One Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet
Simple, hearty, and loaded with flavor — comfort food made easy.
When weeknights get hectic and you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying, this One Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is the kind of recipe that saves the day. Imagine golden, crispy potatoes mixed with juicy ground beef, caramelized onions, and a gooey blanket of melted cheese — all cooked together in one skillet.
It’s everything you love about a home-cooked casserole, but faster, easier, and with way fewer dishes to wash.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥔 One Pan = Easy Cleanup – no need for multiple pots or trays.
- 🧀 Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite – melty cheddar binds everything together.
- 🍳 Quick Weeknight Dinner – ready in under 40 minutes.
- 🥩 Hearty and Filling – loaded with protein, carbs, and flavor.
- 🌿 Simple Ingredients – pantry staples you probably already have.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a cozy meal for two, this skillet delivers. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone sneak seconds — maybe even thirds.
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or russet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk (for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5–6 minutes.
Drain excess grease if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
2. Add the Onions and Garlic
Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Potatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the diced potatoes. Season everything with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
Add butter (or olive oil) and stir to coat the potatoes evenly in the flavorful mixture.
4. Cover and Cook
Reduce heat to medium.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and lightly browned. If they begin to stick, add a splash of water or broth.
5. Add Cream and Cheese
Once the potatoes are cooked through, stir in the cream and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until everything becomes creamy and cohesive.
6. Top and Melt
Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
Cover again for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and turns gooey and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of freshness. Serve hot straight from the skillet — family-style!
One Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Add diced potatoes and seasonings. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in cream and half of the cheese, mix until melted.
- Top with remaining cheese and cover until melted. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Skillet
- Cut potatoes evenly: Uniform dice ensures even cooking.
- Use a cast iron skillet: It keeps the heat even and gives potatoes a crisp edge.
- Don’t rush the potatoes: Let them brown slightly — it adds incredible flavor.
- Add vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make tasty additions.
- Switch the meat: You can swap beef for sausage, turkey, or chicken.
Add-Ons & Variations
🧄 Loaded Skillet Style
Top your finished skillet with a drizzle of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and sliced green onions — just like a loaded baked potato!
🌶 Spicy Tex-Mex Twist
Add diced jalapeños, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese for a southwestern kick. Serve with a dollop of salsa.
🧅 Breakfast Skillet
Crack a few eggs on top before melting the cheese, cover, and let them cook sunny-side-up. Instant brunch upgrade.
🥦 Vegetable Boost
Mix in steamed broccoli florets, peas, or spinach to sneak in some greens without sacrificing flavor.
What to Serve with It
This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are some easy sides to complement it:
- Simple green salad – adds a fresh contrast.
- Steamed green beans or asparagus – keeps things balanced.
- Garlic bread – because cheesy carbs deserve more carbs.
- Pickles or coleslaw – a tangy side to cut through richness.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let it cool completely, then freeze portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or oven over medium heat until hot, or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Why One-Pan Meals Are a Lifesaver
There’s something magical about one-pan recipes — they take the stress out of cooking and cleaning. With this Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet, everything happens in a single pan. The beef browns, the potatoes caramelize, the cheese melts — and you’re rewarded with a dinner that tastes like you worked for hours.
It’s also budget-friendly and family-approved. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find, making this a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Nutrition Highlights (per serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
High in protein and flavor — this skillet keeps you full and happy without overcomplicating dinner.
Cooking Shortcut
If you want to save even more time:
- Microwave or parboil the diced potatoes for 4–5 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
This reduces total cooking time and ensures they turn out tender and perfectly browned.
Flavor Upgrade Ideas
- Add Worcestershire sauce – deepens the meaty flavor.
- Use two kinds of cheese – combine cheddar and mozzarella for stretch and sharpness.
- Sprinkle with crushed red pepper – adds gentle heat.
- Finish with a drizzle of hot honey – sweet and savory magic!
Comfort Food That Feels Like Home
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about meat and potatoes — they’re the backbone of comfort cooking. This One Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet feels like the kind of meal that could have come from your grandmother’s kitchen — hearty, simple, and made with love.
But thanks to modern shortcuts and bold flavors, it’s quicker and even more indulgent. Every bite brings that perfect mix of crispy potatoes, juicy beef, melted cheese, and creamy sauce — all tied together in a single comforting skillet.
Conclusion
When you need a meal that’s cheesy, hearty, and irresistibly comforting, this One Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet checks every box. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t just fill your stomach — it fills your soul.
Easy enough for weeknights, delicious enough for Sunday dinner, and guaranteed to be a repeat favorite in your home.
So grab your skillet, a handful of pantry staples, and get ready to make your new comfort food obsession.
