If you are craving a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious meal that comes together with minimal fuss, the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish blends tender, well-seasoned ground meat with perfectly cooked potatoes and melts a blanket of gooey cheddar cheese on top, creating a satisfying medley of flavors and textures in one easy skillet. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser to share, this recipe promises a warm, cheesy hug in every bite that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward making this dish a total winner. Each item plays a critical role, from tenderizing the meat and seasoning the potatoes to adding richness with cheese and freshness with herbs.
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey: Choose your favorite for a juicy, protein-packed base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps cook lean meat evenly and adds a fruity, smooth flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds gentle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced small: The starchy potatoes cook tender and soak up all the fantastic flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the other ingredients without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle peppery spice for balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet note that makes the dish inviting.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning: Brings an herbal boost that brightens the savory profile.
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth: Keeps everything moist while enhancing the meaty richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers the creamy, melty goodness that makes the skillet irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and mild herbaceous flavor to finish.
How to Make One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, especially if your meat is lean and could stick. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns a lovely golden brown and is no longer pink inside—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. If your skillet collects some excess grease, don’t hesitate to drain it off for a cleaner, better-textured dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your meat is ready, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Allow them to gently cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and releases its sweet aroma, while the garlic imbues the skillet with a deep, savory flavor that immediately lifts the dish.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings
Next, add your diced russet potatoes along with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Mix everything well, making sure each potato cube is coated with the spices to build layers of flavor that will develop as they cook.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour the beef or chicken broth into the skillet and give everything a good stir. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook over medium-low heat for about 15 to 18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure that the potatoes become perfectly tender while absorbing the delicious broth and seasonings.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
When the potatoes are soft and the liquid has mostly evaporated, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Replace the lid and let the cheese melt in the residual heat for an additional 1 to 2 minutes—watch as it transforms into a golden, bubbly layer you’ll almost want to dive into right away.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley to brighten the rich flavors and add a lovely hint of freshness. Your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed hot and packed with love!
How to Serve One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
While the parsley is a classic choice for a fresh finish, feel free to get creative with your garnishes. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions can add a cool contrast and an extra layer of texture and taste to this warm skillet meal.
Side Dishes
This skillet is such a satisfying dish on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or a soft dinner roll can also soak up any leftover cheesy sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic feel that’s perfect for entertaining. You can also upgrade it for a brunch by topping with a fried egg or some avocado slices to add fresh creaminess and protein.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this delightful One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making the next meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some space for expansion and label with the date for easy meal planning later on.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, covered to keep the moisture in, or microwave with a damp paper towel on top to avoid drying out—just be sure to melt the cheese back to that lovely gooey texture!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef or turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well in this skillet and will yield a lighter flavor. Just be mindful that it cooks a bit quicker, so adjust your cooking times accordingly.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic for a nice kick. Alternatively, swapping cheddar for pepper jack cheese will also add a bit of spice.
Are there any good substitutes for russet potatoes?
You can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or even sweet potatoes if you want a hint of natural sweetness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the type and size of the potato cubes.
Can I prepare anything in advance to save time?
Definitely! Dice the potatoes and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also pre-cook the meat and reheat it later, so when you’re ready to assemble, it’s a quick and easy dinner.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this entire recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and check that your cheese doesn’t contain any additives with gluten. It’s a perfect cozy meal for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
In all honesty, the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe has everything I love in a homey, fuss-free dinner that comes together fast but tastes like you spent hours on it. It’s perfect for those busy nights when comfort food is a must, yet you want something nourishing and delicious from scratch. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find a new family favorite to keep coming back to!
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One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a delicious, hearty American main course that combines browned ground meat, tender diced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese in a single skillet. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it’s packed with flavor from garlic, onion, and spices, and can be customized with different cheeses or vegetables.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean meat)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Others
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil if using lean meat. Cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced potatoes along with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Mix well to coat the potatoes with flavors.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef or chicken broth and stir to combine. Cover the skillet with a lid and let cook on medium-low heat for 15–18 minutes. Stir occasionally until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Melt Cheese: Once the potatoes are soft, evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell pepper to the skillet.
- You can swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella to change the flavor profile.
- This dish reheats well and makes a great next-day lunch.
