Dinnertime doesn’t get much easier or more comforting than this One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed meal that comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying dinner on the table. With simple, versatile ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, onions, and bell peppers, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a new family favorite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet
The beauty of the One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is its straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients. You likely have most of these items on hand already:
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 3 medium Potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 cup Beef Broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil, for cooking
- Fresh Parsley, optional for garnish
Feel free to swap in different types of meat or cheese based on your preferences. The One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is endlessly customizable to suit your tastes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet
This One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s get cooking!
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and lightly brown.
- Add Onion and Bell Pepper: Stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Brown the Meat: Push the veggies to the side of the skillet, add the ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, stir everything together, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are fully tender and the broth reduces.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover again for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot!
That’s it! With just a few simple steps, you’ve got a hearty, comforting One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet ready to enjoy.

Nutritional Information and Benefits
Each serving of this One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is packed with protein from the ground beef, complex carbs from the potatoes, and calcium from the cheddar cheese. It’s a well-balanced meal that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
To make the dish even healthier, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken, opt for low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots. The versatility of this recipe allows you to tailor it to your dietary needs and preferences.
Variations and Substitutions
The One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is endlessly customizable to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables in place of the ground beef.
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free broth if needed.
- Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate diced zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Tips for Perfecting the One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet
To ensure your One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Browning the Meat: Take the time to properly brown the ground beef for maximum flavor. Resist the urge to stir it too much, allowing it to develop a nice sear.
- Cooking the Potatoes: Be patient when cooking the potatoes, letting them get a light golden-brown before adding the other vegetables. This helps them cook through evenly.
- Recommended Tools: Use a large, high-sided skillet or sauté pan to easily accommodate all the ingredients and prevent spilling.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- One-Pot French Onion Pasta
- One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- One-Pot Creamy Peri Peri Chicken Pasta
- One-Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
FAQs
How to know when potatoes are done cooking in a skillet?
The potatoes in the One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork and have a tender, cooked-through texture. Aim for them to be lightly browned on the outside and soft on the inside, which should take 8-10 minutes of cooking.
Can you cook ground beef and potatoes together?
Absolutely! The One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is a perfect example of cooking ground beef and potatoes together in the same pan. The potatoes and beef complement each other beautifully, with the potatoes absorbing the savory flavors of the beef as they cook.
How long does it take to cook beef in a pan?
In the One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet, the ground beef should take 5-7 minutes to fully brown and cook through. Be sure to break up the beef as it cooks to ensure even browning. You’ll know it’s done when there is no more pink color visible.
Can you cook meat and potatoes on the same tray?
Yes, you can absolutely cook meat and potatoes together on the same tray or pan. The One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is a great example of this, where the potatoes and ground beef are cooked together in the same skillet for a complete, one-dish meal.
Conclusion
The One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is the ultimate in easy, comforting dinners. With simple, wholesome ingredients and a quick cooking time, this hearty skillet meal is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness!
Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.
Print
Discover the Ultimate One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Dinnertime doesn’t get much easier or more comforting than this One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed meal that comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying dinner on the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 3 medium Potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 cup Beef Broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil, for cooking
- Fresh Parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and lightly brown.
2. Stir in the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Push the veggies to the side of the skillet, add the ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour in the beef broth, stir everything together, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are fully tender and the broth reduces.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover again for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
7. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot!
Notes
Feel free to swap in different types of meat or cheese based on your preferences. The One-Pan Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet is endlessly customizable to suit your tastes.
To make the dish even healthier, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken, opt for low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: beef, potatoes, skillet, cheesy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 350
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 800
- Sodium: 20
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 80
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 25
- Protein: undefined
- Cholesterol: 30