Looking for a hearty, family-friendly dinner with minimal dishes? This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet checks all the boxes! It’s a flavorful, satisfying meal made with ground beef, tender diced potatoes, melty cheese, and pantry spices—cooked entirely in a single skillet.
This comforting dish comes together quickly, uses budget-friendly ingredients, and is customizable with your favorite add-ins. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this skillet meal delivers warm, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3–4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for stretchier texture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons water or beef broth
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small ½-inch cubes so they cook faster and evenly. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Potatoes
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, chopped onion, and diced potatoes. Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to soften and brown slightly.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasoning
- Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
- Add 2 tablespoons of water or broth, cover the skillet with a lid, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the potatoes steam for about 8–10 minutes or until fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Combine Meat and Potatoes
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir everything together until evenly combined and heated through.
Step 7: Add Cheese
- Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef and potatoes. Cover the skillet again for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Top with chopped green onions or fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet!
Variation:
- Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning and top with jalapeños, salsa, and sour cream
- Breakfast Version: Crack 2–3 eggs over the top before adding cheese and bake or cover until set
- Cheeseburger Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of ketchup and mustard for a cheeseburger-flavored skillet
- Loaded Style: Add cooked bacon bits, green onions, and drizzle with ranch
- Veggie Add-In: Mix in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrition and color
COOKING Note:
For the best texture, don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps the potatoes brown instead of steam. Dice potatoes small and even for faster cooking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal
- Pair with buttered bread or garlic toast
- Add a fried egg on top for a breakfast-for-dinner vibe
- Use leftovers in a wrap or burrito the next day
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor
Tips:
- Dice potatoes small so they cook quickly and evenly
- Stir occasionally but let them sit a bit to get crispy edges
- Drain beef fat to avoid greasy texture
- Use a nonstick or cast-iron skillet for best results
- Leftovers keep well—store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx. 4 servings):
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~30g
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~520mg
- Fiber: ~3g
Values are approximate and vary based on ingredients used.
❓FAQs
Can I use frozen diced potatoes?
- Yes, frozen potatoes work well and save time. Just cook a bit longer if needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prep and cook ahead, then reheat in the skillet or microwave.
What other meat can I use?
- Ground turkey, sausage, or ground chicken are great substitutes.
Can I add a sauce?
- Yes—drizzle with gravy, BBQ sauce, or cheese sauce to change up the flavor profile.
Is this freezer-friendly?
- It can be frozen, but the texture of the potatoes may soften. For best results, eat within 3 days fresh.
Conclusion:
This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is everything you want in a comforting meal—easy, affordable, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and disappears fast.
With simple ingredients and only one pan to wash, it’s a win for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Try it once, and it’s sure to earn a spot in your regular meal rotation