If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings together bold southwestern flavors and satisfying textures, you are going to adore this Ground Beef Potato Enchilada Skillet Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, seasoned ground beef, vibrant green chiles, and creamy enchilada sauce, all baked until bubbly with a glorious layer of melted cheese on top. This dish is as simple to make as it is flavorful, perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing friends with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this skillet casserole, it’s going to become a fast favorite in your weeknight dinner rotations!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large black pan filled with cooked ground meat broken into many small pieces, showing a mix of brown and slightly darker brown colors, with steam rising from the hot meat. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and no other items are visible around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients that each add their own magic to create a wholesome and delicious meal. Every item—from the tender potatoes to the smoky spices—works together to build layers of taste, texture, and color that will make your taste buds dance.

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef and potatoes to perfection.
1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory base for this skillet casserole.
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, diced: Chosen for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape during cooking.
1/2 cup diced yellow onion: Offers sweetness and depth of flavor as it softens.
1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced: Delivers a mild heat and earthy flavor without overpowering the dish.
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Brings all the ingredients to life by enhancing their natural flavors.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a smoky, spicy kick typical of Southwestern cuisine.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Imparts a warm, aromatic undertone that complements the beef beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle garlic aroma that’s evenly distributed through the dish.
4 ounces diced green chiles: Bring tangy brightness and a hint of heat to keep things interesting.
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Adds fresh herbal notes and a pop of green color.
15 ounces mild green enchilada sauce: Coats everything in creamy tang and signature enchilada flavor.
1 cup shredded cheese (Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or cheddar): Melts to a luscious golden crust that ties the casserole together.

How to Make Ground Beef Potato Enchilada Skillet Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Blend

Start by mixing chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a small bowl. This seasoning blend is key to layering that classic southwestern flavor into both the beef and potato components. It’s all about making every bite burst with spice and warmth.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat half the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and sprinkle with half of your seasoning blend. This step lets the beef soak up all those spices while browning nicely, building a robust, savory flavor base for your casserole. Once cooked through, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes and Veggies

Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the diced potatoes, onion, and poblano pepper along with the rest of your seasoning blend. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. If things start to stick or brown too fast, add a splash or two of water to keep everything cooking evenly and maintain moisture.

Step 4: Stir in the Fresh Elements

Once the potatoes are tender, fold in the chopped cilantro and diced green chiles. These ingredients boost the freshness and add a lively pop of color and flavor that balances the richer elements of the dish.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Return the seasoned ground beef to the skillet and pour the enchilada sauce over everything. Stir well so each bite is coated with that signature creamy sauce. Top the mixture with your shredded cheese, then cover the skillet tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375° F oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil, switch the oven to broil, and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is irresistibly bubbly and lightly browned.

How to Serve Ground Beef Potato Enchilada Skillet Casserole Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a single-layer dish served on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish is a mix of small, golden-yellow potato pieces with browned edges, chunks of browned cooked ground meat, and melted yellow-orange cheese melted over some parts, adding a creamy texture. There are some small bits of cooked onion and green parsley sprinkled on top for a fresh color contrast. A silver fork is partially visible under the food, with a woman's hand holding the fork from below. The overall look is warm with a mix of soft and crispy textures, giving a home-cooked, hearty feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro over the hot, cheesy casserole before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice also pairs beautifully with the dish, enhancing its creamy and tangy profiles while adding a lovely contrasting texture.

Side Dishes

This skillet casserole is generous and filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or some warm, fluffy corn tortillas. A side of Spanish rice or black beans will round out the meal with extra comfort and heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve portions of this casserole topped with sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of crunchy tortilla strips. These add texture contrasts and elevate the visual appeal, making it perfect for casual gatherings or special family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight as the spices meld even further, making it taste just as delicious or even better the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. After baking and cooling completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm leftovers in the oven at 350° F until heated through and the cheese is melty, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings, though the oven will help keep the cheesy topping deliciously crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for holding their shape and offering creaminess, you can swap in red potatoes or even russet potatoes if that’s what you have. Just be mindful of cooking time, as some varieties may take a bit longer.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply replace the ground beef with hearty beans like black beans or pinto beans and perhaps add some extra veggies. You could also use plant-based ground meat alternatives to keep the texture close to the original.

How spicy is this Ground Beef Potato Enchilada Skillet Casserole Recipe?

The spice level is mild to moderate, thanks to the mild green enchilada sauce and the gentle heat from the poblano pepper and chili powder. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.

Can I prepare this dish completely on the stovetop?

You could cook all components on the stovetop, but baking helps meld the flavors and gives the cheese a beautiful golden finish. If you’re short on time or oven space, cooking and melting the cheese under the broiler at the end works perfectly.

What type of cheese works best?

Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or cheddar are all excellent choices because they melt well and provide a creamy, flavorful topping. Feel free to experiment with any melting cheese you prefer for a personal twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s irresistibly comforting and packed with familiar yet exciting flavors, the Ground Beef Potato Enchilada Skillet Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Its simplicity, hearty ingredients, and vibrant seasoning make it a standout for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones—it’s the kind of recipe that warms both the kitchen and the heart.