If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and delicious meal that comes together in one pan, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is exactly what you need. It’s packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food for busy nights.
I love this recipe because it’s budget-friendly, super satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup—always a win in my book! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a cozy meal, this skillet dinner will definitely hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients, big flavor – Everything you need is pantry-friendly and easy to find.
- A one-pan meal – Less mess, less hassle—just cook everything in a single skillet.
- Cheesy, hearty, and satisfying – Perfect for when you need a filling meal fast.
- Easily customizable – Swap out the cheese, add veggies, or spice it up to fit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 medium russet potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
2. Cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the diced potatoes. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and develop a golden crust (about 10 minutes).
3. Add the Aromatics and Seasoning
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the potatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
4. Simmer with Broth
Pour in the beef broth and stir to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Melt the Cheese
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir everything together. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy on its own, or pair with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad!
My Best Tips for This Skillet Recipe
- Use waxy potatoes – Russet potatoes work great, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape better and stay creamy.
- Want extra crispy potatoes? – Cook them longer before adding the broth to get a nice golden crust.
- Add some veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be mixed in for extra nutrition.
- Try a different cheese – Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or smoked Gouda will add a unique flavor twist.
What to Serve with Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
While this skillet dish is a complete meal on its own, here are some great side options:
- A simple green salad – The freshness balances out the rich flavors.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls – Perfect for scooping up all that cheesy goodness.
- Steamed vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots make a great pairing.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything as directed, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Can I freeze this dish?
You can! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well and makes it a bit lighter.
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the kind of quick, satisfying meal that will become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s flavorful, cheesy, and packed with hearty ingredients, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet: A One-Pan Comfort Meal
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cover the skillet.
- Cook for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the shredded cheese and frozen peas, if using. Cook until the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!
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