Description
A cozy, creamy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing family dinners. This skillet combines tender ground beef, sweet corn, and melty cheese in a rich, savory sauce that tastes like pure comfort. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a dish that feels like home—hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
-
1 pound ground beef (lean preferred)
-
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
-
1 medium onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 red bell pepper, diced
-
1 ½ cups frozen or canned corn, drained if canned
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
-
1 ½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half
-
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
-
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
-
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
-
Optional: ½ cup cooked rice or small pasta to make it more filling
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no pink remains, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
-
Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Stir in corn, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme or Italian seasoning. Let the mixture cook for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
-
Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the cream cheese if using, stirring until melted and smooth.
-
Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
-
If adding cooked rice or pasta, stir it in now and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to absorb some of the sauce.
-
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and top with extra cheese if desired. Serve warm straight from the skillet.
Notes
-
Use 85% lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
-
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
-
For extra flavor, add a splash of low-sodium soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (non-alcoholic).
-
Frozen or fresh corn both work great—no need to thaw frozen corn before adding.
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.
-
To make it a baked version, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes