Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet

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Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a hearty, one-pan comfort meal loaded with savory beef, tender potatoes, and a blanket of melty cheddar. It comes together quickly on the stovetop with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Perfect for busy weeknights, this cozy skillet delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Once the potatoes are cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef and potatoes. Cover the skillet again and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot straight from the skillet.

Variation

  1. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version with the same cozy flavors.
  2. Stir in 1–2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables or peas during the last 5 minutes of simmering for extra color and nutrition.
  3. Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby Jack for a different cheesy twist and extra flavor.

Cooking Notes

  1. Keep the skillet covered while the potatoes cook to trap steam and help them soften faster.
  2. Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom and to ensure even cooking.
  3. If you prefer a saucier skillet, add an extra 1/4–1/2 cup of beef broth and simmer just until the potatoes are tender but still moist.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the cheesy skillet.
  2. Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of extra cheddar and green onions on top for a loaded-baked-potato vibe.
  3. Pair with warm crusty bread, dinner rolls, or garlic toast to soak up any extra cheesy goodness.

Tips

  • Use a large, wide skillet so the potatoes can sit in a relatively even layer and cook more evenly.
  • Season in layers—taste after the potatoes are tender and adjust the salt, pepper, and paprika to your liking.
  • For extra flavor, brown the beef well, letting some bits caramelize before adding the potatoes and broth.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ≈450 kcal
  • Protein: ≈24 g
  • Sodium: ≈850 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use a different type of potato?
    Yes, Yukon gold or red potatoes work very well and hold their shape. If using russets, keep the cubes a bit larger so they don’t break down too much.
  2. Can I make this ahead of time?
    You can cook the skillet, cool it, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
  3. Can I add more veggies?
    Absolutely. Bell peppers, corn, green beans, or spinach are great additions—stir them in during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking.
  4. How do I make it spicier?
    Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or use pepper jack cheese to give the skillet a gentle kick.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet delivers everything you want in a cozy, one-pan dinner—savory beef, tender, seasoned potatoes, and a layer of gooey cheddar on top. It’s simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and hits the table in under an hour. Serve it hot straight from the skillet for a hearty, satisfying meal with very little cleanup.

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Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Omnivore
Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy Beef and Potatoes Skillet is a hearty, one-pan comfort meal loaded with savory beef, tender potatoes, and a blanket of melty cheddar. It comes together quickly on the stovetop with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Perfect for busy weeknights, this cozy skillet delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Once the potatoes are cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef and potatoes. Cover the skillet again and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

  • Dice the potatoes into even, small cubes so they cook through in the listed time.
  • If the skillet gets too dry before the potatoes are tender, splash in a bit more broth or water and continue simmering.
  • For a slightly crisp top, pop the skillet (if oven-safe) under the broiler for 2–3 minutes after adding the cheese.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop, Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: ≈450 kcal
  • Sugar: ≈3 g
  • Sodium: ≈850 mg
  • Fat: ≈27 g
  • Saturated Fat: ≈12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ≈13 g
  • Trans Fat: ≈0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ≈30 g
  • Fiber: ≈3 g
  • Protein: ≈24 g
  • Cholesterol: ≈85 mg

Keywords: cheesy beef and potatoes skillet, ground beef skillet, one-pan dinner, easy comfort food, cheesy potato skillet

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