If you are craving comfort food that checks all the boxes for hearty, cheesy, and downright satisfying, the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This dish brings together tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and ooey-gooey melted cheddar all cooked effortlessly in one pan. It’s a soul-warming, family-friendly meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare but actually comes together in under 40 minutes. Every bite delivers rich flavors with a perfect balance of savory meat and creamy cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food fix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the golden potatoes to the fragrant spices, these ingredients transform a humble skillet meal into a hearty feast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that brings savory depth and satisfying heartiness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite once cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 3 medium russet potatoes, diced small: The hearty, creamy texture that absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and vibrant color to the skillet.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a hint of herbal brightness to balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of all ingredients harmoniously.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy kick to keep things interesting.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps the potatoes tender and infuses meaty flavor as it simmers away.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, gooey finishing touch every bite dreams of.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a mild herby note.
How to Make One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it turns a rich golden brown, breaking it up gently with your spoon as it cooks. This step is essential for developing the deep, savory flavor base that makes this skillet so hearty. Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the dish from feeling too heavy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss the diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté them together for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent. This step layers in sweetness and aromatic complexity, allowing the garlic’s pungency to mellow into a lovely background note.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Spices
Stir in the diced russet potatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soak up some of those rich seasonings and flavors. The paprika adds a beautiful smoky tint, which pairs perfectly with the earthiness of the potatoes.
Step 4: Simmer with Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This slow simmer ensures the potatoes become soft and fully infused with that rich beefy broth flavor.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the pan again and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts into a luscious, gooey blanket. This step is the ultimate indulgence that turns this dish from delicious to unforgettable.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling the chopped fresh parsley over the melted cheese for a pop of color and a fresh herbal hint. Serve the skillet hot and watch everyone’s faces light up with the first cheesy, savory bites.
How to Serve One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds not only vibrant color but also a subtle brightness that balances the richness of this skillet. For extra flair, you could also add thinly sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream when serving for an added pop of creaminess and tang.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe is wonderfully satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to cut through the richness and add freshness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil complements the hearty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at a family dinner or casual gathering, serve this skillet with warm crusty bread or stuffed into soft pita pockets for a handheld meal. You could also top it with a fried egg for a delicious brunch option that adds extra protein and creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover skillet to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually marry well overnight, making the next day’s meal just as tasty if not better.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the skillet cool completely before tightly sealing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water when reheating can help keep the potatoes tender and prevent the skillet from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe for a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor. Just adjust seasonings to your preference since turkey tends to be milder.
Are there any good cheese substitutes?
Absolutely—Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella can be used if you want a different cheese flavor or a bit more meltiness. Each cheese brings its own unique twist to the dish.
How small should I dice the potatoes?
About half-inch dice works best to ensure they cook evenly within the simmer time and absorb all the seasonings properly. Too large and they’ll take longer; too small and they can become mushy.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free making this recipe safe for gluten sensitivities, just be sure your beef broth is gluten-free as well.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
For sure! Adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach towards the end of cooking can add color, nutrition, and exciting flavors to the skillet.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients come together to create a comforting, delicious, and satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something made with love but without hassle. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite skillet dinner!
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One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a hearty and comforting American main course perfect for quick family dinners. Ground beef is browned with onions and garlic, then simmered with diced potatoes and seasoned with smoked paprika and oregano. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, it offers a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines savory meat with tender potatoes in one skillet.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 3 medium russet potatoes, diced small
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Toppings
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until they become softened and fragrant, which adds depth to the dish.
- Add Potatoes and Season: Stir in the diced potatoes along with smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring to coat the potatoes evenly in the spices and allowing them to start to soften.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Melting the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover again and let it cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey, binding all the flavors together.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skillet for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot straight from the pan for a comforting one-dish meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell pepper along with the onions and garlic.
- Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different cheese profile.
- This recipe is flexible—try using ground turkey or sausage instead of ground beef for variations.
- To keep it gluten-free, ensure your beef broth is gluten-free certified.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
