This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is everything you dream of in a cozy weeknight dinner: perfectly browned potatoes, juicy seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, all bound together by melty cheddar cheese and a whisper of fresh parsley. Everything gets made in a single skillet, so you enjoy maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. The end result is hearty, satisfying, and just bursting with big, comforting flavors—exactly the kind of dish that disappears quickly around any dinner table!

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Each item here pulls double duty: flavor, color, and texture all work together to make this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet so crave-worthy. Don’t be intimidated by the list; you probably have most of these already in your kitchen.

Ground Beef (1 lb): Brings juicy, savory richness—swap with turkey or chicken for a lighter twist!
Potatoes (3 medium, peeled and diced): The star for crispy bites and creamy middles—use Yukon Gold for creaminess or Russets for crisp edges.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth; chop it small so it melts into the skillet.
Bell Pepper (1, chopped): Adds color and sweetness; any color pepper works, but red or yellow look gorgeous here.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For an aromatic, savory punch—that classic “something smells amazing” kitchen moment.
Paprika (1 tsp): Delivers gentle warmth and a pop of color.
Onion Powder (1/2 tsp): Reinforces that savory flavor throughout the dish.
Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Boosts garlicky goodness, without overpowering fresh garlic.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Draws out all the flavors and makes them shine.
Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a mild kick without overwhelming.
Beef Broth (1 cup): Creates a savory “sauce” that brings everything together; sub chicken broth if that’s what you have.
Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully for gooey, golden bliss—mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist!
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps the potatoes brown up beautifully, adding richness.
Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish): Brightens everything up and gives a flash of freshness at the very end.

How to Make One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced potatoes in an even layer. Let them cook, stirring every couple of minutes, until they start to soften and take on beautiful golden edges—about 8 to 10 minutes. When they’re just tender with a bit of crispness, scoop them out and set aside. This trick gives you buttery potatoes that hold up perfectly in the finished One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

With your skillet still hot, add the ground beef (or your chosen meat). Break it up with a spatula, and let it brown and sizzle for about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it off so your dish isn’t greasy. This step gives the finished meal a delicious depth of flavor and keeps everything hearty but not heavy.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings

Next, bring in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir them in and scatter over the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until the veggies are softened, the spices bloom in the heat, and that mouthwatering aroma fills the kitchen. These seasonings wrap every bite of your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet in warmth and flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Now add those perfectly browned potatoes back to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and stir gently to mix. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes, just enough for the flavors to mingle and the potatoes to absorb a little extra savoriness. The result is a perfectly cohesive skillet with tender chunks in every forkful.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

With the skillet still hot, sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface. Pop the lid back on for 2 or 3 minutes so the cheese melts to bubbly, golden perfection. This is the moment when your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet transforms into dinner magic—gooey, melty, and impossible to resist.

Step 6: Serve

Turn off the heat, shower the top with a flourish of fresh parsley, and bring the skillet straight to the table. The colors, the aroma, and that molten cheese will have everyone ready to dig in before you even grab serving spoons!

How to Serve One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Garnishes

A pinch of chopped fresh parsley brightens up the skillet and adds a vibrant touch that cuts through the rich cheese. For extra flair, sprinkle a little extra paprika or try green onions for a hint of sharpness against all that hearty goodness.

Side Dishes

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple tossed salad or a side of steamed green beans. A toasted slice of garlic bread also makes magic with all those cheesy bites—perfect for scooping up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop heaping portions into individual ramekins and broil briefly for an extra bubbly top layer. Or try tucking leftovers inside a warm tortilla for a next-day cheesy skillet burrito! However you serve it, this dish is all about rustic, feel-good presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any cooled leftovers of your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge and it’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch.

Freezing

Want to stash some away? This skillet freezes surprisingly well! Just scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, press out extra air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep things moist. Microwave reheating also works—cover with a damp paper towel to preserve moisture and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring gently between rounds.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely! One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is endlessly adaptable. Swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even pork to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust seasonings as needed.

Which potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon Gold potatoes offer creamy texture and hold their shape well, while Russets give crispier edges. Whatever you choose, just make sure to dice them uniformly for even cooking in your One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Certainly! Skip the meat and double up on the bell pepper and maybe toss in some mushrooms or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken. It’s still hearty, filling, and super satisfying.

How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?

A good nonstick skillet and a generous tablespoon of olive oil are key. Make sure the oil is hot before adding potatoes. Stir occasionally, but let them sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes at a time so they can develop that lovely golden crust.

Can I prepare One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet ahead?

You sure can! Brown the potatoes and meat in advance, let them cool, and store separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, sauté the veggies, then combine everything in the skillet, simmer, and finish with cheese as directed. This makes dinner a breeze on busy nights!

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a true crowd-pleaser, this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a must-make. It’s the kind of simple, homey recipe you’ll reach for again and again, especially on nights when you crave comfort and convenience. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes a family favorite!