Name: One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 cups russet potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup beef broth or water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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The One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone running to the dinner table. Imagine golden, crispy potatoes mingling with savory ground beef, all smothered in gooey melted cheddar cheese — this dish is hearty, satisfying, and comes together with minimal fuss. Everything happens in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and letting those flavors meld beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this skillet dinner is destined to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of key ingredients that each play an important role. Each item brings its own unique flavor, texture, or pop of color to the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet, so don’t skip anything if you can help it!

Ground beef: Brings hearty, flavorful protein and pairs perfectly with the potatoes and cheese.
Russet potatoes: Dice them small for a tender interior and crispy edges that soak up all the savory goodness.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the skillet.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the whole dish a wonderful aroma and punchy flavor.
Paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness and beautiful color to the potatoes and meat.
Dried thyme: Just a touch brings an earthy, herby note that brightens up the skillet.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together — season to taste.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and rounds out the seasoning.
Beef broth or water: Keeps everything moist and helps cook the potatoes through.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy, cheesy perfection for that irresistible topping.
Olive oil: Gets the potatoes sizzling and helps everything cook evenly.
Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens up the finished dish.

How to Make One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, sturdy skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your diced potatoes and let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Give them a stir every so often to make sure they’re getting golden brown and beginning to soften on all sides — this is where you’ll build that crave-worthy, crispy potato base for your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add in your ground beef and chopped onion. Let the beef brown and the onions soften, breaking up the meat as it cooks. This should take about 5 to 6 minutes. If your skillet is looking a little greasy, go ahead and drain off any excess fat at this point.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Now toss in the minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so those potatoes and beef get coated in that delicious, savory blend. This is the moment when the kitchen starts smelling absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the beef broth or water and give the skillet a good stir. Pop a lid on and let the whole thing cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle steam will finish tenderizing the potatoes and help all those flavors meld into a cozy, cohesive skillet meal.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Uncover your skillet and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan again for just 1 to 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and totally irresistible. If you like, finish with a shower of chopped parsley or green onions for a bit of freshness and color.

How to Serve One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, a handful of chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle bite. If you want to get a little fancy, try a sprinkle of smoked paprika or even a dash of hot sauce for those who like things spicy. The bright garnish not only looks beautiful but also balances the richness of the cheesy potatoes and beef.

Side Dishes

While the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans make a perfect fresh side. If you’re feeding a big crowd, a basket of warm dinner rolls or crusty bread is great for soaking up every last bit of cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal — it’s part of the charm! You can also scoop portions into individual bowls and top with a fried egg for a brunch-worthy twist. For a party, spoon the mixture into baked potato skins or hollowed bell peppers for a fun, hand-held appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet keep beautifully. Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch a real treat!

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions for later, simply spoon cooled servings into freezer-safe containers. The potatoes and cheese hold up well, though the texture may soften slightly after thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or return everything to a skillet over low heat until warmed through. If things seem a bit dry, add a splash of broth or water and cover the pan to bring back some steam and softness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey or sausage work wonders in this recipe. Just swap them in for the beef and follow the same cooking steps — it’s a great way to mix things up and use what you have on hand.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are the classic choice because they get nice and fluffy inside, but Yukon Golds or red potatoes also work well. Just make sure to dice them into small cubes so they cook evenly and quickly.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, frozen peas, or even chopped spinach can be tossed in for extra color and nutrition. Add quick-cooking veggies near the end of simmering so they stay vibrant and don’t get mushy.

Is this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free beef broth or water, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredient labels to be sure!

How can I make this ahead for busy nights?

You can prep the potatoes and chop your veggies in advance, or even cook the entire skillet ahead of time and simply reheat when ready to serve. It’s a lifesaver for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, filling, and packed with flavor, give the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet a try. It’s the ultimate easy, crowd-pleasing dinner — and I promise, it’ll earn a regular spot on your table. Happy cooking!

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a comforting and easy-to-make American classic that combines seasoned ground beef, crispy golden potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese all cooked together in one skillet. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or breakfast, this dish is flavorful, filling, and family-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Vegetables

1 pound ground beef
3 cups russet potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasonings

1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids & Oils

1/4 cup beef broth or water
2 tablespoons olive oil

Dairy & Garnish

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and beginning to soften.
Brown the Beef and Onion: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet, then add the ground beef and chopped onion to the empty side. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the beef and potatoes. Mix everything thoroughly, then pour in the beef broth. Cover the skillet and cook for another 5–7 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Melt the Cheese: Uncover the skillet and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot for a delicious one-pan meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef to vary the flavor and reduce fat.
Add diced bell peppers or frozen peas during cooking for extra vegetables and nutrition.
This dish reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.
Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast option by adding a fried egg on top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American