What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only ONE pot to clean! I live for that feeling of a full belly and an empty sink.
If you’re like me, the joy of cooking is sometimes dimmed by the mountain of dishes waiting afterward. That’s why I’m obsessed with my Smoky Chipotle Ground Beef & Potato Casserole. It’s the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight, much like our classic Ultimate Ground Beef & Potato Casserole.
This dish is a total flavor bomb. It combines hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and a smoky, slightly spicy chipotle sauce. Best of all, everything cooks together in a single pan. You get a complete, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup. It’s a true win-win.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick snapshot of what you’re in for. This recipe is designed for maximum efficiency and taste.
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4-6 people
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I need to sing the praises of one-pan cooking for a second. It’s not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle upgrade for anyone who hates washing up.
Every ingredient cooks in the same vessel. The flavors meld together beautifully in the pan. You also save so much time by not juggling multiple pots and bowls.
The real magic happens in your sink later. Instead of a pile of dishes, you have one pan, a cutting board, and a spoon. That’s it. Your evening just got a whole lot freer.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your gear is simple. You’ll want a large, oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven. That’s your main player.
The ingredient list is full of pantry staples and a few key flavor makers. The star is the chipotle in adobo. It brings that incredible smoky heat that makes this casserole special.
Smoky Chipotle Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Smoky Chipotle Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe!
Nutrition Information
You probably have the ground beef and potatoes already. The rest comes together with simple spices and cheese. It’s an easy dinner recipe that feels anything but basic, perfect for when you want a Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Casserole that everyone will love.
The Full Ingredient List
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 works great)
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 tbsp of the sauce)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for a smooth cooking process. I’ve included my tricks to keep the mess contained to that one pan.
- Prep everything first. Dice your potatoes and onion, and mince the garlic and chipotles. Having it all ready (mise en place) makes the cooking flow fast.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Add the ground beef to the hot, dry skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with your spoon. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a temporary plate. This leaves the flavorful fat behind.
- Add the diced potatoes and onion to the skillet. Cook them in the beef drippings for about 8-10 minutes. You want the potatoes to start getting golden edges.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Cook for just one minute until fragrant. This wakes up the flavors.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Add the cooked ground beef back in. Stir everything to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, cover the skillet and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. The potatoes should become tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be perfectly melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or green onions if you like.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
I’ve made this enough times to learn a few secrets. These tips will boost your results every time.
First, use the right size pot. A 10-12 inch oven-safe skillet or a 5-quart Dutch oven is ideal. If your pan is too small, things will steam instead of brown.
Don’t stir too much once the potatoes are cooking. Let them sit for a few minutes at a time to develop those tasty, crispy bits on the bottom. That’s pure flavor.
Control the heat with the chipotles. Start with one pepper if you’re sensitive to spice. You can always add more of the adobo sauce for smoke without as much fire.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This casserole makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors get even better the next day.
Let the dish cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I prefer the microwave for single servings. For a larger portion, warm it in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until hot. You can add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, balanced meal. Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving (based on 6 servings).
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
Here are answers to the questions I get asked most often about this recipe.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely. Russet potatoes will work, but they can get a bit softer. Yukon Golds or red potatoes hold their shape beautifully. They are my top pick for texture.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No problem! Just cook everything in your regular skillet on the stove. Then, transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish before adding the cheese and baking.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply use only the adobo sauce from the can and skip the actual chipotle peppers. The sauce gives you that wonderful smoky flavor without as much of the kick. It’s a great trick.
I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your rotation of fast dinners. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up without weighing you down with chores afterward.
Gathering around the table for a warm, home-cooked beef and potato dish is a simple joy. Doing it with a clean kitchen is an even better one. This casserole delivers on both counts, especially if you’re a fan of a rich, Ground Beef & Potato Casserole with a Creamy Sauce.
Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
