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One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Easy Dinner Recipe

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This one-pan cheesy meat and potato skillet is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese in a single skillet. It’s a quick, hearty, and family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 3 medium russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or oregano or thyme)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the potatoes, onion, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Shred the cheddar cheese if not using pre-shredded.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp on the edges.
  3. Push potatoes to the side of the skillet. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon. Sprinkle with paprika and dried Italian herbs. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring often, until beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Mix potatoes back in evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a splash of broth if the skillet seems dry.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cheese melt for 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, broil for 2 minutes if skillet is oven-safe.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Notes

For crispier potatoes, avoid overcrowding the pan and let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes per side. You can swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based crumbles or tofu. Use block cheese and shred it yourself for best melting. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge and can be reheated in the microwave or skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, skillet dinner, cheesy potatoes, ground beef, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, weeknight dinner, meat and potatoes, quick recipe