If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together with ease, you’re absolutely going to love this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, perfectly balancing tender potatoes, savory ground meat, and ooey-gooey melted cheese, all cooked in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this recipe is a deliciously satisfying way to brighten up your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is the heart of this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe, and each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering flavor, texture, and color that will make your taste buds sing. From the earthy potatoes to the sharp cheddar, every component comes together beautifully in one skillet.
- 1 lb Ground Beef: The flavorful base that adds rich, savory depth; you can swap with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for variation.
- 3 medium Potatoes (peeled and diced): Adds a hearty, tender bite that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- 1 medium Onion (chopped): Brings natural sweetness and aroma that enhances the meat’s flavor.
- 1 bell pepper (chopped): Adds vibrant color and a subtle crunch to brighten the dish.
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced): Infuses a punch of warmth and depth that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 tsp Paprika: Adds smokiness and a mild kick to awaken the palate.
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Boosts savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor with a gentle intensity.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Brings all the ingredients together with balanced seasoning.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- 1 cup Beef Broth (or chicken broth): Gives moisture and richness while helping everything cook perfectly.
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Melts into a gooey, golden topping that’s pure comfort.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking): The essential fat that ensures even browning and non-stick cooking.
- Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh, herby brightness that makes the dish visually stunning.
How to Make One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by heating olive oil in your skillet over medium heat, then toss in the diced potatoes. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so they get a nice golden-brown color and begin softening. This stage is key because you want those potatoes tender but still holding their shape. Once they’re ready, remove them from the skillet and set aside—you’ll bring them back in later to soak up all that savory goodness.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat
In the same skillet, add your ground beef and cook over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spatula as it browns, cooking until no pink remains, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish from getting greasy but don’t forget to keep all those flavorful browned bits stuck to your pan—they’re pure magic for the next steps.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Now it’s time to make the dish even more vibrant. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the ground meat, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes while the vegetables soften and the spices toast slightly, building a wonderful aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Step 4: Combine Potatoes and Simmer
Return the golden potatoes to the skillet and pour in the beef broth. Stir gently to mix all the flavors. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for around 5 minutes. This step lets the potatoes finish cooking while the broth reduces just enough to create a rich coating for every bite.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Finally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet, cover, and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes. When it becomes bubbly and beautifully golden, you’re ready to serve a dish that looks as amazing as it tastes.
How to Serve One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch for your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe. The bright green color contrasts wonderfully with the golden cheese, and the herbaceous flavor adds a fresh lift that keeps the dish feeling light and balanced.
Side Dishes
This skillet is quite the all-in-one meal, but if you want to round it out, consider a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. A tangy coleslaw or some crusty bread also pairs beautifully, helping soak up any extra cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, divide the skillet into individual ramekins for a personalized presentation at the dinner table. Or double the recipe and bake it in a casserole dish, topping it with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy crust. Either way, your guests will be impressed both by the flavor and the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to keep everything fresh and tasty.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, which means you can enjoy this comforting meal any time you want. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warm throughout. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry, and if you want, sprinkle a bit more cheese on top and cover to let it melt again for that fresh-off-the-stove feel.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully and gives you a leaner alternative with just as much flavor when well seasoned.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is classic for its sharp, creamy melt, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you love the rustic feel and extra nutrients, leaving the skins on works just fine—just be sure to wash them thoroughly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing heartiness.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mildly spiced from paprika and black pepper, making it approachable for most palates, but you can easily add chili flakes or cayenne if you desire more heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a meal that’s simple to make, delicious to eat, and easy to clean up after. The One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe hits all those marks and more, making it a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful, comforting dinners. I can’t wait for you to give it a go and discover just how quickly it might become your new weeknight favorite!
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One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and hearty one-pan cheesy meat and potato skillet recipe that combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and flavorful vegetables, all cooked together with melty cheddar cheese for a comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 3 medium Potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 cup Beef Broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking)
- Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes until they start to soften and lightly brown.
- Remove Potatoes: Once the potatoes are partially cooked and browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside to rest temporarily.
- Cook the Ground Meat: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic with the meat. Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the spices are fragrant.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and pour in the beef broth. Mix well, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has slightly reduced.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot straight from the skillet for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork to suit your preference.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more or less salt and spices as desired.
- For a lower fat version, drain excess grease thoroughly after cooking the meat.
- To make it gluten free, ensure the broth used does not contain gluten-containing ingredients.
- Fresh herbs like parsley enhance the flavor and presentation but are optional.
