One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

When you’re craving a comforting, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor but doesn’t require a ton of effort or cleanup, this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is the answer. Picture tender, crispy potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese all cooked in a single skillet. It’s hearty, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent—perfect for a busy weeknight or any time you want a meal that’s both simple and packed with flavor. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll be hooked. And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze because everything’s cooked in just one pan.

Why You’ll Love One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Simple & Flavorful

This skillet is all about rich, satisfying flavors without all the hassle. The combination of seasoned meat, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese is a match made in heaven, and you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make it amazing.

Quick & Easy

With minimal prep and just one pan to clean, this recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and filling. It’s practically foolproof, so anyone can make it—even if you’re new to cooking.

Hearty & Filling

The potatoes add that comforting element we all crave, while the ground beef gives it the right amount of protein and flavor. The cheese brings it all together, creating a satisfying meal that will fill you up without feeling too heavy.

Versatile

This recipe is easily customizable. You can switch up the type of cheese, add extra veggies, or even use a different kind of meat (think ground turkey or chicken). It’s flexible to suit your tastes and what you have on hand.

Ingredients

For the Skillet:

• Ground Beef: The savory base of this dish. It’s hearty and full of flavor, and when browned in the skillet, it brings a rich depth to the dish.
• Potatoes: Use baby potatoes or russets for a nice balance of texture. They’ll crisp up perfectly in the skillet while soaking in all those delicious flavors.
• Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese) is essential for that gooey, melty finish.
• Onion: A little chopped onion adds flavor and a touch of sweetness to balance the savory meat and potatoes.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings the perfect aromatic punch to the dish.

For Seasoning:

• Salt and Pepper: The classic duo to bring all the flavors together.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that complements the cheese and meat.
• Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning: A little sprinkle for an herby kick that ties it all together.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients:

1. Slice the potatoes: Cut your potatoes into thin, even slices. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy in the skillet.
2. Chop the onion and garlic: Dice the onion and mince the garlic, setting them aside to add later.

Cook the Potatoes:

1. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
2. Cook the potatoes: Add the sliced potatoes to the skillet in a single layer. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

Brown the Ground Beef:

1. Cook the beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
2. Add onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine Everything:

1. Add the potatoes: Once the beef is cooked, add the crispy potatoes back into the skillet and toss everything together. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika for extra flavor.
2. Add the cheese: Top the beef and potato mixture with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

1. Garnish and enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and everything is sizzling, take the skillet off the heat and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500
Fat per serving: 32g
Carbs per serving: 40g
Protein per serving: 25g
Sugar per serving: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

With a Side Salad:

Serve with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A simple vinaigrette would complement the flavors perfectly.

With Roasted Vegetables:

If you want to add some extra nutrients, roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers make a great side.

As a Hearty Meal:

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, so you don’t need a side if you want to keep it simple. It’s filling and satisfying all on its own!

Additional Tips

Swap the Meat:

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage in place of ground beef to change things up. Just make sure to season it well to keep the flavor strong.

Add Extra Veggies:

Throw in some diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and color. It’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies.

Make It Spicy:

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño to the skillet.

Leftovers:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the skillet back on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen potatoes, but make sure to thaw them before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.

Q2: Can I make this dish in advance?
A2: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture, especially the crispy potatoes.

Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A3: Absolutely! Cheddar is the classic choice, but you could also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little extra spice.

Q4: How do I make this dish vegetarian?
A4: You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or simply use more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and peppers.

Q5: Can I make this in a cast-iron skillet?
A5: Yes! A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for this dish. It’ll help get your potatoes crispy and brown evenly.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: While the potatoes might not stay as crispy when frozen, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stove.

Q7: How do I make this dish spicier?
A7: Add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or use spicy sausage in place of the ground beef for an extra kick!

Q8: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A8: Yes, sweet potatoes will add a lovely sweetness and work great in this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as sweet potatoes might take a bit longer to cook.

Q9: What can I serve with this dish?
A9: A side of roasted veggies, a simple salad, or even garlic bread would make a perfect pairing for this skillet.

Q10: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A10: This dish is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the ingredients (like your cheese) to make sure they’re gluten-free if needed.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is everything you need in a meal—comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. With crispy potatoes, savory meat, and melty cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or need a simple, satisfying dish to share with friends and family, this skillet delivers. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and keep things simple with just one pan!

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