Potato Recipes Dinner 11 Easy Cheesy One Pan Ideas to Try

It’s 5 PM. You’re tired, the family is hungry, and the age-old question echoes through the house: “What’s for dinner?” Staring into the pantry, you see that familiar, reliable bag of potatoes. They hold so much promise, but the thought of a complicated meal is just too much for a busy weeknight. You’re craving something comforting, delicious, and most importantly, easy.

The dinner dilemma is real. You need meals that are not only family-friendly but also don’t leave you with a mountain of dishes. The search for simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly potato recipes can feel endless, often leading to the same boring roasted or mashed potatoes. You know there has to be a better way to transform this humble vegetable into the star of the show.

The ultimate solution for dinner tonight is a cheesy potato recipe. These one-pan and casserole ideas combine tender potatoes with gooey, melted cheese for a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. After countless weeknights spent staring into the pantry, we’ve perfected the art of turning the humble potato into a show-stopping, one-pan dinner that everyone loves. Get ready to discover 11 foolproof, cheesy potato recipes that will become your new family favorites.

Why Cheesy Potatoes are the Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner

Cheesy potatoes are the undisputed champion of comfort food dinners for several key reasons. They tap into a universal love for warm, satisfying, and flavorful meals that feel like a hug in a bowl. Their popularity at potlucks and family gatherings is a testament to their crowd-pleasing power.

Here’s why they are the perfect choice for your dinner table:

• Incredibly Versatile: They can be a hearty main course when combined with protein like ground beef or chicken, or they can serve as a decadent, unforgettable side dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of fluffy, creamy potatoes and rich, melted cheese is a flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s a guaranteed win for picky eaters.
• Budget-Friendly: Potatoes are one of the most affordable ingredients in the grocery store. You can create a substantial, filling meal for the whole family without breaking the bank.
• Simple Preparation: Especially with one-pan and casserole methods, the prep is often minimal. You can layer ingredients, pop it in the oven, and walk away, making them perfect for hectic weeknights.

11 Easy, Cheesy One-Pan Potato Recipes to Try This Week

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine. We’ve curated 11 of our absolute favorite, tested, and family-approved cheesy potato recipes perfect for 2025. Each recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss, focusing on one-pan, skillet, or casserole dishes that make cleanup a breeze. From classic bakes to hearty skillet meals, there’s a comforting dish here for everyone.

1. Classic Cheesy Potato Casserole (Funeral Potatoes)

This iconic dish, often called “Funeral Potatoes,” is the epitome of a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole. It’s a go-to for potlucks and family dinners because it’s incredibly easy to assemble using simple, convenient ingredients like frozen hash browns and condensed soup, and it delivers consistently delicious results.

• Ingredients: 30 oz frozen diced hash browns (thawed), 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, 16 oz sour cream, 1 cup chopped onion, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup melted butter (divided), salt and pepper to taste. Topping: 2 cups crushed cornflakes.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of the melted butter. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the potato mixture.
  5. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro-Tip: For an even richer flavor, substitute the cream of chicken with cream of mushroom or celery soup. Thawing the hash browns completely is key to avoiding a watery casserole.

Pin this classic comfort food recipe for your next family gathering!

2. One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet

This skillet dinner is the perfect hearty, all-in-one meal for a busy weeknight. It combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey Colby Jack cheese in a single cast-iron skillet, meaning you get a complete meat-and-potatoes dinner with minimal cleanup.

• Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 large yellow onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (cubed small), 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt and pepper, 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, chopped parsley for garnish.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large cast-iron skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the cubed potatoes, beef broth, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
  4. Uncover and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Cover again for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and gooey. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro-Tip: Don’t peel the Yukon Gold potatoes! Their thin skin adds great texture and saves prep time. For a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the paprika.

Save this 30-minute skillet dinner for your next busy weeknight!

3. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potato Bake

For a truly elegant and rich potato dish, this creamy garlic parmesan bake is an absolute showstopper. Thinly sliced Russet potatoes are layered and baked in a luxurious sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and two kinds of cheese, resulting in a dish that’s perfect as a fancy side or a decadent main course.

• Ingredients: 2 lbs Russet potatoes (peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1.5 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, fresh thyme leaves.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a 2-quart baking dish.
  2. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, broth, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Arrange half of the potato slices in an overlapping layer in the prepared dish. Pour half of the hot cream mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle with half of the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Repeat with the remaining potato slices, cream mixture, and cheese. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
  5. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to set.

Pro-Tip: Using a mandoline slicer is the secret to getting perfectly uniform potato slices, which ensures they cook evenly. Don’t rinse the potato slices—the starch helps thicken the sauce.

