Name: Delicious Potato Skillet Recipe
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

Are you on the lookout for a comforting and delicious dinner recipe that won’t take up your evening? Look no further than this delicious Potato Skillet, featuring a mouthwatering combination of ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese. This easy one-pan dish is not just a hearty meal; it’s a celebration of flavors made simple, ideal for those busy nights when you want to whip up something quick yet satisfying. As the cheddar melts into a rich, cheesy layer, it invites everyone to gather around the dinner table, ready to dig in!

This Potato Skillet is beautifully versatile, allowing you to incorporate various ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or what’s in season. Imagine the rich flavors of ground beef married with the earthy taste of potatoes and the crunch of fresh vegetables, all cooked together in a singular, hearty dish. This recipe caters perfectly to families and friends, making it a wonderful option for a cozy dinner or casual get-together without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.

Why You’ll Love This Potato Skillet

Effortless cleanup: With only one pan required, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less scrubbing pots.
Quick cooking: Whip it up in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite proteins or vegetables for a fresh twist each time.
Cheesy goodness: Melted cheddar cheese creates the ultimate creamy, comforting topping.
Family-approved: The hearty blend of flavors and satisfying components appeals to all ages.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure your kitchen and workspace are prepped for success. Gather your ingredients and tools to make the cooking experience seamless. You’ll need a large skillet or frying pan, a cutting board, and a sharp knife for chopping the veggies and proteins. It’s a good idea to have measuring spoons handy for the spices and seasonings.

To start, wash and peel the potatoes, then chop them into small, even cubes. Dicing the onion and red bell pepper in advance will make the cooking process smoother. Ensure your skillet is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably, as this will help everything cook evenly and prevent spills.

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: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, introduce the ground beef to the skillet. Allow it to cook for approximately 5–6 minutes until it turns a rich brown color and crumbles nicely. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off to keep the dish from being overly greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté them together for about 2 minutes or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial as it builds a flavorful foundation for the dish. The aroma filling your kitchen will make everyone eager for dinner!

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Seasonings

Now it’s time to stir in the prepared diced potatoes along with the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Ensure everything is well combined before covering the skillet. Cook this mixture for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the potatoes to become fork-tender and infused with the flavors of the beef and spices.

Step 4: Incorporate the Vegetables

Add in the diced red bell pepper and allow it to cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until it softens. This not only enhances the dish’s texture but also adds a sweet crunch that brightens the overall flavor profile.

Step 5: Melt the Cheddar Cheese

Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over your skillet’s contents. Cover the skillet once more to let the cheese melt for about 2–3 minutes until it achieves a gooey, delicious consistency. The melted cheese acts like a delicious blanket that ties all the ingredients together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese has melted to perfection, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it hot from the skillet, letting everyone scoop out their hearty portion.

Variations

Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or corn to enhance nutrition and add vibrant color.
Spices: Experiment with different spices such as cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for a twist on the flavor.

Cooking Notes

This recipe works best with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, which provide the best texture when cooked.
If you’re short on time, microwaving the potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet can significantly reduce your cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the Potato Skillet with a side salad for a refreshing balance to the richness.
Sounds delicious with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for added creaminess.

Tips

Keep your skillet covered while cooking to trap steam and help cook those potatoes faster.
Make it ahead: This dish reheats well, so consider making a larger batch for leftovers.

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 use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or skip the protein altogether and increase the amount of vegetables for a hearty vegetarian meal.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop your vegetables and pre-cook the ground beef the day before. Just assemble and finish cooking when you’re ready to eat.

What sides go well with the Potato Skillet?

Serve it alongside a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty bread to balance the hearty flavors of the skillet.

Conclusion

This Potato Skillet recipe is the epitome of comfort food: hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you have friends and family over, this guaranteed crowd-pleaser is easy to throw together and even easier to clean up after! I encourage you to get creative with this dish—try out different proteins, veggies, and cheeses to find your favorite version. Once you give this recipe a try, you’ll want to return for seconds, and don’t forget to share your comments and the variations you discover!