One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet: Comfort Food Made Easy

When it comes to cozy, hearty dinners, few dishes hit the spot like One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet. This recipe brings together crispy golden potatoes, savory seasoned meat, and plenty of gooey melted cheese—all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup.

It’s a weeknight dream meal: filling, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes. The combination of tender potatoes, perfectly browned meat, and melted cheese delivers pure comfort in every bite. And because it all comes together in one skillet, there’s no juggling multiple pots or a pile of dishes at the end.

The inspiration for this dish comes from classic meat-and-potato dinners, reimagined with a modern, cheesy twist. It’s hearty enough to feed a hungry family, yet simple enough to whip up on a busy evening. Whether you serve it straight from the pan for a rustic feel or plate it up with a fresh side salad, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

• One-pan convenience – Minimal cleanup without sacrificing flavor.

• Ultimate comfort food – Potatoes, meat, and cheese in one dish.

• Customizable – Works with beef, chicken, turkey, or pork.

• Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.

• Family-approved – Great for picky eaters and hearty appetites.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For 4 servings, gather the following:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

• ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth for lighter flavor)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped parsley or green onions

• Sour cream

• Hot sauce

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

• Wash and dice potatoes into small, even cubes for faster cooking.

• Pat dry with paper towels to help them crisp in the skillet.

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Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add potatoes in an even layer and season with half the salt and pepper.

3. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender.

4. Transfer potatoes to a plate and set aside.

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Step 3: Brown the Meat

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

2. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked.

4. Stir in garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and remaining salt and pepper.

5. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

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Step 4: Combine Meat and Potatoes

1. Return cooked potatoes to the skillet with the meat mixture.

2. Pour in beef broth and stir to combine.

3. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for 3–4 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

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Step 5: Add the Cheese

1. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet mixture.

2. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 6: Serve

• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

• Serve hot with sour cream or hot sauce on the side.

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Tips for the Best Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

• Cut potatoes evenly – This ensures they cook at the same rate.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – It helps the potatoes crisp instead of steam.

• Use freshly shredded cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded.

• Add broth sparingly – Too much liquid will make the potatoes soggy.

• Finish under the broiler – For a golden, bubbly cheese topping.

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Flavor Variations

• Tex-Mex style – Add chili powder, cumin, and top with jalapeños and salsa.

• Bacon lover’s version – Stir in crispy cooked bacon before adding the cheese.

• Veggie boost – Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

• Breakfast skillet – Crack eggs over the top before adding cheese, cover, and cook until set.

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Serving Suggestions

• With a salad – A crisp green salad or coleslaw balances the richness.

• With bread – Serve alongside crusty bread or biscuits for dipping.

• As breakfast-for-dinner – Pair with eggs and toast.

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Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 26g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Fat: 23g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 3g

Values may vary based on ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes—just note they cook slightly faster and add a natural sweetness to the dish.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use dairy-free cheese shreds or skip the cheese entirely.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—prepare through Step 4, refrigerate, and reheat before adding cheese.

4. What’s the best skillet to use?
A large cast-iron skillet works best for even browning and heat retention.

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Final Thoughts

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is everything you want in a comforting dinner—hearty, cheesy, full of flavor, and made in just one pan. It’s the perfect go-to for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you stick to the classic version or play with flavor variations, this dish will quickly become a regular in your weeknight meal rotation.

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