Looking for a fancy side dish? Pin this creamy potato bake now!

4. Loaded Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon

This recipe gives you all the beloved flavors of a loaded baked potato in an easy, shareable casserole form. Fluffy mashed potatoes are mixed with sour cream, bacon, and green onions, then topped with more cheese and bacon before a final bake. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience.

• Ingredients: 6 large Russet potatoes, 1 lb bacon (cooked and crumbled), 16 oz sour cream, 1 cup milk, 4 tbsp butter, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper, 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided), 1 bunch green onions (sliced).
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce potatoes with a fork and bake for 1 hour or until tender. Let cool slightly.
  2. Reduce oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut potatoes in half and scoop the flesh into a large bowl, leaving a thin shell.
  3. Add sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the crumbled bacon, half of the green onions, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese to the bowl with the potato flesh. Mash until combined but still slightly chunky.
  4. Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells or into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
  5. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and remaining bacon.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted. Garnish with remaining green onions before serving.

Pro-Tip: For extra creamy potatoes, make sure the milk and butter are at room temperature before mashing. You can bake the potatoes a day ahead to save time!

Your family will love this! Pin this loaded potato casserole recipe now.

5. Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Making classic scalloped potatoes from scratch is surprisingly simple with this foolproof recipe. You’ll create a quick homemade cheese sauce (no condensed soup here!) that smothers layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, which are then baked to golden, bubbly perfection.

• Ingredients: 4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick), 4 tbsp butter, 4 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2.5 cups milk (warmed), 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in onion powder, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Arrange half the potato slices in the prepared dish. Pour half the cheese sauce over them. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.
  6. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Bake, covered with foil, for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest before serving.

Pro-Tip: Warming the milk before adding it to the roux helps prevent lumps, creating an ultra-smooth cheese sauce. If the top starts to brown too quickly, just place the foil back on.

Click to save this foolproof scalloped potatoes recipe!

6. One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Potatoes

This recipe delivers a complete, balanced meal all in one pot. Tender chunks of chicken and baby potatoes are simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce enriched with cream cheese, Parmesan, and wilted spinach. It’s a wholesome and satisfying dinner that your family will ask for again and again.

• Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed), 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (halved), 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup chicken broth, 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 cups fresh spinach, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, then remove from the pot and set aside.
  3. Add the halved potatoes and garlic to the same pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Stir in the softened cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until a creamy sauce forms.
  6. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot along with the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: For a richer sauce, use a splash of heavy cream along with the chicken broth. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps and help it melt smoothly into the sauce.

A complete one-pot dinner! Pin it for later.

7. French Onion Potato Bake

This impressive bake captures all the rich, savory flavors of classic French Onion Soup in a potato casserole. Layers of tender potatoes are baked with deeply caramelized onions, beef broth, and a generous topping of nutty, melted Gruyere cheese for a truly gourmet experience.

• Ingredients: 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (sliced 1/4-inch thick), 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced), 3 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, salt and pepper, 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and sweet. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
  3. Stir the beef broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper into the caramelized onions. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Layer one-third of the potato slices in the baking dish. Top with one-third of the onion mixture and one-third of the Gruyere cheese. Repeat the layers twice more.
  5. Bake, covered with foil, for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Pro-Tip: The key to this dish is patience with the onions. Don’t rush the caramelization process; low and slow is the way to develop that deep, rich flavor.

Elevate your dinner game! Pin this French Onion Potato Bake recipe.

8. One-Pan Sausage and Potato Roast

For a dinner that is incredibly simple, flavorful, and colorful, look no further than this sheet pan roast. Italian sausage, baby potatoes, and vibrant bell peppers are all roasted together on one pan, creating a rustic and delicious meal with virtually no cleanup.

• Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot), 1.5 lbs baby red potatoes (halved), 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 green bell pepper (sliced), 1 red onion (cut into wedges), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, optional: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a large, rimmed baking sheet, toss the potatoes, bell peppers, and red onion with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer. Place the Italian sausage links among the vegetables.
  4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the sausage and stirring the vegetables halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and the sausage is cooked through.
  5. For a cheesy version, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over everything during the last 5 minutes of baking and return to the oven until melted.

Pro-Tip: Par-boiling the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before roasting them will guarantee a fluffy interior and an extra crispy exterior. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan for the best browning.

The easiest sheet pan dinner ever! Save this recipe now.

9. Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes

Hasselback potatoes are a visually stunning side dish that’s surprisingly easy to master. Sliced almost all the way through, the potato fans out during baking, creating dozens of crispy edges perfect for catching garlic butter and melted cheese.

