One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This one-pan cheesy meat and potato skillet is a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender potatoes, savory ground meat, and melted cheddar cheese into a satisfying dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or pork)
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite variety)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and starting to soften, about 8–10 minutes. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the ground meat and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the onion is softened, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth, then cover the skillet and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover again and cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot straight from the skillet.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, swap ground beef for turkey or chicken and use low-fat cheese.
• Try adding your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Use smoked paprika instead of regular to add a subtle smoky note.
• If preferred, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different taste and texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To maintain crispiness, avoid reheating in the microwave for too long.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and check your seasonings to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the potatoes and meat mixture in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine everything in the skillet, add broth and cheese, then finish cooking as instructed.

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 147 reviews

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a hearty, comforting dish combining browned ground meat, tender golden potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese all cooked in a single skillet. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it blends savory spices and vegetables for a deliciously satisfying dinner that’s simple to make and full of flavor.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or pork)
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Liquids & Others

• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite variety)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Golden potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are lightly browned and beginning to soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Savory meat: In the same skillet, add the ground meat and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat, breaking the meat apart, until fully browned and the onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Flavor base: Add the chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture. Cook for a few more minutes until the vegetables soften and the mixture becomes fragrant.
4. Bring it together: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth, then cover and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and have absorbed the flavors.
5. Cheese moment: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt completely into a bubbly, golden layer, about 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Serve hot: Garnish the skillet with fresh parsley and serve directly from the pan while hot for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork based on preference.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
• If you prefer softer potatoes, cut them smaller or increase simmering time slightly.
• Use different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste profile.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet.

Keywords: One-pan skillet, cheesy potatoes, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, simple skillet meal