Name: One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork); 3 medium Potatoes (peeled and diced); 1 medium Onion (chopped); 1 bell pepper (chopped); 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 tsp Paprika; 1/2 tsp Onion Powder; 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Black Pepper; 1 cup Beef Broth (or chicken broth); 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, or your favorite cheese); 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking); Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)

If you’re searching for a meal that checks off all the boxes — fast, family-friendly, extra comforting, and made with ingredients you probably have on hand — this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is going to be your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender potatoes mingling with savory ground meat, a rainbow of veggies, and plenty of gooey melted cheese, all cooked together in a single pan. Not only does this dish deliver fantastic flavor, it’s also a breeze to clean up, making it ideal for busy evenings when you crave something hearty without the fuss.

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role in bringing out the bold, rustic flavors and that irresistible cheesy goodness. Here’s what you’ll need for your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet, plus a few tips for extra success:

Ground Beef: Go for an 80/20 blend for richness, or sub with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russets work best; dice them evenly for perfect, tender bites.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; a yellow or white onion is ideal here.
Bell Pepper: Any color will do — red adds sweetness, green brings zest.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the skillet pop; don’t skip it!
Paprika: Gives warmth and color — try smoked paprika for extra depth.
Onion Powder: Enhances the savory notes alongside the fresh onion.
Garlic Powder: Layers more garlicky flavor for a satisfying punch.
Salt: Essential for pulling out all the big flavors.
Black Pepper: Just enough heat to round out the dish.
Beef Broth: Brings everything together and keeps the skillet juicy — chicken broth also works.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully; feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses.
Olive Oil: A must for getting those potatoes crisp and golden.
Fresh Parsley: Adds color and a fresh finish — completely optional but delightful.

How to Make One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes

Start by heating your olive oil in a big, trusty skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to begin softening and developing lovely golden edges. Once they’re just tender and a bit crispy, scoop them out and set aside for a moment — they’ll join the party again soon.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Using the same skillet (don’t worry about cleaning it; those bits at the bottom are flavor gold!), add your ground meat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks for about 5 to 7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked through. If there’s a lot of excess fat, go ahead and drain it off to keep the dish just rich enough.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Seasonings

Now pile in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. This is where the aromatics really start to work their magic. Sprinkle in the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and get all cozy with the meat.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Time for a flavor reunion! Add the cooked potatoes back to the skillet, then pour in the beef broth. Give everything a big stir so the flavors meld together, then cover and let it all simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become irresistibly tender and the broth to reduce just enough, making everything luscious and hearty.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Uncover the skillet and sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Cover again for 2 to 3 minutes to let the cheese melt into oozy, bubbly perfection. There’s something downright irresistible about that golden, cheesy blanket over all those savory layers!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Finish your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet with a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley, if you like. Serve it hot from the skillet, and watch how quickly it disappears!

How to Serve One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Garnishes

A medley of fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or even a pinch of smoked paprika not only looks gorgeous but brings a lively flavor contrast to all the melty, savory richness. For extra indulgence, set out sour cream or a splash of hot sauce to let everyone customize their serving.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this dish is a meal on its own! But if you want to round out your table, serve it with a simple green salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread to sop up every last bit. Anything fresh or tangy will balance the comforting heft of your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving it family-style right out of the sizzling skillet for a rustic look. Or scoop individual portions into mini cast-iron pans for a bistro vibe. Hosting brunch? Top with a fried egg and a sprinkle of chives for a hearty twist. However you plate it, expect plenty of oohs and ahhs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any extra One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better as they mingle!

Freezing

This skillet meal can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you know you’ll be freezing, wait to add the fresh parsley until after reheating to keep it vibrant.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the microwave for quick lunches or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen it up. Top with a fresh sprinkle of cheese if you want to restore that gooey top layer, and finish with parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is super flexible. Try ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a different twist. Each variation brings its own delightful flavor and works beautifully in this recipe.

Are there other vegetables I can add?

Definitely. Feel free to sneak in mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or even a handful of peas if you like. Just adjust the cooking time based on the veggies you choose so everything stays tender and tasty.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar melts perfectly and offers bold flavor, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend are delicious alternatives. Mixing cheeses can give you extra depth and a wonderful gooey texture on top!

How do I make this dish spicier?

There are lots of ways to add heat. Toss in chopped jalapenos with the peppers, add a dash of cayenne with the spices, or finish with your favorite hot sauce just before serving for some zippy flair.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Sure! Swap the ground meat for a plant-based substitute or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef. It’s easy to turn your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet into a delicious meatless meal.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is truly a kitchen lifesaver — quick, flavorful, and loved by just about everyone who tries it. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving pure comfort, you’ll want to make this skillet meal a regular on your table. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes your go-to, too!