One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is the kind of comforting, satisfying meal I love to make when I want something hearty with minimal cleanup. It’s packed with seasoned ground meat, tender potatoes, and plenty of melty cheese—all cooked together in one skillet for a quick and easy dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, filling, and uses basic ingredients I almost always have on hand. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is simple. The combination of crispy potatoes, flavorful meat, and gooey cheese is comfort food at its best. It’s also really flexible—I can switch up the meat or toss in some extra veggies depending on what I need to use up.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef, turkey, or sausage

• Potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes)

• Onion, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Olive oil or butter

• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

• Salt and black pepper

• Paprika or smoked paprika

• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning

• Optional: bell peppers, spinach, green onions, or hot sauce for serving

Directions

1. I heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. I add the diced potatoes and cook them for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and mostly tender. I season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.

3. I push the potatoes to one side and add the ground meat and onions to the same skillet. I cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon.

4. I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Then I mix everything together in the skillet.

5. I sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for 2–3 minutes.

6. I garnish with chopped green onions or a drizzle of hot sauce if I want a little extra kick, then serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 35 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 25 minutes to cook.

Variations

Sometimes I add diced bell peppers with the onions for color and sweetness, or stir in spinach at the end for a veggie boost. If I want more of a Tex-Mex feel, I use taco seasoning, pepper jack cheese, and serve with salsa or sour cream. Swapping the meat for plant-based ground works great too.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave individual portions until heated through. If it looks dry, I add a splash of broth or water while reheating to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, frozen diced or hash brown-style potatoes work well—just cook them according to the package directions before adding the meat.

What kind of cheese melts best?

I love using sharp cheddar or mozzarella. Monterey Jack or Colby also melt beautifully and add great flavor.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. I cook everything up to the point of adding the cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to eat, I reheat in the skillet, add cheese, and let it melt.

How do I make it spicier?

I add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. Spicy sausage instead of ground beef also works great.

Is this freezer-friendly?

It can be, but the texture of the potatoes may change slightly. I recommend freezing individual portions and reheating in a skillet for best results.

Conclusion

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a quick, satisfying meal that delivers on flavor and convenience. With crispy potatoes, seasoned meat, and melted cheese all in one pan, it’s the kind of dinner I turn to again and again when I want something easy, comforting, and delicious—without a sink full of dishes.

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