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Loaded Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Skillet

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This hearty one-pan dinner features crispy potatoes, savory ground beef, smoky bacon, a creamy ranch sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs russet potatoes, diced (about 4 medium potatoes)
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or blend with Monterey Jack)
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or canola oil (as needed)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes, chop onion, mince garlic, and slice bacon into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Crisp the bacon: Place chopped bacon in a cold large skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until bacon is golden and crispy (about 8 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons bacon grease in the pan.
  3. Brown the potatoes and onions: Add diced potatoes and onions to the hot skillet. Stir to coat in bacon fat, then spread in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to sear, then stir and repeat until potatoes are mostly cooked through and golden brown (about 12 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Brown the ground beef: Push potatoes to the edge of the skillet and add ground beef to the center. Break up meat and cook until no longer pink (about 6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed, then stir everything together.
  5. Add garlic and seasonings: Sprinkle in minced garlic, ranch seasoning mix, and optional cayenne or paprika. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Make it creamy: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in sour cream and milk, mixing until everything is coated and creamy. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Add cheese and bacon: Sprinkle half the crispy bacon and all the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover with lid or foil and cook until cheese is melted (about 2-3 minutes). For a bubbly, golden top, broil skillet for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
  8. Finish and garnish: Remove from heat, let cool for a minute, then top with remaining bacon, green onions, and parsley.
  9. Serve: Spoon generous helpings onto plates while hot.

Notes

For best results, dice potatoes evenly and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Shred your own cheese for optimal melt. For a lighter version, use ground turkey and Greek yogurt. To make vegetarian, omit bacon and use plant-based ground meat. For extra crispy potatoes, let them cook undisturbed in hot fat. Broil at the end for a bubbly, golden cheese topping. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded potato skillet, cheesy bacon ranch potatoes, one pan dinner, ground beef skillet, comfort food, easy skillet meal, weeknight dinner, ranch potato skillet, bacon cheese potatoes

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/loaded-cheesy-bacon-ranch-potato-skillet-recipe-easy-one-pan-dinner/