Name: One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend); 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Optional: 1 bell pepper, chopped; Optional: chopped green onions, sour cream, or parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a hearty, comforting meal made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and plenty of melty cheese—all cooked together in a single skillet. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when I want something filling, fast, and super satisfying with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this skillet meal because it’s simple, packed with flavor, and incredibly customizable. The crispy edges on the potatoes, the savory beef, and the gooey cheese all come together in the best way. It’s great for feeding a hungry family or making a big batch for leftovers. Plus, I only have to wash one pan! One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (diced)
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
Olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper
Paprika
Garlic powder
Optional: bell peppers, green onions, sour cream, parsley for garnish

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced potatoes. I cook them until golden and mostly tender, about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
I push the potatoes to one side and add the ground beef and chopped onions. I cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
I stir in minced garlic and season everything with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
I mix the potatoes and beef together evenly and reduce the heat to low.
I sprinkle shredded cheese all over the top, then cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
I garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot—sometimes with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook, so I have it ready in under 40 minutes.

Variations

I use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.
I add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies.
I mix in hot sauce, taco seasoning, or a spoonful of barbecue sauce for a bold twist.
I make it a breakfast skillet by cracking eggs on top and baking until the whites are set.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short bursts until hot. If it gets dry, I add a splash of broth or water before reheating. One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

FAQs

Can I use frozen diced potatoes?

Yes, I’ve used frozen hash browns or diced potatoes—just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry so they crisp up better.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

I like sharp cheddar, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Tex-Mex blend also works great.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I cook everything and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, I just reheat and add the cheese on top before serving.

How do I keep the potatoes from sticking?

I make sure the skillet is well-oiled and avoid moving the potatoes too often while they cook, so they can develop a golden crust.

Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?

Yes, I transfer the cooked meat and potatoes to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.

Conclusion

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a cozy, filling meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love. I enjoy how it brings together simple ingredients for a dish that always satisfies. Whether I’m short on time or just want something hearty and homemade, this recipe always does the trick—and it only takes one pan to make it happen.