Craving comfort food that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Cheesy Meat Potato Skillet is a one-pan wonder that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple. Imagine tender potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, all smothered in a blanket of melted, bubbly cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and requires minimal cleanup – what’s not to love? This recipe is perfect for busy families, cozy nights in, or when you just need a serious dose of deliciousness. Get ready to ditch the dishes and dive into a skillet full of happiness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet, minimizing dishes.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the meat and cheese to your preferences.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: Warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Potatoes & Seasoning: Add diced potatoes, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Cook Potatoes: Cover the skillet and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Potato Choice: Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well and have a creamy texture, making them ideal for this skillet. Russet potatoes can also be used, but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. Omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
- Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends! Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would be delicious.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If your skillet is too small, cook the beef and potatoes in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Crispy Potatoes: For extra crispy potatoes, don’t cover the skillet during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
Storage
Leftovers: Store leftover Cheesy Meat Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth to prevent it from drying out.
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Cheesy Meat Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Meat Potato Skillet is a hearty, one-pan comfort food made with layers of potatoes, ground beef, tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheese for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 medium yellow potatoes, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
3. Remove skillet from heat and arrange sliced potatoes over the meat mixture in overlapping layers.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
5. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
6. For a golden top, place skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef.
Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best for even cooking.
For extra flavor, add a layer of sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms between the meat and potatoes.
Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg