There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty one-pan meal, especially when it comes to preparing a scrumptious Potato Skillet that features the delightful combination of ground beef, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and vegetables. This Easy One-Pan Cheesy Dinner Recipe is not only delicious but also a game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.
The appeal of this Potato Skillet lies in its robust flavors and satisfying textures, creating a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. The earthiness of the potatoes, the savory notes of beef, and the melting goodness of cheddar cheese unite to create a meal that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and ready in just 40 minutes, making it the perfect choice for those hectic evenings when you need something filling yet uncomplicated.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this Potato Skillet will impress without the stress. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Potato Skillet
- Quick and Easy: Prepare a comforting meal in just 40 minutes.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of cheese, beef, and spices creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Customizable: Easily modify with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start cooking your Potato Skillet, it’s essential to prep your kitchen space and gather all the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Start by clearing your countertops and washing your vegetables thoroughly. A large skillet is crucial for this recipe, preferably one with a lid to help with cooking and melting the cheese. A spatula or wooden spoon will make stirring and mixing effortless, while a sharp knife and chopping board will come in handy for dicing the potatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic.
Having all your ingredients measured and prepared ahead of time can save you precious minutes during the cooking process. Set aside a clean bowl for any leftovers and keep a measuring spoon handy for accurate spice measurements. With your workspace organized and tools in place, you’re ready to create a delicious meal.
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
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef to the pan. Using a spatula, break the meat apart and cook until it’s well-browned, which should take about 5–6 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to break up any large chunks. If there’s excess fat, drain it out, but leave a bit of the flavor-enhancing fat to keep your dish moist.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
With the beef nicely browned, it’s time to add in the flavor foundation. Introduce the chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Stir them together with the beef and let them cook for about 2 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and the garlic to release its aromatic goodness. This step elevates the flavor profile of the dish and creates a delightful base for the potatoes.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings
Next, incorporate the diced potatoes into the skillet along with the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring that the spices coat the potatoes evenly. Once combined, cover the skillet with a lid and allow the potatoes to cook for about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure each potato piece cooks evenly until fork-tender.
Step 4: Finish with Bell Peppers
After the potatoes have softened, toss in the diced red bell pepper. Stir them into the mix and let them cook for an additional 3–4 minutes. The bell peppers should become tender yet retain some structure, adding a fresh crunch to the dish.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Now comes the best part! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet once again and let the cheese melt for about 2–3 minutes. The cheese should become wonderfully gooey and melt into the delicious medley below. Once melted, you are ready to serve!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Vegetables: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies like zucchini, corn, or spinach to boost nutritional content and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices such as cumin or chili powder for an extra kick or leave out the cheese entirely for a dairy-free option.
Cooking Notes
- To ensure even cooking of potatoes, cut them into uniform-sized pieces.
- For an extra creamy texture, consider mixing in a bit of cream cheese before adding the cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a splash of color.
- This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or coleslaw on the side.
Tips
- For added crunch, top with crushed tortilla chips before serving.
- Leftovers taste amazing the next day; simply reheat in the skillet or microwave.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 520 per serving
- Protein: 27g
- Sodium: 670mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients a day in advance and cook it when you’re ready to eat. Alternatively, you can make the entire dish ahead and reheat it just before serving.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils can be great substitutes if you’re looking for different flavors or dietary preferences.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the meat with your favorite plant-based protein and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.
Conclusion
This Potato Skillet is more than just a simple meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Its combination of flavors and textures ensures that every bite is memorable, making it a favorite among families and friends alike. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with variations, this dish caters to all taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences with this recipe in the comments below or let us know how you made it your own! Happy cooking!
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Easy One-Pan Cheesy Potato Skillet Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy One-Pan Cheesy Potato Skillet Dinner is a comfort food favorite that combines ground beef, potatoes, and cheddar cheese for a quick and satisfying meal.
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
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef to the pan. Using a spatula, break the meat apart and cook until it’s well-browned, which should take about 5–6 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to break up any large chunks. If there’s excess fat, drain it out, but leave a bit of the flavor-enhancing fat to keep your dish moist.
- With the beef nicely browned, it’s time to add in the flavor foundation. Introduce the chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Stir them together with the beef and let them cook for about 2 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and the garlic to release its aromatic goodness. This step elevates the flavor profile of the dish and creates a delightful base for the potatoes.
- Next, incorporate the diced potatoes into the skillet along with the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring that the spices coat the potatoes evenly. Once combined, cover the skillet with a lid and allow the potatoes to cook for about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure each potato piece cooks evenly until fork-tender.
- After the potatoes have softened, toss in the diced red bell pepper. Stir them into the mix and let them cook for an additional 3–4 minutes. The bell peppers should become tender yet retain some structure, adding a fresh crunch to the dish.
- Now comes the best part! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet once again and let the cheese melt for about 2–3 minutes. The cheese should become wonderfully gooey and melt into the delicious medley below. Once melted, you are ready to serve!
Notes
To ensure even cooking of potatoes, cut them into uniform-sized pieces. For an extra creamy texture, consider mixing in a bit of cream cheese before adding the cheddar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Protein: 27 g