This Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is comfort food at its best! With ground meat, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, it’s a family favorite that saves on clean-up.
I love how everything cooks in one pan—less mess means more time for seconds! The cheesy goodness has even turned my picky eater into a fan. Who knew dinner could be so easy and tasty? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef, offering a similar taste and texture. I often use 80% lean ground beef for more flavor, but feel free to choose what you prefer!
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are best for this dish due to their creamy texture when cooked. If you’re looking to cut carbs, cauliflower can be a lower-carb substitute—just remember to adjust the cooking time!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a bold flavor, but other options like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a fun twist. If you’re lactose-intolerant, vegan cheese shreds work well too!
Broth: Beef broth brings a deep flavor, but you can use vegetable broth for a lighter taste. Chicken broth is also a perfectly fine substitute, especially if that’s what you have on hand!
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Potatoes in One Pan?
Getting those potatoes just right is crucial for the dish. Start with equal-sized cubes for even cooking. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet nicely before adding potatoes. This helps them crisp up.
- Don’t crowd the pan! If needed, cook in batches to give potatoes space.
- Once they start softening, stirring them occasionally lets them brown evenly.
Following these tips will help ensure your potatoes are perfectly tender and delicious in no time!
Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet meal takes about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients in one pan. Then just let it simmer and melt together for that gooey cheesiness. Quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and let them cook for about 8-10 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure they soften and turn a nice golden brown. You’re aiming for tender potatoes that have a bit of crispiness!
2. Adding Onion and Garlic:
Next, push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Throw in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic on the other side. Sauté these for 2-3 minutes until they smell wonderful and the onion becomes translucent. This adds some great flavor to your dish!
3. Browning the Meat:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef (or turkey). Use a spatula to break it up and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season the mixture with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to give it a fantastic taste!
4. Simmer the Mixture:
Once the meat is cooked, mix the potatoes back into the skillet with the beef. Pour in the beef (or chicken) broth, stirring everything together. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes. This will ensure all the flavors meld and the potatoes get tender.
5. Melting the Cheese:
It’s time for the best part—adding cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the top of the skillet. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt for about 3-5 minutes until it’s gooey and bubbly.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once the cheese is all melted, take the skillet off the heat. If you want, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Ready to Serve!
Serve your delicious one-pan cheesy meat and potato skillet hot, right from the pan. It’s a hearty, warming meal that everyone will love!
Enjoy your comforting one-pan cheesy meat and potato skillet!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes will add a nice sweetness and additional nutrients to your dish. Just be aware that they may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Meat?
If you’re looking for alternatives, finely chopped mushrooms or lentils make excellent meat substitutes. You can also try using plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option, ensuring you season it well for flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of broth to keep it creamy!
Is This Recipe Freezable?
Absolutely! You can freeze this dish after it has cooled. Just portion it in freezer-safe containers, and it should keep well for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.