Delicious One-Pan Potato Skillet Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a delightful, easy-to-make dish that the whole family will enjoy, look no further than this Potato Skillet recipe! This one-pan cheesy dinner comes together effortlessly, offering layers of flavor with hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick family dinner, the Potato Skillet is not just a meal; it’s comfort food at its finest. The appeal of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its ability to warm hearts and satisfy appetites with minimal fuss.

Imagine a delightful skillet filled with browned ground beef, colorful vegetables, and seasoned potatoes, all topped with a melty layer of cheese. What’s not to love? The versatility of this dish allows for taking advantage of whatever vegetables you have on hand and even swapping out the ground beef for a protein of your choice. Say goodbye to complicated dinner prep—this easy one-pan meal can be on the table in just 40 minutes! Perfectly paired with a fresh salad or served alone, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Potato Skillet

• Quick and Easy: Made in one pan, this dish is ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of beef, cheese, and potatoes delivers a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Versatile Ingredients: Adapt the recipe easily by adding different veggies or swapping the protein for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options.
• Minimal Cleanup: With only one skillet to clean, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about a mountain of dirty dishes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen space and gather the necessary tools for making the ultimate Potato Skillet. Start by ensuring you have all the ingredients on hand, washing and chopping the veggies, and prepping your meat. For this recipe, a large skillet is your best friend, preferably one with a lid to help in cooking the potatoes evenly and melting the cheese effortlessly.

Additionally, a spatula or wooden spoon will be handy for stirring as you cook. To save even more time, consider microwaving the diced potatoes for a few minutes to start the cooking process before adding them to the skillet. This step helps achieve that perfectly fork-tender potato in less time!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Begin your delicious Potato Skillet by heating the olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Allow it to cook, breaking it apart as it browns, which should take about 5-6 minutes. If there’s an excess amount of fat in the skillet, don’t hesitate to drain it to keep your dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Next, introduce the chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté these aromatics for approximately 2 minutes, or until they’re fragrant and the onions start to become translucent. This step infuses your dish with a wonderful flavor base.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Now it’s time to stir in the diced potatoes along with the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the potatoes are well-coated with the spices. Cover the skillet and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes become fork-tender. The steam from the covered skillet will help cook the potatoes evenly.

Step 4: Incorporate Red Bell Peppers

Add in the diced red bell pepper at this stage, allowing it to cook for another 3-4 minutes. This will not only add a pop of color but also enhance the overall flavor with its sweetness.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture. Cover the skillet once more, and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes—or until the cheese has melted into a bubbly, gooey layer. The moments spent waiting for that wonderfully melted cheese will be well worth it!

Garnish your Potato Skillet with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot straight from the skillet. Enjoy!

Variations

• Protein: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option for a lighter meal.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add extra veggies such as mushrooms, chopped spinach, or sweet corn for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices or herbs like thyme, chili powder, or even a sprinkle of cayenne for a kick.

Cooking Notes

• If using different types of potatoes, Yukon Gold or Russet are recommended for the best texture.
• For a quicker cooking time, consider microwaving the diced potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Potato Skillet with a light salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair it with crusty bread to soak up all those delicious flavors.

Tips

• To enhance the dish’s flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce during cooking.
• For a cheesier experience, feel free to mix different cheese varieties or top with sour cream when serving.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 600 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

Can I make Potato Skillet ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Combine and cook when you’re ready to eat for a quick meal.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative works well in this recipe, maintaining a similar texture and flavor.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack to switch things up.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Potato Skillet is excellent for meal prep; it can be made ahead, stored in the fridge, and reheated easily throughout the week.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Potato Skillet recipe is a go-to for those seeking comfort food that is both simple and satisfying. With its rich flavors, quick cooking time, and endless customization options, it’s a dish you’ll want to return to again and again. So gather your ingredients, bring the family together, and whip up this delightful one-pan meal. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe—don’t hesitate to leave a comment below, share your variations, or let us know how it turned out. Happy cooking!