One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

One-pan cheesy meat and potato skillet is a recipe that came together on a weeknight when I was too tired to cook something complicated yet wanted real comfort food. I had a few potatoes, some ground beef in the fridge, and leftover shredded cheese and I tossed them all into one pan hoping for something tasty and filling and wow it was exactly what I needed.

Since then it’s become a regular part of our dinner rotation because it’s just so satisfying and simple. Every bite has hearty seasoned beef tender potatoes and gooey melted cheese and cleanup is a breeze which is always a bonus on busy nights.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground beef – Adds hearty flavor and protein to the dish.
• Baby potatoes – Tender and satisfying base that soaks up all the flavor.
• Onion – Builds a flavorful base and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic – Boosts the savory depth of the skillet.
• Shredded cheese – Melts over the top to create a gooey cheesy finish.
• Green onions – Sprinkled on top for a fresh sharp bite.
• Olive oil – Helps brown the beef and crisp the potatoes.
• Salt and pepper – Enhances every layer of flavor.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Large skillet – Ideal for cooking everything together in one pan.
• Cutting board and knife – For prepping potatoes onions and garlic.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – Helps stir and break up the meat as it browns.
• Cheese grater – If you’re using block cheese for extra melty goodness.
• Lid (optional) – Helps steam the potatoes if needed to cook them through faster.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

I start by scrubbing and chopping the baby potatoes into bite-sized chunks. No need to peel them unless you want to. I just like to keep it rustic.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In my skillet I heat a drizzle of olive oil and add the chopped onion cooking until soft and golden. Then I stir in the garlic just for a minute to release its fragrance.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Next I add the ground beef to the pan and break it up with my spoon. I cook it until it’s browned all over and no pink remains then I season it with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes

I stir the chopped potatoes into the beef mixture and cover the skillet with a lid to let everything cook together. I let it simmer over medium-low heat stirring occasionally until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Once the potatoes are soft I sprinkle shredded cheese all over the top and let it melt. I usually cover the skillet again for a minute or two to speed things up.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

I remove the pan from heat and top everything with chopped green onions. Then I serve it up right out of the skillet while it’s hot and melty.

Tips

If you want to speed up cooking I sometimes microwave the potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet. For added flavor try using taco seasoning or smoked paprika in the beef or swap ground beef for turkey or sausage. Leftovers are amazing too just reheat in the skillet for a quick second-day meal.

Ways to Serve

This skillet dish is perfect on its own but you can also pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a more balanced plate. Sometimes I spoon it over steamed rice or scoop it into a warm tortilla for a loaded cheesy wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet ahead of time?

Yes you can prep everything ahead and reheat when ready. Just keep the cheese off until reheating so it melts fresh.

What kind of cheese is best for One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet?

I like using cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack but mozzarella or pepper jack work great too.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Absolutely they’ll add a slightly sweet note and still pair wonderfully with the beef and cheese.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this one-pan cheesy meat and potato skillet a try! It’s quick cozy and hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal. Let me know how yours turns out or what fun twists you try!

Happy Cooking!

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