Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something magical about creating a dish that warms your soul without overwhelming your kitchen, and this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet delivers just that. Picture tender, crispy potatoes mingling with juicy ground beef and gooey melted cheese—all cooked in a single pan! It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s also a lifesaver for those busy weeknights. This customizable dish allows you to swap proteins and veggies, making it adaptable for everyone at the table. Not only do you get a satisfying meal that pleases the whole family, but clean-up is a breeze too! Who doesn’t need that kind of convenience in their life? Ready to discover how to whip up this delicious one-pan winner? Let’s dive in! Why is this recipe a must-try? Simplicity at its finest: With just one pan, you can create a mouthwatering meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Versatile options: Customize this dish to include your favorite proteins and seasonal vegetables, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Flavor-packed goodness: The combination of crispy potatoes, savory meat, and creamy cheese will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in no time, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors, making it an instant hit at the dinner table. Don’t forget, if you love one-pan meals, check out my delicious Cheesy Chicken Spinach or Garlic Parmesan Potato recipes for more inspiration! One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Ingredients For the Base • Ground Beef – A rich source of protein; feel free to swap with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. • Potatoes – Provides a hearty foundation; you can use diced sweet potatoes or even frozen ones (thawed) in a pinch. For the Creamy Layer • Cheese – Adds that irresistible gooeyness; cheddar is a classic choice, but mozzarella or pepper jack will change up the flavor nicely! For the Sizzle • Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, etc.) – Elevates the dish; adjust according to your taste, and don’t shy away from experimenting with spices. For Extra Color and Nutrition • Vegetables (optional, e.g., bell peppers, spinach) – Boosts the nutrient profile and adds vibrancy; choose your favorites or whatever’s in season! With these ingredients ready, you can whip up this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet that will please even the pickiest eaters around your table. Happy cooking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Step 1: Prep the Ingredients Begin by washing and dicing the potatoes into small, even cubes to ensure they cook uniformly. If using, chop any vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to distribute the seasoning evenly. Having everything prepped will streamline your cooking process and make your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet come together smoothly. Step 2: Cook the Beef In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once browned, if there’s excess fat, drain it from the skillet, leaving just enough to add flavor for the next cozy layers of this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet. Step 3: Add Potatoes Stir in the diced potatoes to the skillet with the beef, mixing to incorporate everything nicely. Pour in a splash of water or broth to help steam the potatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid, allowing them to cook for about 10-15 minutes. Check occasionally, and once they become fork-tender with a slight crisp on the edges, you’ll know it’s time for the next step! Step 4: Mix in Cheese Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the entire skillet, creating a beautiful, gooey layer. Cover the skillet again and reduce the heat to low for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a wonderful, creamy topping. The One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is almost ready to impress! Step 5: Serve Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an added pop of color and flavor. Serve this comforting One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet directly from the pan, inviting everyone to dig in. Enjoy the warm, delightful scents filling your kitchen as you feast on this easy, delicious meal! Expert Tips for One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Heat Matters: Ensure your skillet is preheated before adding the ground beef for a perfect sear and flavor. Potato Perfection: Check your potatoes frequently while cooking; they should be tender but still have a bit of crispiness. Cheese Choice: Experiment with different cheeses to elevate the flavor of your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet—try a mix for a gourmet touch! Season with Love: Don’t be shy with seasonings! Add spices like garlic powder or chili flakes to enhance the flavor profile of your dish. Upgrade Your Veggies: Toss in seasonal vegetables to increase nutrients and color; just make sure to cut them to similar sizes for even cooking. What to Serve with One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Elevate your cozy dinner experience by pairing this dish with delightful sides that add flavor and freshness. Crispy Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any cheesy goodness left on your plate. The warm, buttery garlic flavor complements the savory skillet beautifully. Fresh Green Salad: A mix of crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers with a light vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy meat and potatoes. Roasted Broccoli: The slight char and earthy flavors of roasted broccoli create a satisfying texture harmony alongside the creamy dish. It’s a nutritious addition your family will love! Creamy Coleslaw: Adding a cool and crunchy element, coleslaw provides a zesty balance that cuts through the richness of the skillet. Sweet Corn on the Cob: Its natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the dish, providing an appealing burst of flavor and texture. Chilled Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade enhance the meal’s comfort while offering a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity. Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a simple dessert, serve warm chocolate chip cookies to end the night on a sweet note, making for a true family-friendly feast! Storage Tips for One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: To enjoy your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet again, reheat on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through to preserve textures. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving leftovers out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and retain quality. One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Variations Feel free to put your unique spin on this recipe and tailor it to your family’s tastes! Dairy-Free: Use a lactose-free cheese or nutritional yeast to create a cheesy flavor without dairy. Vegetarian Delight: Swap ground beef for a combination of black beans and corn along with your favorite veggies for a hearty, plant-based meal. Imagine a skillet brimming with vibrant colors! Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle chili flakes into the mix for a kick of heat that will awaken your taste buds. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance for a personal touch! Loaded Veggies: Incorporate a medley of seasonal veggies like zucchini and cherry tomatoes for added nutrition, color, and flavor. Each bite will be a delightful surprise of textures! Cheese Variations: Experiment with smoked gouda or a spicy pepper jack for different flavor profiles that can excite your palate. Mixing cheeses can take your cheesy goodness to another level! Grain Boost: Substitute a portion of the potatoes with cooked quinoa or farro for added protein and texture—a simple switch for a nutritious upgrade to your dish. Fresh Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro just before serving to brighten the flavors and give your skillet a fresh, aromatic finish. Dive into these variations and make this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet even more delightful! For more one-pan meal inspiration, check out my delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and One Pan Shrimp recipes! Make Ahead Options These One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet ingredients are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can dice the potatoes and chop any optional vegetables up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can season the ground beef and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply heat a drizzle of oil in the skillet, brown the beef, add the prepped potatoes, and follow the usual cooking instructions. With these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy a comforting, delicious meal ready in no time, saving precious minutes on busy weeknights! One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe FAQs What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe? You can use any potatoes you like! I recommend using russet potatoes for their fluffy texture, but Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes can work wonderfully. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to use frozen diced potatoes, just ensure to thaw them first to avoid extra moisture. How should I store leftovers of the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet? To keep your leftovers fresh, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating them on low heat in a skillet to maintain the original textures—nobody wants soggy potatoes! Can I freeze the One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet? Absolutely! You can freeze your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet in airtight containers for up to 2 months. To do this, let the dish cool completely, then portion it out. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet until hot throughout. What if my potatoes cook too quickly or become mushy? If your potatoes become mushy, it’s likely they were overcooked. To avoid this, keep an eye on them and check for tenderness with a fork after about 10 minutes. If you notice they are cooking too quickly, reduce the heat or add a splash of water to create steam, which helps cook them evenly without drying out. Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet? Yes, this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is gluten-free! Just ensure that the seasoning blends and any optional ingredients (like sauces) you choose to add are also certified gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels to be sure. Can I add more vegetables to the skillet? Very much so! Feel free to bulk up this dish with more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just be sure to chop them into small, even pieces, so they cook evenly alongside the potatoes. Mix them in during the step where you add the diced potatoes for optimal cooking time! One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet for Cozy Nights This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet combines tender potatoes, juicy ground beef, and gooey cheese for the perfect comfort food. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base1 pound Ground Beef Can swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternative4 medium Potatoes Diced; frozen potatoes can be used (thawed)For the Creamy Layer2 cups Cheese Cheddar is a classic; can use mozzarella or pepper jackFor the Sizzle1 teaspoon Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, etc.) Adjust according to tasteFor Extra Color and NutritionVegetables (optional, e.g., bell peppers, spinach) Choose favorites or seasonal vegetables Equipment Large skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrep the ingredients by washing and dicing the potatoes, and chopping any optional vegetables.In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the seasoned ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes.Stir in the diced potatoes and add a splash of water or broth. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender.Sprinkle cheese over the skillet, cover again, and reduce heat to low for 5 minutes until melted.Garnish with fresh herbs and serve directly from the pan. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!