One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

If you’re craving comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and simple to make, One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is your answer. Picture crispy golden potatoes, savory ground meat, and a melty layer of cheese all cooked together in one pan. It’s like a big, cozy hug in a skillet, and the best part? Cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, this one will quickly become a weeknight favorite!

Why You’ll Love One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

This dish isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating cozy moments. Whether you’re cooking for your family after a long day, entertaining friends, or just indulging in some soul-warming flavors, this dish has you covered. Here’s why it’s a crowd-pleaser:

• Versatile: It’s the kind of recipe you can make for a busy weeknight or serve when you’ve got guests over. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but you can pair it with a side salad or bread for extra flavor.
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have at home. No need to splurge on fancy groceries—just the basics for a filling meal.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and one pan, you can get this meal on the table in no time. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
• Customizable: You can tweak the seasonings or swap the protein to suit your preferences. Love spicy food? Add some chili flakes. Prefer ground turkey instead of beef? Go for it! This dish works with whatever you’ve got.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Cheesy potatoes and seasoned meat? It’s a combo that never fails to impress, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

This one-pan wonder uses simple ingredients, but when they come together, it’s pure magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef

The star of the dish. Savory ground beef adds rich flavor and heartiness to the skillet, soaking up all the seasonings and bringing everything together.

Potatoes

Golden, crispy, and slightly soft on the inside, potatoes are the perfect base for this dish. Their natural starch helps create a deliciously hearty texture.

Shredded Cheese

The gooey, melty cheese topping is what makes this dish so comforting. Whether you go for cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend, it’s the finishing touch that ties everything together.

Onion

A bit of onion adds savory depth to the dish, balancing out the richness of the meat and cheese while contributing a lovely aroma as it cooks.

Garlic

Garlic brings a fragrant, savory punch that infuses the entire dish. It’s one of those little things that makes the recipe come alive.

Bell Pepper

A pop of color and sweetness, bell peppers add a little crunch and a lot of flavor. You can use any color you like, but I think red or green works best here.

Olive Oil

A drizzle of olive oil helps cook everything to perfection and adds a hint of richness to the dish.

Seasonings

A simple mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs gives the dish a cozy, well-rounded flavor. Feel free to adjust to your liking!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This one-pan wonder comes together quickly and easily.

Heat Your Skillet

Start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This ensures that the potatoes get that golden, crispy texture.

Cook the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and tender. It should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your potato chunks.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet with the potatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Brown the Meat

Push the vegetables and potatoes to the side of the skillet, then add the ground beef to the pan. Season with a bit more salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Combine Everything

Once the meat is fully cooked, mix everything together in the skillet. Make sure the potatoes, veggies, and beef are well combined, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover the skillet and let it cook for a few more minutes, just until the cheese melts and everything is nice and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve it up straight from the skillet—because, let’s face it, a one-pan dish is as much about ease as it is about flavor!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 540

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

This dish is hearty and filling enough on its own, but here are some ways you can make the meal even better:

• Green Salad: Pair it with a crisp salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy skillet.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for an extra touch of comfort and a way to soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Sour Cream or Salsa: A dollop of sour cream or some fresh salsa on the side gives a nice tang to balance out the richness of the cheese and meat.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or carrots add a pop of color and a healthy, crunchy element to the meal.

Presentation Tip: Serve this skillet straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style vibe. It’s not just about the meal—it’s about the experience!

Additional Tips

Want to make this dish even better? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Prep Ahead: You can peel and chop your potatoes and vegetables ahead of time, so everything is ready to go when you start cooking.
• Add Spice: If you like heat, throw in some chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Make It a Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for a few days, so feel free to make extra and enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day.
• Protein Swap: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles if you’re looking for a lighter version.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheese! A combo of cheddar and mozzarella adds a lovely flavor and texture, but you could also try something like pepper jack for a spicier twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A1: Yes! If you’re using frozen potatoes, just be sure to cook them long enough to get them crispy and heated through. You might need a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Q2: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the potatoes and veggies the night before to save time. Just keep them in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave for best results.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the skillet for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a fun twist.

Q6: Can I make this vegetarian?
A6: Yes! Swap the ground beef for vegetarian crumbles or use a hearty veggie mix like mushrooms, spinach, or lentils for a vegetarian version.

Q7: How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
A7: Don’t overcrowd the skillet and make sure the potatoes get plenty of space to cook. A little extra oil helps, too!

Q8: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A8: Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or any other veggie you love. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.

Q9: Can I make this in the oven instead of a skillet?
A9: You can! Just assemble the ingredients in an oven-safe pan and bake at 375°F until everything is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes! If you’re feeding a larger crowd, just double the ingredients. You might need to use a larger skillet or make it in batches.

Conclusion

There you have it—a One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is a guaranteed hit. With crispy potatoes, savory meat, and plenty of cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it’s simple to make and clean up—what’s not to love? So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to dig into something truly satisfying!

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