One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

There’s a special kind of comfort that happens when cheese melts into crisp-edged potatoes and savory browned beef. This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is my cozy weeknight hero—simple ingredients, big flavor, and exactly one pan to wash. The potatoes turn golden and tender, the beef gets perfectly seasoned, and everything is tucked under a gooey blanket of cheddar. It’s the kind of skillet that brings everyone to the table fast.

I love serving this on busy nights when homework is humming and appetites are loud. The sizzle in the pan, the aroma of onions and garlic, and that final cheesy melt—pure kitchen happiness. Grab a spoon, and let’s make dinner that feels like a hug.

Why You’ll Love It

• One pan, minimal cleanup—everything cooks in the same skillet.
• Weeknight-fast—ready in about 30–35 minutes.
• Budget-friendly staples—potatoes, ground beef, onion, and cheese.
• Customizable—swap the meat, change the cheese, add veggies.
• Hearty and satisfying—a comfort-food classic the whole family loves.

Time Needed

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 20–25 minutes
• Total: 30–35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into ¾-inch cubes
• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken/vegetable)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1) Crisp the Potatoes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes in an even layer. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a little paprika. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and starting to soften. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm.

2) Brown the Beef

In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. If needed, drain excess fat.

3) Build Flavor with Veggies & Spices

Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, remaining salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the beef and veggies in spices.

4) Combine & Simmer

Return potatoes to the skillet. Pour in the broth and stir to combine. Cover and simmer 5 minutes, until potatoes are fully tender and the liquid reduces slightly into a savory glaze.

5) Melt the Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover 2–3 minutes until melted and bubbly. Finish with parsley or chives and a crack of pepper.

6) Serve

Scoop generous portions into warm bowls. Add hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream if you like. Dinner’s done—no sides required, unless you want a crisp salad.

Variations to Try

• Southwest Skillet: Add 1 tsp chili powder and ½ tsp cumin; fold in a handful of corn and black beans before the cheese.
• Bacon-Ranch Twist: Stir in 2 Tbsp ranch seasoning and crumble 3 slices of cooked bacon on top with the cheese.
• Mushroom & Swiss: Swap cheddar for Swiss and sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the onions.
• Loaded Baked Potato: Use diced baked potatoes, finish with cheddar, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

Tips from Chef Emma

• Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same pace and crisp instead of steam.
• Don’t overcrowd when browning beef—let it really sear for deeper flavor.
• Broth is your friend: It softens the potatoes and turns pan bits into a glossy sauce.
• Cheese choice matters: Sharp cheddar gives bold flavor; Jack melts extra creamy.
• Cast-iron wins: If you have one, use it for maximum browning and melty-cheese drama.

Nutrition Info per Serving

• Calories: 450
• Carbs: 30g
• Sugars: 5g
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 600mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes?
A: Yes—dice them the same size. They may cook a minute or two faster; keep an eye on tenderness.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add red pepper flakes or swap in pepper jack. A spoon of chipotle in adobo stirred into the beef is fantastic.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: It’s best fresh for potato crispness, but leftovers reheat well. Store covered in the fridge up to 3 days and warm gently on the stovetop.

Q: What meat substitutes work?
A: Ground turkey, chicken, plant-based crumbles, or cooked crumbled sausage all shine—just season to taste.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just confirm your broth and seasonings are GF.

Conclusion / Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is proof that simple can be spectacular. With crisp, buttery potatoes, savory spiced beef, and a blanket of melted cheese, it’s the kind of skillet that turns an ordinary night into something warm and memorable. Keep it in your weeknight rotation, make it your own with the variations, and enjoy the kind of dinner that disappears fast and leaves only one pan behind.

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