One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a delightful dish that combines savory ground meat, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. The best part? It’s all made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze! This comfort food classic brings together flavors that everyone loves and is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
• Flavorful Meal: Each bite offers a perfect blend of spices and cheesy goodness that satisfies cravings.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out the meat or cheese to customize this dish to your family’s preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting meal, making it perfect for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything cooks perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking and easy mixing of ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping vegetables.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of dicing potatoes and chopping veggies efficiently.
• Spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your skillet’s surface.

Ingredients

For the Meat Base

• 1 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey, chicken)
• 1 medium Onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)

For the Potatoes

• 3 medium Potatoes (peeled and diced)

For Seasoning

• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

For the Broth and Cheese

• 1 cup Beef Broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, or your favorite cheese)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking)

For Garnish

• Fresh Parsley (optional)

How to Make One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes to the skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until they start to soften and lightly brown.

Step 2: Set Aside Potatoes

Remove the cooked potatoes from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors together.

Step 6: Combine with Broth

Pour in the beef broth and return the sautéed potatoes back into the skillet. Cover and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 7: Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again for another 2-3 minutes until melted, bubbly, and golden.

Enjoy your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet! Serve it warm with fresh parsley as garnish if desired.

How to Serve One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Serving One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is as simple as it is delicious. This dish is versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Salad

• A light garden salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the skillet dish.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing with fresh parsley or chives provides a pop of color and an aromatic touch to each serving.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up any cheesy goodness left in the pan.

With a Dollop of Sour Cream

• Adding sour cream offers a creamy contrast and tang that balances the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Perfecting your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet can elevate your cooking skills. Here are some tips to ensure it’s always a hit.

• Choose Quality Meat: Using fresh, high-quality ground beef or turkey enhances the dish’s overall taste and texture.
• Cut Potatoes Evenly: Dicing potatoes into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly, resulting in tender bites throughout.
• Don’t Rush the Browning: Allow the meat and vegetables to brown properly for extra flavor; this caramelization adds depth.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for unique flavors and spice levels.
• Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade broth for richer flavor compared to store-bought options.

Best Side Dishes for One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Pairing side dishes with your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients while balancing the heaviness of the skillet.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a nutty flavor that pairs well with this cheesy dish.
3. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky taste of garlic bread complements the rich flavors and makes for great dipping.
4. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings freshness and crunch, cutting through the richness of the cheese.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast that brightens up each bite of the skillet meal.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn on the cob is an easy side that adds sweetness and texture to your plate.
7. Mashed Cauliflower: For a low-carb option, mashed cauliflower mimics mashed potatoes while being creamy and satisfying.
8. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus adds a gourmet touch with its smoky flavor and crisp-tender texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not preheating the skillet – Always start with a hot skillet. This ensures that the meat browns properly and the flavors develop.
• Overcrowding the pan – Avoid adding too many ingredients at once. This can lead to steaming rather than browning, affecting flavor and texture.
• Skipping the seasoning – Don’t forget to season your ingredients! Proper seasoning enhances the taste of your dish.
• Using low-quality cheese – Opt for good-quality cheese that melts well. It makes a huge difference in creaminess and flavor.
• Not letting it rest – Allow your dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

• You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers.
• It will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet recipe.

Can I use different types of meat in my One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb can all substitute ground beef. Each adds its unique flavor.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but feel free to try mozzarella, pepper jack, or any melting cheese you enjoy!

How can I customize this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet?

Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different seasonings!

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can chop the veggies and meat a day ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is not just delicious; it offers incredible versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite meats and vegetables while enjoying minimal cleanup. Try it out for your next family dinner!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that brings together savory ground meat, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese—all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup. In just 30 minutes, you can create a hearty meal that satisfies the whole family. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is not only delicious but also highly customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you choose beef, turkey, or chicken and your favorite cheese, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a staple in your home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey, chicken)
• 3 medium Potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 medium Onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• Fresh Parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes until softened.
2. Remove potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
5. Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
6. Pour in broth and return potatoes to the skillet. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes.
7. Top with shredded cheese; cover again for an additional 2-3 minutes until melted.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the skillet
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg