Description
A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring grated russet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
- Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream
- Optional: 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Peel and grate potatoes, placing them in cold water to prevent browning. Drain and pat dry thoroughly. Dice onion and mince garlic.
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease if desired, leaving some for flavor. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add potatoes and broth: Add drained potatoes to the skillet and pour in chicken broth. Stir to combine, ensuring potatoes are submerged.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender. Add more broth if needed.
- Add cheese and spices: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cheddar and cheddar cheese powder. Stir vigorously until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with optional green onions, bacon, sour cream, or hot sauce.
Notes
Pat potatoes dry thoroughly to avoid a soggy dish. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. If using 90/10 beef, add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Keep heat medium-low when simmering to prevent burning. Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: one pan dinner, ground beef recipe, potato casserole, quick weeknight meals, cheesy comfort food, family friendly dinner