What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only ONE pot to clean! I love food, but I have a deep, passionate hatred for the mountain of dishes that often comes with it. If you’re a fan of easy, cheesy dinners, you might also love this Ultimate Ground Beef & Potato Casserole.
If you’re nodding along, I made this Rustic Ground Beef & Potato Gratin just for us. It’s the ultimate comfort food that respects your time and your sink. We’re talking creamy potatoes, savory beef, and a golden cheese crust.
Best of all, it all happens in a single skillet. From stovetop to oven to table, the mess stays contained. Let’s dig into a dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick snapshot of what you’re making. It’s as straightforward as it gets.
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I judge a recipe by its “dirty dish ratio.” This one is a champion. The magic is in the method.
You brown the beef and build the sauce right in your oven-safe skillet. Then, you layer the potatoes in and bake it. There’s no transferring to a separate casserole dish. For another fantastic skillet meal, try this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet.
That means you get all the cozy, layered goodness of a classic gratin without the extra pans. Your future self, standing at a clean counter, will thank you.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your gear is simple. You need one trusty, deep oven-safe skillet or braiser. A 10 or 12-inch one works perfectly.
As for ingredients, it’s all about pantry and fridge staples. Ground beef, potatoes, onions, and cheese are the main players. The rest are flavor boosters you likely already have on hand.
Rustic Ground Beef & Potato Gratin Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Rustic Ground Beef & Potato Gratin Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Full Ingredient List
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1.5 lbs russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for a smooth process. I’ve added my clean-as-you-go tips to make it even easier.
- Prep First: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice your potatoes and dice your onion. Doing this first (mise en place!) keeps things moving and avoids frantic chopping later.
- Brown the Beef: In your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Build the Sauce: Push the beef to the side. Add the onion and garlic to the center of the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and paprika. Then, pour in the beef broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Layer the Potatoes: Turn off the heat. Arrange your potato slices in overlapping layers directly into the skillet, submerging them in the sauce. This is the “rustic” part—it doesn’t have to be perfect!
- Add Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the cheddar and all the Parmesan over the top. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Brown the Top: Remove the cover. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar on top. Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and makes slicing much cleaner. Garnish with parsley if you like.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
A few small tricks make a big difference. They improve both the dish and your cleanup game.
First, slice your potatoes evenly. A mandoline makes this fast, but a sharp knife works too. Even slices cook at the same rate.
Second, use the right size pot. Too small and it will bubble over. Too big and your sauce will reduce too fast. Your 10-12 inch skillet is the sweet spot.
Finally, don’t stir after layering the potatoes. Let them cook in the liquid to get tender. You want those defined layers in your final gratin.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This casserole is fantastic for leftovers. It reheats like a dream, making lunches a breeze.
Let it cool completely, then store it covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish or cover the skillet and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot through.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, satisfying meal. Here’s a basic breakdown per serving (approximate).
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
Here are answers to the questions I get asked most about this recipe.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes are a great choice. They are buttery and hold their shape well. Just be sure to slice them thinly for even cooking.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem. Just cook the beef and sauce in any large pan. Then, transfer everything to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Proceed with the baking instructions as written.
How can I add more vegetables?
I love this idea. Try adding a layer of fresh spinach after the beef, or mix in some sliced mushrooms when you cook the onions. They’ll blend right into the savory sauce.
And there you have it. A dinner that feels like a warm hug but doesn’t leave your kitchen looking like a disaster zone. It’s the kind of reliable, family-friendly recipe you’ll come back to again and again. If you’re craving another rich and flavorful baked dish, this Garlic Butter Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a must-try.
It proves that you don’t need a pile of pots to make something truly delicious. You just need one good pan and a craving for comfort. Now go enjoy that flavor (and your clean kitchen!).
I’d love to hear how your Rustic Ground Beef & Potato Gratin turned out! Let me know by leaving a comment and rating below.
