Name: Delicious One-Pan Potato Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
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

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with minimal fuss, look no further than this Potato Skillet – an easy one-pan cheesy dinner recipe that brings hearty flavors to the table in no time! With a delightful combination of ground beef, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and vibrant vegetables, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility; you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have in your pantry, making it a reliable go-to meal for every occasion.

This one-pan dish is packed with flavor and textures that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Picture the golden-brown potatoes melded with seasoned ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a generous layer of melted cheese that oozes deliciousness with every bite. Plus, the fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that elevates the entire experience. Whether served as a main course or as a side to complement other dishes, this Potato Skillet has something for everyone.

Time is of the essence, especially during weekdays when you need dinner fast. Thankfully, this scrumptious Potato Skillet can be whipped up in just about 40 minutes, and with all the cooking happening in a single pan, cleanup is a breeze! With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite that keeps you coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Potato Skillet

Quick and Easy: Made in just 40 minutes with minimal prep time, perfect for busy evenings.
One-Pan Wonder: Cook everything in one skillet, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze.
Hearty and Filling: Loaded with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese to keep you satisfied.
Customizable: Easy to modify with different vegetables, proteins, or cheeses to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: A blend of flavors and textures that appeals to both adults and kids alike.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting started is simple! Begin by gathering all your ingredients: ground beef, potatoes, fresh vegetables, spices, and cheddar cheese. Make sure to keep your work area organized for a seamless cooking experience. To prepare the potatoes, peel and dice them carefully to ensure they cook evenly. It’s a good idea to have a sharp knife and cutting board on hand. For this recipe, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan is essential, as it distributes heat evenly and allows for proper browning.

You’ll also need measuring spoons for the spices and a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring the ingredients as they cook. Before you start cooking, prepare your veggies—chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic—so they are ready to go when it’s time to add them to the skillet. This advance prep helps maintain a smooth workflow, allowing you to focus on the delicious results.

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 by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, or until the beef is nicely browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy, ensuring a better balance of flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

With the ground beef now ready, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Allow these aromatics to sauté for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become fragrant and translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor profile of the dish, enhancing the overall experience.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Next, add the diced potatoes along with the smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the potatoes are coated with the spices and beef mixture. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Add the Bell Pepper

Once the potatoes are fork-tender, it’s time to add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir the mixture and allow it to cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, just until the bell pepper softens slightly and integrates into the dish.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire skillet. Cover once more and let it sit for about 2–3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become beautifully gooey. This is the moment we’ve been waiting for, as the melted cheese will tie all the flavors together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese has melted, garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley to add a bright finishing touch. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation that your family will love!

Variations

Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier twist.
Vegetables: Incorporate different veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or corn to boost nutrition and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with additional spices such as cayenne pepper for heat, or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika for a milder flavor.

Cooking Notes

To achieve the best texture, use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, as they hold up well during the cooking process.
If you’re short on time, you can microwave the diced potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet; this will significantly reduce the cooking time.
Feel free to try other cheese varieties like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
This Potato Skillet goes well with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions for added flavor and texture.

Tips

For a more colorful dish, mix in a variety of bell peppers or add cherry tomatoes at the end of cooking.
Don’t overcook the potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy for the best texture.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 435 kcal
Protein: 26 g
Sodium: 640 mg

FAQs

Can I make this Potato Skillet ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead and store them in the fridge. Just reheat and cook when you’re ready to eat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This Potato Skillet is naturally gluten-free; however, always check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen diced potatoes but may need to adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I add for more flavor?

Consider adding Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or fresh herbs like thyme or basil to enhance the flavor further.

Conclusion

This Potato Skillet is a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With its blend of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, it brings everyone together around the dinner table. Plus, the versatility allows you to adapt the recipe to suit your family’s preferences, making it a reliable choice for any night of the week. We hope this dish becomes one of your go-to meals, and we can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Give it a try, share your feedback, or let us know your favorite variations by commenting below!