One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

When life calls for a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup, this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet steps in as a weeknight hero. Packed with juicy ground beef, crispy golden potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese, this comforting dish delivers everything you love about a classic casserole but in a skillet, and in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, looking to meal prep, or just craving something cheesy and delicious, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Meal

• One pan = fewer dishes
• Simple, budget-friendly ingredients
• Ready in about 40 minutes
• Customizable with any ground meat or cheese
• Hearty enough to be the main event

It’s a cheesy, meaty, potato-packed skillet that tastes like home and satisfies every comfort food craving.

FOR MORE RECIPES:

• Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
• Shrimp Caesar Salad
• Cheesy French Onion Meatballs
• Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef
• Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
• Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at what makes this skillet so flavorful and flexible:

Meat & Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef – Use lean ground beef for less grease, or swap with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork depending on your preference.
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – Yukon gold or Russet potatoes work best for a soft yet slightly crispy texture.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – Brings sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 bell pepper, chopped – Adds color and a mild, sweet crunch.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Aromatic and savory, essential for depth.

Seasonings

• 1 tsp paprika – Adds warmth and color.
• ½ tsp onion powder + ½ tsp garlic powder – Amplifies the flavor of the sautéed aromatics.
• ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper – Balanced seasoning base.

Liquid

• 1 cup beef broth – Helps tenderize the potatoes and build a flavorful sauce. Chicken broth also works in a pinch.

Cheese & Garnish

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp or mild cheddar both melt beautifully. Feel free to use a Mexican blend or mozzarella.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and meat.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – For a bright, herby finish.

How to Make One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, prep everything: peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. This ensures a smooth cooking process from start to finish.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Tip: If using lean ground turkey or chicken, you may want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil for richness.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Spices

Add the diced potatoes, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Pro Tip: To speed up the cooking process, dice the potatoes small and uniform—about ½-inch cubes.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Pour in 1 cup of beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and release any flavorful bits. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the skillet cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Check occasionally to stir and ensure the liquid isn’t evaporating too quickly. Add a splash more broth or water if needed.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Once the potatoes are tender, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover again and let it sit for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.

For crispy cheese, you can also pop the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes (if your pan is oven-safe).

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve hot straight from the pan.

Tips for Success

• Use a large, deep skillet or sauté pan – A nonstick or cast-iron skillet with a lid is ideal.
• Don’t rush the potatoes – Cooking them slowly in broth ensures they soak up flavor and soften perfectly.
• Cheese choice matters – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack work well too.
• For extra crispiness – After simmering, uncover and let the skillet cook for 5 more minutes to let the potatoes crisp up before adding the cheese.

Variations and Add-Ins

This skillet is endlessly adaptable. Try these creative spins:

• Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning, a can of black beans, and top with salsa and sour cream.
• Breakfast Skillet: Swap the ground meat for breakfast sausage and crack in a few eggs before adding the cheese.
• Cheesy Chicken Version: Use diced cooked chicken instead of ground beef.
• Loaded Skillet: Stir in cooked bacon, green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream just before serving.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

• Meal Prep Friendly: Let the skillet cool completely, then divide into containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• To Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftovers, but the potatoes may lose texture. If freezing, undercook the potatoes slightly.

What to Serve With It

This one-pan meal is filling enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Roasted green beans or broccoli
• A dollop of sour cream or drizzle of hot sauce on top

Why This Dish Works

The magic of this recipe lies in its balance: tender meat, soft potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and melty cheese all come together in one skillet, tied together with just the right amount of seasoning and broth.

It’s perfect for busy families, picky eaters, or anyone who wants a low-effort meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or satisfaction.

FAQs

Can I make this with sweet potatoes?

Yes! Sweet potatoes work well and add a touch of natural sweetness. Dice them small and cook as directed.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely. Just thaw them first and add them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

What’s the best skillet to use?

A deep 12-inch nonstick or cast-iron skillet with a lid works best to contain all the ingredients and cook evenly.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes—just make sure your broth and seasoning blends are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need a very large skillet or Dutch oven, or cook in two batches.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a crowd on a budget, or just want something cozy and cheesy with minimal fuss, this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet delivers every time. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little time on the stove, you’ll have a complete dinner that’s family-friendly, customizable, and totally crave-worthy.

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