• Ingredients: 4 large Russet potatoes, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, chopped chives for garnish.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Wash and dry the potatoes. Place a potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoon handles. Carefully slice the potato crosswise into 1/8-inch thick slices, stopping when the knife hits the chopsticks. Do not slice all the way through.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place potatoes on a baking sheet. Brush the garlic butter all over the potatoes, making sure to get it in between the slices.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush with more butter. Bake for another 20-30 minutes until the edges are crispy and the inside is tender.
  6. Sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the tops and in between the slices. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chives.

Pro-Tip: The chopstick trick is non-negotiable for perfect Hasselback potatoes! It prevents you from accidentally cutting all the way through, ensuring the potato holds its shape.

Impress your dinner guests! Pin this cheesy Hasselback recipe.

10. Cheesy Ranch Roasted Potatoes

This recipe offers a quick, zesty, and utterly addictive side dish with minimal effort. Cubed red potatoes are tossed with olive oil and a packet of dry ranch seasoning, roasted until crispy, and then topped with cheddar cheese for a final, melty finish.

• Ingredients: 2 lbs red potatoes (cut into 1-inch cubes), 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional: 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed red potatoes with olive oil and the entire packet of ranch seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
  4. Roast for 20 minutes, then flip the potatoes and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
  5. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese (and bacon bits, if using). The residual heat will melt the cheese. Serve warm.

Pro-Tip: For the crispiest potatoes, make sure they are completely dry before tossing with oil and seasoning. A hot pan is also key—you can even preheat the baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes.

The perfect zesty side dish! Pin this Ranch Potato recipe.

11. Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

This is the ultimate “set it and forget it” cheesy potato recipe, perfect for freeing up your oven. Simply combine cubed potatoes with a creamy, cheesy sauce in your slow cooker and let it do all the work. It’s an ideal make-ahead side dish for holidays, potlucks, or any busy day.

• Ingredients: 5 lbs Russet potatoes (peeled and cubed), 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup, 16 oz sour cream, 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix, 1 yellow onion (diced), 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided).
• Instructions:
  1. Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch mix, diced onion, and 2 cups of the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well.
  3. Pour the potato mixture into the prepared slow cooker and spread evenly.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
  6. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving, if desired.

Pro-Tip: For a chunkier texture, use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as they hold their shape better during the long cooking time. This is the perfect make-ahead dish for holidays or potlucks!

Let your slow cooker do the work! Pin this easy crockpot recipe.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to potato recipes dinner

• Embrace Convenience: One-pan, skillet, and crockpot recipes are your best friends for busy weeknights, minimizing cleanup.
• Choose the Right Potato: Use starchy Russets for fluffy baked dishes and casseroles, and waxy Yukon Golds or reds for bakes and skillet meals where you want the potato to hold its shape.
• Don’t Fear the Shortcut: Canned soups and frozen hash browns are excellent time-savers for classic casseroles, delivering consistent, creamy results.
• Master the Sauce: For from-scratch recipes, creating a simple roux (butter and flour) is the key to a smooth, lump-free, homemade cheese sauce.
• Add a Topping for Texture: A crunchy topping of cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or fried onions adds a satisfying textural contrast to creamy potato bakes.

People Also Ask About potato recipes dinner

What can I make with potatoes for a main dish dinner?

You can easily turn potatoes into a main dish by adding protein. One-pan skillet recipes with ground beef or sausage, chicken and potato bakes, and loaded baked potato casseroles with bacon are all fantastic, hearty options that serve as a complete, satisfying meal.

How can I make cheesy potatoes without condensed soup?

To make cheesy potatoes from scratch, create a simple béchamel or cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in an equal amount of flour to form a paste (roux), then slowly whisk in warm milk or cream until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in your favorite shredded cheese until smooth.

What is the best type of cheese for potato recipes?

A good melting cheese with strong flavor works best. Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for its taste and meltability. Other great options include Gruyere for a nutty flavor, Monterey or Colby Jack for extra creaminess, and Parmesan for a salty, savory kick. Using a blend often yields the best results.

Can I prepare a cheesy potato casserole in advance?

Yes, most cheesy potato casseroles are perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the entire dish (without the crunchy topping), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to bake, add the topping and increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes to account for the cold temperature.

Final Thoughts

With a few potatoes and a little bit of cheese, a delicious, comforting, and family-pleasing dinner is always within reach. These 11 one-pan ideas prove that you don’t need complicated steps or a long list of ingredients to create a meal that everyone at the table will love. Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners and hello to your new favorite cheesy potato creations.

Which one of these cheesy potato dinners are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below