Cooking a meal in a single skillet has a magical way of making weeknight dinners feel indulgent and effortless all at once. This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is exactly that kind of recipe: a fantastic blend of ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar, all cooked together for a satisfying meal any night of the week. With just 10 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of cooking, and a quick 5-minute rest, you’ll have a hearty dish on the table in under an hour. Whether you’re a beginner home cook or a seasoned kitchen pro, this easy dinner comes together smoothly, offering comforting flavors and minimal cleanup—perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings.
Every forkful delivers layers of rich, savory ground beef balanced by earthy russet potatoes and a whisper of smoked paprika for depth. The golden, bubbly cheese blanket on top turns simple ingredients into pure comfort food, inviting you to dig right in. I love how the green onions add a fresh pop of color and subtle zing, and a dollop of sour cream brings a cool, creamy finish. From the very first bite, this one-pan dinner wraps you in cozy, familiar flavors, making it an instant family favorite—and trust me, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation, too.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ONE-PAN CHEESY MEAT & POTATO SKILLET
Before we dive into cooking, let’s get acquainted with the stars of this cheesy skillet spectacle. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, coming together in perfect harmony for a fuss-free, satisfying meal.
- Ground beef
The backbone of our skillet, ground beef brings rich, meaty depth and a hearty texture. As it browns, it releases flavorful drippings that infuse the entire dish.
- Olive oil
A splash of olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds a hint of fruitiness. It ensures the beef browns evenly and gives a glossy finish to the potatoes.
- Onion
Diced onion offers natural sweetness and forgiving bite. It softens and melds with the beef, building a sweet-savory foundation.
- Garlic
Minced garlic adds aromatic zest and a subtle kick. When sautéed with onions, it unlocks that crave-worthy, savory aroma.
- Russet potatoes
Thinly sliced russet potatoes become tender and slightly crisp at the edges. Their fluffy interiors soak up all the savory juices.
- Salt
A fundamental seasoning that brings out the best in every component, ensuring balanced sweetness and savory notes.
- Black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper gives a sharp, warming edge that complements the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Smoked paprika
This spice adds a gentle smokiness and vibrant color, elevating the skillet from simple to spectacular.
- Beef broth
A savory liquid that steams the potatoes to tender perfection while infusing every bite with extra meaty flavor.
- Cheddar cheese
Shredded cheddar melts into an irresistibly gooey blanket, providing that classic pop of sharp, tangy creaminess.
- Green onions
Sliced green onions add a bright, peppery crunch and fresh color, creating a beautiful garnish and flavor counterpoint.
- Sour cream (optional)
A cool, tangy topping that contrasts the warm, cheesy skillet and adds a luscious finish.
HOW TO MAKE ONE-PAN CHEESY MEAT & POTATO SKILLET
Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this mouthwatering, cheesy skillet masterpiece. Each step builds on the last, layering flavors and textures until you’re greeted with that perfect, bubbly cheese pull.
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes, until beautifully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step unlocks the sweet, aromatic base that ties everything together.
3. Stir in the sliced potatoes, then season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Use a spoon to gently combine everything, ensuring each potato slice is kissed with savory seasoning.
4. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The steam will soften the potatoes without making them mushy.
5. Remove the cover and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the skillet. Allow the cheese to melt naturally, about 3–5 minutes, until it’s gloriously gooey and bubbling around the edges.
6. Once the cheese has fully melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot, offering sour cream on the side for an extra creamy touch.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ONE-PAN CHEESY MEAT & POTATO SKILLET
After all that bubbling cheese and savory goodness, serving this skillet dish becomes a joyful moment of gathering around the table. Whether you’re dishing it up on individual plates or passing the skillet family-style, presentation and pairing can elevate this comforting classic into a true dining experience. From simple garnishes to complementary sides, here are some inspired ideas to make every mouthful even more memorable.
- Serve with a crisp green salad
A light salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness, adding bright acidity and refreshing crunch.
- Offer garlic bread on the side
Toasted slices of garlic bread are perfect for mopping up every last bit of cheesy sauce and beefy juices.
- Add a spicy kick
Sprinkle on red chili flakes or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce for an extra layer of heat and complexity.
- Top with a cool dollop of sour cream
A spoonful of sour cream delivers tangy creaminess that beautifully contrasts the hot, gooey skillet while soothing spicier bites.
HOW TO STORE ONE-PAN CHEESY MEAT & POTATO SKILLET
Whether you’re planning ahead for quick lunches or simply want to save leftovers for another comforting meal, this skillet dish stores beautifully. Properly stashing your cheesy meat and potatoes can maintain that fresh-from-the-skillet taste, ensuring each reheated portion feels just as satisfying as Day One. Here’s how to keep your leftovers delicious and ready whenever hunger strikes.
- Refrigerator storage
Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The sealed environment prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors locked in.
- Freezer storage
For longer-term meals, portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating tips
Warm individual portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to revive moisture. Alternatively, microwave with a damp paper towel covering for 1–2 minutes.
- Labeling and portioning
Divide the skillet into meal-sized portions before storing. Clearly label each container with the date and contents for hassle-free meal planning.
CONCLUSION
Recapping this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet, we’ve covered everything from the hearty blend of ground beef, russet potatoes, and melting cheddar to the simple, step-by-step instructions that make it a breeze to prepare. With only a handful of pantry staples—olive oil, onions, garlic, spices, and beef broth—you’ll layer flavors in one skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. This beginner-friendly dinner can double as a lunch, feed a crowd, or provide comforting leftovers that reheat beautifully. Total time on the clock is just about 45 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave something both easy and utterly delicious.
Feel free to print this article or save it for your recipe collection—having it on hand means you can whip up this cheesy skillet anytime you need a trusty, flavorful meal. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section to answer common questions, from ingredient swaps to reheating tips. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment, share your favorite tweaks, or ask for help if you hit a snag along the way. Cooking is all about experimentation and sharing, so let’s keep the conversation going—your feedback and stories inspire me to keep creating and sharing recipes that bring people together around the table.
One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet
Description
A fantastic blend of ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup and a satisfying meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
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Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
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Add the sliced potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine everything evenly.
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Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Remove the cover and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Allow it to melt, about 3-5 minutes.
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Once the cheese is melted, remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot, accompanied by sour cream if desired.
Note
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.
- This dish can be easily doubled if you're cooking for a crowd or need leftovers.
