheesy, beefy, and completely satisfying.

This easy one-pan recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Juicy ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and tender potatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce that brings everything together into one irresistible skillet dinner. It’s the kind of meal that smells incredible while it cooks and disappears the second it hits the table.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just when you’re craving something hearty and homemade, this dish proves that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated.

🥔 Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon gold or russet work best)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
½ cup beef broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the beef.
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add aromatics.
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Layer in the potatoes.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced potatoes to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them with the beef mixture.

4. Add liquid ingredients.
Pour in the milk and beef broth, then stir in butter, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix until the butter melts and the sauce begins to bubble.

5. Simmer to tenderness.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

6. Add the cheese.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.

7. Finish and serve.
Remove from heat, top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese and sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving hot.

🧂 Tips for the Perfect One-Pot Beef and Potatoes

Thin, even potato slices:
Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes evenly — this ensures they cook through at the same rate.
Choose the right cheese:
Sharp cheddar adds tang and depth, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or Monterey Jack for a creamy melt.
Control the sauce thickness:
If the sauce becomes too thick before the potatoes are done, stir in a splash more milk or broth.
Go bold with seasoning:
Add a pinch of cayenne for a little kick, or swap thyme for smoked paprika for a deeper, rustic flavor.
Make it crispy:
Pop the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end to create a bubbly, golden cheese crust.

🧀 Variations

Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
Add Veggies: Toss in frozen peas, carrots, or corn in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and top with pepper jack cheese.
Breakfast Twist: Crack 2–3 eggs over the top before the cheese step, cover, and cook until the eggs are just set for a hearty breakfast skillet.
Creamier Option: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for ultra-rich texture.