One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes

• One-pan cleanup makes life easier

• Perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends

• Customizable with your favorite veggies and cheeses

• Comforting, cheesy, and hearty

• Family-friendly and kid-approved

• Budget-friendly ingredients

• Great way to use up leftover veggies

• Can be made with beef, turkey, or chicken

• Delicious as leftovers the next day

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
  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)

Directions

1. Cook the Potatoes:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to brown. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Meat:
   In the same skillet, add ground meat. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
   Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir in paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened.

4. Combine and Simmer:
   Return cooked potatoes to the skillet. Pour in beef broth and stir to combine. Cover and let simmer for about 5 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the liquid reduces.

5. Add the Cheese:
   Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option

• Add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach

• Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a twist on the flavor

• Add a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat

• Mix in a handful of frozen peas or corn during the simmer stage for more color and sweetness

• Top with sour cream or avocado for a creamy finish

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. For best results, reheat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and add a slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook a bit faster.

2. What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar melts beautifully and adds rich flavor, but you can also try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep and cook the entire skillet ahead. Reheat when ready to serve, adding a bit of broth if needed.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?

While it’s possible to freeze, the potatoes may change texture. If freezing, let the dish cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as the broth and seasonings you use do not contain gluten.

6. Can I add eggs to this dish?

Yes, for a breakfast twist, crack a few eggs on top before adding the cheese and let them cook through with the lid on.

7. What’s a good vegetarian substitute for the meat?

You can use plant-based ground meat alternatives or add extra vegetables and beans like black beans or lentils.

8. Can I make this in the oven?

While it’s designed for stovetop cooking, you can transfer the mixture to an oven-safe skillet and broil briefly to melt and brown the cheese.

9. How do I make it spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the meat.

10. What sides go well with this dish?

It’s hearty on its own, but pairs well with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With simple ingredients, easy cleanup, and tons of flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to dinner in your kitchen. Whether you stick with the classic version or try out some of the variations, this dish brings comfort to the table in under 30 minutes.

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