This Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is a warm, cozy dish that combines ground meat and tender potatoes, all smothered in gooey cheese. Who can resist that?!
I love how it all cooks in just one pan—less mess for me! Plus, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners when I need something quick but satisfying. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I often use ground beef for its flavor, but ground turkey or chicken works well too. These alternatives leaner and still give a nice texture.
Potatoes: I use regular russet potatoes, but you can swap for Yukon gold or even sweet potatoes if you’re feeling adventurous. Sweet potatoes will add a nice sweetness to the dish!
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for this recipe – it melts beautifully and has a great flavor. You can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a little kick.
Broth: Beef broth adds a rich flavor, but chicken broth is a lighter alternative. Veggie broth works too, especially for vegetarian versions.
How Do I Get the Potatoes Perfectly Cooked?
Getting those potatoes just right is key for this dish. You want them tender but not mushy. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut potatoes into small, even cubes for faster cooking.
- Cook them in a hot skillet for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they brown evenly.
- Covering the skillet while they cook helps steam them, speeding up the softening process.
Check for doneness with a fork; they should easily pierce but still hold their shape!
Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 4 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything in one skillet. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Potatoes:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced potatoes and cook them, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes. You want them to become slightly brown and tender.
2. Add the Meat:
When the potatoes are ready, push them to one side of the skillet. On the other side, add the ground meat. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook until browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5–7 minutes.
3. Mix in Onion and Garlic:
Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat and potatoes. Stir everything together and cook for 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
4. Season the Mix:
Sprinkle in the paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so the seasonings coat the meat and potatoes evenly.
5. Add the Broth:
Next, pour the broth into the skillet and stir everything together. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
6. Cheese Time:
Now comes the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture in the skillet. Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, if you want, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot and dig into your delicious one-pan cheesy meat and potato skillet!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a lighter dish. You can also use ground pork for a different flavor, or even plant-based crumbles if you prefer a vegetarian option.
What if I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! Chicken broth or vegetable broth works just as well. You can even use water in a pinch, but adding some additional seasoning will enhance the flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the instructions, and it should take the same amount of time to cook as fresh ingredients!