One Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet

Name: One Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This One Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is a hearty, comforting dish loaded with flavor and plenty of cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2025-12-18T14:49:27.470Z

This recipe combines the goodness of ground meat and potatoes, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. The melted cheese on top brings everything together for a delicious meal that everyone will love.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare in just one pan
Cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults
Hearty and filling, perfect for busy weeknights

      

A Comforting Family Meal

This One Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is not just a dish; it's a family favorite that brings everyone together. The combination of ground beef and hearty potatoes creates a satisfying meal that fills both stomachs and hearts. It's perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and comforting. Plus, the cheesy topping adds a delightful richness that enhances the overall flavor, making it hard to resist for both kids and adults alike.

Preparing this meal is a breeze. With everything cooked in one pan, it minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. The ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights when time is short, but you still want to serve something homemade and delicious. This dish is versatile enough to adapt to your family’s taste preferences—feel free to add vegetables or spices to make it your own.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the standout features of this One Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is its meal prep potential. You can easily double the ingredients and have leftovers for the next day. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick lunch or dinner. This makes it an excellent option for those who want to save time during the week without sacrificing quality or taste.

Additionally, this recipe freezes well. Portion out the leftovers into airtight containers, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go for those days when cooking feels like too much. Just thaw and reheat, and you’ll have a delicious, cheesy dish that tastes just as good as when it was first made.

Customizing Your Skillet

While this recipe is delicious as is, don't hesitate to get creative! You can customize the ingredients to suit your family's preferences. Consider adding bell peppers, corn, or even carrots for extra nutrition and flavor. Different types of cheese can also be used—try Monterey Jack for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. The versatility of this dish allows you to experiment without compromising the overall integrity of the recipe.

For those who prefer a healthier twist, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes can add a unique flavor and extra vitamins. No matter how you choose to customize, this One Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet remains a delicious and satisfying option.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth experience.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Make sure to have fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your One Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet.

Cook the Meat

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned.

Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Add the Potatoes

Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Cheesy Finish

Once the potatoes are cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious one-pan meal!

Cleaning up is a breeze since everything was cooked in one pan!

Tips for Success

To ensure your potatoes cook evenly, try to cut them into uniform pieces. This will help them become tender at the same time as the meat. Also, don't skip the step of covering the skillet while cooking; this helps to trap steam and cook the potatoes faster, resulting in a perfectly creamy texture.

If you're looking to boost the flavor even further, consider adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary during the cooking process. These herbs complement the richness of the beef and the creaminess of the cheese beautifully, taking your dish to the next level.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the dish, making for a well-rounded meal. A drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette or a squeeze of lemon can brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing contrast.

For a complete dining experience, consider serving it with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. This not only complements the cheesy flavors but also allows for some delightful dipping into the skillet's savory juices.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let the skillet cool completely before transferring it to avoid condensation and sogginess. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out, and heat on low until warmed through.

If freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick meal that tastes just as good as freshly made.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes and reduce the cheese.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad for extra greens.