I love cooking a delicious, hearty meal. But I absolutely dread the mountain of dishes that often follows. Sound familiar? If you’re nodding along, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, we’re making a Cheesy Mashed Potato & Ground Beef Skillet. It’s the ultimate comfort food. Best of all, it all comes together in a single pan. If you love easy skillet dinners, you should also try our crispy tater tot ground beef and potato skillet for another family favorite.
Imagine creamy potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese. Now imagine only having one pot to wash. That’s the dream, and we’re making it a reality.
Recipe Overview
Let’s get a quick look at what we’re making. This is your roadmap to a stress-free dinner.
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I truly believe one-pan meals are a game-changer for home cooks. They simplify the entire cooking process from start to finish.
You brown the meat, cook the aromatics, and layer the toppings all in the same vessel. This method locks in flavors beautifully. It also means your evening cleanup is a breeze.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your tools and ingredients first is a pro-move. It makes the cooking flow so much smoother.
You’ll need one large, oven-safe skillet. For the ingredients, we’re focusing on simple, pantry-friendly items. This recipe is very forgiving, so don’t stress about being exact.
The Full Ingredient List
Here is everything you’ll need to create this cozy masterpiece. I encourage you to read through it all before you start.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 24 oz prepared mashed potatoes (refrigerated or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish
PREPARATION
Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked dish and a clean kitchen. I’ve included little tips to keep things tidy as you go. For another comforting potato-based meal, check out our rich and flavorful cheesy chicken potato soup.
Cheesy Mashed Potato & Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Mashed Potato & Ground Beef Skillet Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready when you are.
- In your large oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet. This is a key step for a non-greasy final dish.
- Stir in the frozen corn, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Turn off the heat. Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture. Use the back of the spoon to spread them into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potatoes.
- Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden-brown top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it!
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives before serving directly from the skillet.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
These simple tips will set you up for success every single time. They make the process even easier and more enjoyable.
First, use the right size pot. A 10 or 12-inch oven-safe skillet is ideal for this recipe. If your pan is too small, the ingredients will be crowded and won’t cook evenly.
Don’t stir the potato layer once it’s on. Let it form a nice, solid topping. Resist the urge to peek in the oven too often, as this lets heat escape.
Prep your ingredients before you start cooking. This “mise en place” method is a chef’s secret. It prevents frantic searching and makes the entire process feel calm and controlled.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This dish makes fantastic leftovers, which is a huge win for busy weeks. The flavors often taste even better the next day.
Let the skillet cool completely. Then, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. For a crisper top, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, comforting meal. Here’s a basic breakdown of its nutritional profile per serving.
- Calories: ~450-550
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~22g
- Fiber: ~3g
If you’re looking for a lighter potato option to balance out your meals, our simple avocado toast recipe makes a perfect quick breakfast or lunch.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I know questions can pop up, so I’ve answered a few common ones here. Don’t hesitate to ask more in the comments!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork sausage would work wonderfully here. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked through.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem! You can cook the beef mixture in a regular skillet on the stovetop. Then, transfer it to a greased casserole dish before adding the potatoes and cheese for baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble the entire dish in the skillet, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
And there you have it! A dinner that feels indulgent and cozy without the dreaded cleanup. This recipe is a true weeknight hero that your whole family will love.
You deserve to enjoy a fantastic, home-cooked meal. You also deserve to enjoy your evening afterward, not spend it scrubbing pots and pans.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
