Easy Family Dinner: Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Skillet

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the ultimate Monday night dinner. It's a complete meal in one pan, packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. The whole family will love it, and you'll love how easy it is to clean up.

The recipe is flexible – you can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap the beef for ground turkey. It's also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

About the Ingredients

1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil

For browning the beef. You can use vegetable oil or canola oil instead.

1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean)

For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken. If using leaner beef, add a little oil to prevent sticking.

1 medium yellow onion, diced

About 1 cup. Sweet onion or shallots work too.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is best, but you can use 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a pinch.

1 tsp (5g) salt

Adjust to taste. Use kosher salt for better control.

1/2 tsp (2.5g) black pepper

Freshly ground is recommended.

1 tsp (2g) smoked paprika

Adds a smoky depth. Regular paprika or chili powder can be substituted.

4 cups (600g) Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes

About 4 medium potatoes. Russets also work. No need to peel.

1 cup (240ml) beef broth

Chicken or vegetable broth works too. Low-sodium is best.

1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Colby Jack or Monterey Jack are great substitutes. Shred your own for better melting.

2 tbsp (8g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional, but adds color and freshness. Dried parsley can be used.

Tips & Tricks

• Cut the potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes so they cook evenly and become tender in the same time.
• Brown the beef well – don't stir too often, let it get a nice crust for more flavor.
• If the skillet seems dry before the potatoes are tender, add a splash more broth or water.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. The beef should be sizzling and caramelized.

2. Add Aromatics

Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

3. Season and Add Potatoes

Stir in salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the diced potatoes and toss to coat with the beef mixture.

4. Simmer with Broth

Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low (300°F/150°C), cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. The liquid should be mostly absorbed.

5. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot directly from the skillet.

Delicious Variations

• Add 1 cup of frozen corn or peas along with the potatoes for extra veggies.
• Swap the cheddar for pepper jack to add a spicy kick.
• Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast-for-dinner twist.

How to Store Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope your family loves this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet as much as mine does! If you try it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Don't forget to share your photos on social media and tag me – happy cooking!

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

This cheesy ground beef and potato skillet is a one-pan family dinner that's hearty, comforting, and ready in just 50 minutes.

★★★★½ 4.8 (187 ratings)

15 minPrep time30 minCook time6Servings385 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) black pepper
• 1 tsp (2g) smoked paprika
• 4 cups (600g) Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp (8g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Brown the Beef — Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. The beef should be sizzling and caramelized.
2. 2Add Aromatics — Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. 3Season and Add Potatoes — Stir in salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the diced potatoes and toss to coat with the beef mixture.
4. 4Simmer with Broth — Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low (300°F/150°C), cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. The liquid should be mostly absorbed.
5. 5Top with Cheese — Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. 6Garnish and Serve — Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot directly from the skillet.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and melted cheese is pure comfort food, and it's all made in one pan for minimal cleanup.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 385 kcal · 25g protein · 20g carbs · 22g fat