This creamy one pot beef and potato casserole is my go-to when I need dinner fast but want it to taste like I spent hours in the kitchen. It’s cozy, rich, and exactly the kind of thing you make when everyone’s starving and you’re out of energy. With pantry staples and a single pan, we’re talking minimum cleanup and maximum satisfaction. This casserole hits all the right notes: tender ground beef, soft potatoes, a creamy sauce that hugs everything together, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here, just get a delicious one-pot dinner on the table without breaking a sweat. And let’s be real—between the Ground Beef One Pot Meals, One Pan Ground Beef Recipes, and Ground Beef Casserole Recipes I’ve tested over the years, this one’s got that perfect middle ground of hearty and easy. It’s even got a hint of One Pot Orzo Recipes vibes, though no orzo here. If you love One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipes or crave Orzo One Pot Recipes, you’ll still fall for this creamy beefy magic.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole
- 4) How to Make Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole
- 5) Tips for Making Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole
- 6) Making Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole
- 8) Try these One Pot recipes next!
- 9) Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This is a comforting, one pot meal that combines beef, potatoes, and cheese in a creamy sauce.
- Everything cooks in a single pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings when you want something hearty.
- You can tweak ingredients easily without messing up the whole vibe of the dish.
2) Easy Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
This one pot ground beef recipe has lived on repeat in my kitchen for years now. We’ve all been there—work’s dragged on, the kids are cranky, and the fridge is looking like a barren wasteland. That’s where this comes in. I call it my no-think dinner.
The ground beef browns up fast. The potatoes soften just enough to soak in the smoky paprika. The creamy sauce? Pure gold. Add a bit of cheddar and suddenly, everyone’s eating in silence, which we all know is the highest form of compliment at dinner time.
I love that it pulls from all the good parts of One Pan Ground Beef Recipes and Ground Beef Casserole Recipes but keeps cleanup to one pan. And if you’ve ever fallen for those cozy One Pot Orzo Recipes or even dabbled in One Pot Chicken Orzo Recipes, you’ll find that same rich comfort here. Creamy. Hearty. Simple.
3) Ingredients for Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole
Olive Oil: Just a splash gets everything going. It’s your first flavor layer and helps that beef brown up nice and even.
Ground Beef: I usually go with 80/20 for just the right balance. It gives that rich, meaty depth you want in any one pot ground beef recipe worth keeping.
Onion: Diced fine. Once it softens in the beef fat, it brings a gentle sweetness that rounds out the savory flavors.
Garlic: Three cloves might sound like a lot, but trust me. That sharp bite mellows and blends right into the sauce.
Potatoes: Dice them small so they cook quickly. They soak up the broth and help thicken the dish naturally.
Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika: A few pantry staples, but they wake up the whole pan. Especially that paprika—it adds warmth and color.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a tablespoon, enough to help thicken the creamy sauce once the broth hits the pan.
Beef Broth: Use a low-sodium version if you can. It brings a deep, savory base to tie everything together.
Sour Cream: It smooths out the whole dish and gives that creamy body without feeling too heavy.
Cheddar Cheese: I grate mine fresh for that gooey melt factor. It’s comfort in every bite.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but it adds color and cuts through the richness right at the end.
4) How to Make Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole
Step 1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart until fully cooked.
Step 2. Add diced onion and cook for about three minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook one more minute. Let everything get cozy in the pan.
Step 3. Stir in the potatoes, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure those potatoes get coated well in all the flavor.
Step 4. Sprinkle the flour over everything. Give it a quick stir to coat evenly, then let it cook for one minute.
Step 5. Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 to 18 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 6. Lower the heat. Stir in the sour cream and cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
Step 7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a pop of green.
5) Tips for Making Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole
Don’t rush the browning step for the beef. A little patience adds deep flavor. You want some color on the meat, not just grey bits floating in sauce.
Cut your potatoes small and evenly. It helps them cook faster and more evenly, especially when using just one pot.
This dish is built for adaptability. If you’re into heat, try tossing in some red pepper flakes. Or swap the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack. It plays nice with whatever you throw in.
6) Making Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole Ahead of Time
This casserole holds up well for make-ahead meals. I often cook it a day early, then just reheat it on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up.
If you’re planning meals for the week, it fits in nicely. Store portions in individual containers and refrigerate. It keeps its flavor and texture better than you’d expect from a creamy one pot meal.
Just wait to add any fresh herbs like parsley until you’re ready to serve. They tend to wilt and lose their punch if added too early.
7) Storing Leftover Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole
Pack any leftovers into an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. It’ll stay good for three or four days easily.
To reheat, use the microwave or toss it back in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. Stir gently as it warms to keep the creamy texture smooth.
I wouldn’t freeze this one though. The potatoes and dairy don’t bounce back well after a deep freeze. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.
8) Try these One Pot recipes next!
9) Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Creamy One Pot Beef and Potato Casserole – One Pot Ground Beef Recipes Win
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and cook until it softens, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute.
- Add potatoes, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together to coat the potatoes in the seasonings.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef and potatoes and stir it in to combine. Cook for a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe | Calories: 410 | Protein: 23g | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 540mg
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