This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. It combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a gooey cheese topping, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it's a meal the whole family will love.
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The recipe is simple to follow and uses everyday ingredients. It's versatile too—you can easily swap in different vegetables or cheeses based on what you have on hand. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for a hearty dish to share, this skillet delivers on taste and convenience.
Plus, it's a one-pan wonder, meaning less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal. The combination of crispy potato edges, savory beef, and melted cheese creates a delicious harmony that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
Provides rich flavor and juiciness. Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
4 cups (about 600g) russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
Russets hold their shape well and get crispy edges. Yukon Gold also work well. For a shortcut, use frozen diced potatoes.
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
Adds sweetness and depth. Use white onion if preferred.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Adds aromatic flavor. Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Gives a smoky, rich flavor. Regular paprika works, or add a dash of chipotle powder for heat.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Enhances all flavors. Adjust to taste, especially if using salted butter.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Adds mild heat and depth. Freshly ground is best.
1 cup (240ml) beef broth
Helps cook the potatoes and creates a savory base. Use chicken or vegetable broth if needed.
1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
Melts beautifully and adds sharpness. Substitute with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Adds a fresh, colorful finish. Omit if not available.
Tips & Tricks
Don't overcrowd the pan
Cook the beef in a single layer to get a nice brown crust, not steam.
Cut potatoes uniformly
Even cubes ensure they cook at the same rate and become tender.
Cover during simmer
This traps steam and helps potatoes cook through faster without overcooking the bottom.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove beef with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium (350°F/175°C). Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Potatoes and Spices
Stir in potatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to coat the potatoes with flavor.
4. Simmer with Broth
Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low (300°F/150°C), cover, and let cook for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Combine and Top with Cheese
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
6. Melt the Cheese
Cover the skillet and cook over low heat (275°F/135°C) for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot directly from the skillet.
Delicious Variations
Add Vegetables
Toss in 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
Spicy Kick
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onion for heat.
Loaded Style
Top with crumbled bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
How to Store Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?
Yes, sweet potatoes work well, but they have a different texture and sweetness. Adjust cooking time as they may cook faster.
Q: How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and substitute the butter with oil or omit it. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish without the cheese and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, add cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.
Q: What can I use instead of beef broth?
Chicken or vegetable broth work fine, or you can use water mixed with a bouillon cube.
Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?
Make sure your skillet is well-seasoned or use a non-stick pan. Also, stir occasionally and add a little more broth if needed.
If you loved this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet, please share it with your friends and family! Don't forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
This one-pan ground beef and potato skillet is a cheesy, hearty dinner that's ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
- 4 cups (about 600g) russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
📋 Instructions
- 1Brown the Beef — Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove beef with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
- 2Sauté Aromatics — Reduce heat to medium (350°F/175°C). Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3Add Potatoes and Spices — Stir in potatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to coat the potatoes with flavor.
- 4Simmer with Broth — Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low (300°F/150°C), cover, and let cook for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- 5Combine and Top with Cheese — Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
- 6Melt the Cheese — Cover the skillet and cook over low heat (275°F/135°C) for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 7Garnish and Serve — Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot directly from the skillet.
