Short description
A hearty and convenient dish featuring tender sliced potatoes and savory ground beef baked together in one pan—comfort food made wonderfully simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pan bake delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. It’s an all-in-one dinner: layers of potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and cheese meld together beautifully in the oven. Cleanup is effortless, and the dish is versatile—perfect for feeding families, packing leftovers, or warming up after a long day.

One-Pan Beef & Potato Bake

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 cup milk (or beef broth)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease or lightly oil a casserole or baking dish.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat and stir in onion, garlic, bell pepper (if using), and seasoning. Cook until softened and fragrant.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Add the remaining potato slices on top.
Pour broth (or water) around the edges of the dish—just enough to reach about halfway up the potato layers without submerging them.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the bake rest for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or a splash of hot sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 6 servings, depending on portion size.
Prep time: Approximately 15 minutes.
Cook time: Around 45–55 minutes, including cheese-melting finish.
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Change the protein: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for the beef.
Add veggies: Layer in sliced mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or even spinach for extra nutrition and texture.
Creamy style: Mix a little sour cream or cream of mushroom/chicken soup into the beef layer for a richer finish.
Spice it up: Add chili powder, crushed red pepper, or taco seasoning to the beef for a kick.
Cheese options: Use Pepper Jack for a Southwestern twist, or sprinkle parmesan for a sharper finish.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) until warmed through, or microwave single portions.
For meal prep, portion into containers and use as a filling for wraps, served over greens, or paired with eggs for a hearty breakfast.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes—just thaw and pat dry before layering, and monitor baking time as they may cook slightly faster.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prep the dish and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time if baking straight from the fridge.

What cut of potatoes works best?

Firm, starchy varieties like Yukon Gold and red potatoes hold their shape well, while russets offer a fluffier texture.

Can I bake this without beef?

Yes—skip the meat and layer in extra vegetables or substitute with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes. Bake first, then freeze in portions. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.

How much broth do I need?

You need just enough liquid to reach halfway up the sides of the layered potatoes—this helps with even cooking but avoids sogginess.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—simply ensure any added seasoning or broth is labeled gluten-free.

Can I skip cheese on top?

Absolutely. The dish is flavorful on its own, but cheese adds richness and a lovely crust.

How do I keep the top from getting soggy?

Uncover the dish during the last baking stage to melt the cheese and let moisture evaporate.

What sides go well with it?

Pair with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

One-Pan Beef & Potato Bake is a satisfying, easy-to-make comfort meal with layers of hearty flavor and minimal cleanup. Whether served as weeknight dinner or effortless meal prep, it delivers warmth and convenience in every cheesy, meaty bite.