One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
If you are searching for a comforting yet straightforward dish to satisfy your hunger and keep everyone around the table happy, look no further than the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe. This dish brings together juicy ground beef, tender baby potatoes, and a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese into one harmonious skillet meal. Beyond being incredibly satisfying, it’s a feast that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and fills your plate with hearty goodness, proving how simple ingredients can create a spectacular, cozy dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these easy-to-find ingredients is the first step to making a meal that bursts with flavor and texture. Each item plays a special role, whether adding savory depth, tenderness, or that irresistible cheesy finish.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein, offering rich flavor and hearty texture.
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes: Small and tender, they cook quickly and soak up all the savory flavors.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweet, aromatic depth once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a sharp, fragrant punch to the skillet.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The gooey, melty finishing touch everyone loves.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and locks in moisture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate every bite.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Adds a fresh, crisp garnish with a mild onion flavor.
How to Make One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by chopping the baby potatoes into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender quickly, letting the skillet meal come together faster without any mushiness.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the chopped onion. Cook until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness – this base flavor is key to the dish’s depth.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute. Garlic’s aromatic qualities enhance the whole skillet, but overcooking can make it bitter, so a quick sauté is perfect here.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Next up, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart as it cooks and brown it until no pink remains. Season generously with salt and pepper, which brings the beef’s savory flavor forward and balances the richness.
Step 5: Combine Potatoes with Meat
Add your chopped potatoes right into the skillet with the meat mixture, stirring everything together so the potatoes get coated in the flavorful juices. This step starts the delicious marriage between the tender potatoes and savory beef.
Step 6: Cook Until Potatoes Are Tender
Place a lid on the skillet and let everything cook on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the potatoes to soften over about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know the skillet is ready when the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork.
Step 7: Melt the Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top and cover the skillet again. Keep it covered just until the cheese melts into a velvety blanket, creating that irresistible gooey layer everyone craves.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a scattering of fresh, chopped green onions to add color and a fresh, subtle sharpness. Serve straight from the skillet to keep things warm and casual—it’s the perfect, comfy meal for any day.
How to Serve One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped green onions is classic here, but feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits if you want to kick things up a notch. The garnishes bring freshness and texture contrasts that make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Though this skillet can easily stand alone, it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. Simple steamed broccoli or a tangy vinaigrette-dressed salad will complement the dish wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the skillet alongside crusty bread for scooping, or spoon portions into warm tortillas to make cheesy meat and potato wraps. This recipe is versatile enough to adapt to casual lunches or cozy dinners with a little creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld further overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the cooled skillet contents into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the potatoes moist and prevent the meat from drying out as it warms through.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! Cheddar melts beautifully, but you can swap in mozzarella for extra stretchiness or pepper jack if you want a little spicy kick. Just choose your favorite melty cheese and enjoy a different twist on this skillet.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Baby potatoes are ideal because they cook quickly and hold their shape well. However, you can also use red or Yukon gold potatoes chopped into small pieces. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets unless you want a softer texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or hearty veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. Adjust seasonings as needed and follow the same technique for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken will work just as well and delivers a leaner protein option. Just be mindful to not overcook so the meat stays tender and juicy in your skillet.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?
Use enough olive oil to coat the bottom of your skillet and stir the potatoes occasionally during cooking. Keeping the heat moderate and covered allows them to cook through without burning or sticking.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe is one of those unbeatable comfort meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Whether you’re feeding your family or cooking for yourself, give this dish a try—your taste buds will thank you for it!
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One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground beef is browned with sautéed onions and garlic, then simmered with tender baby potatoes until cooked through. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh green onions, this easy skillet meal combines savory flavors and satisfying textures all in one pan.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Chop the baby potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and faster tenderness during the simmering process.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to develop a sweet and savory base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no pink remains. Season with salt and pepper to taste during cooking.
- Add Potatoes: Mix the chopped potatoes into the beef mixture making sure they are evenly distributed in the skillet.
- Cook Potatoes: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. This step ensures the potatoes cook through without drying out.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet mixture. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt completely, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with chopped green onions for freshness and color, and serve hot straight from the pan.
Notes
- You can substitute baby potatoes with diced red or Yukon gold potatoes.
- For extra flavor, add smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes when browning the beef.
- Use sharp or mild cheddar cheese depending on your preference.
- Covering the skillet is key to cooking the potatoes evenly and melting the cheese properly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
