One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Satisfy your cravings with this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet, a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. This easy recipe combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, all cooked together in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Ideal for families and meal prep, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2025-12-02T15:28:36.117Z

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is not just a meal, but a wonderful way to bring the family together around the dinner table.

A One-Pan Wonder

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a delightful solution for those busy weeknights. With everything cooked in a single skillet, it eliminates the hassle of multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze. Just imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up a comforting meal in no time, while leaving plenty of room for family time or relaxation.

This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients based on your preference or what you have on hand. Whether you want to swap out beef for turkey or toss in additional vegetables, the possibilities are endless. You can use sweet potatoes for a healthier twist or add bell peppers for a burst of color and flavor.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is an excellent choice for meal prep enthusiasts. By preparing this dish in advance, you can save valuable time during the week. Simply cook the skillet and portion it out for lunches or dinners. The flavors develop even further when the dish is reheated, making it a meal you’ll look forward to day after day.

Storing leftovers is easy; just pack the portions in airtight containers and refrigerate them. They can last in the fridge for up to four days, and some may even freeze well for longer storage. This way, you’ll always have a satisfying meal ready at your fingertips.

Family-Friendly Comfort Food

This dish is not just a meal; it’s an opportunity for family bonding around the dinner table. The cheesy, comforting nature of the skillet dish is appealing to both adults and kids, ensuring that everyone will enjoy the meal. With hearty ingredients and a delightful taste, this recipe can help encourage even the pickiest eaters to appreciate home-cooked meals.

To make it even more fun, consider having everyone customize their portion with toppings like sour cream, green onions, or additional spices. This adds an interactive element to dinner time, and the kids can feel involved in the cooking process.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready for easy preparation!

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.

Add the Potatoes

Stir in the diced potatoes and beef broth. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Add Cheese

Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again until the cheese has melted.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pan meal!

Tips for Successful Skillet Cooking

For optimal results, ensure that the skillet is large enough to accommodate all ingredients without overcrowding. This allows for even cooking and better flavor melding. A cast-iron skillet is particularly effective for this recipe, as it retains heat well and can create a lovely crispy bottom layer of potatoes that adds to the dish's texture.

When seasoning the ground beef, don't hesitate to experiment with additional spices. A dash of paprika, cumin, or chili powder can elevate the dish and add depth to the flavor profile. Each little adjustment can create a uniquely satisfying meal that your family will love.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your meal, pair the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. This adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the cheese and meat, balancing the meal perfectly. A light vinaigrette drizzled over the salad can also brighten up the flavors.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider serving with hot sauce or a side of pickled jalapeños. These additions can complement the cheesy goodness and delight spice lovers, providing an extra kick that makes the dish even more exciting.

Nutritional Highlights

This dish offers a balanced profile, providing protein from the ground beef and healthy carbohydrates from the potatoes, making it a wholesome meal choice. The inclusion of cheese adds calcium, contributing to strong bones and healthy teeth. For those needing to watch their cholesterol or calorie intake, using lean beef or substituting with turkey can help reduce the overall heaviness of the dish.

Consider adding more vegetables like spinach, carrots, or peas to increase the vitamin content and fiber, making it an even more nutritious meal. This not only diversifies the flavors but also improves the overall health benefits, ensuring that you and your family are getting the nutrients you need.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.