A hearty one-pan meal made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, melted cheese, and savory spices. This skillet recipe is filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Servings
4–6 servings
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35–40 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes diced into small cubes
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra stretchiness)
Liquid
- ½ cup beef broth
Optional Add-Ins
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Jalapeños
- Corn
- Green onions
- Bacon bits
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and dice potatoes into small even cubes.
Smaller cubes cook faster and give better texture.
You can peel them or leave the skin on.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add potatoes and season lightly with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
Cook for:
- 12–15 minutes
Stir occasionally until potatoes become golden and tender.
Remove potatoes from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
In the same skillet add ground beef and diced onion.
Cook over medium-high heat until beef is browned and onions soften.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Add Seasoning
Mix in:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chili powder
- Italian seasoning
- Remaining salt and pepper
Pour in beef broth and stir well.
Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return potatoes to the skillet.
Mix everything together until evenly combined.
Reduce heat to low.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Sprinkle cheddar cheese and mozzarella over the top.
Cover skillet with a lid for:
- 3–5 minutes
Allow cheese to fully melt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Hot sauce
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for:
- Up to 4 days
Freeze for:
- Up to 2 months
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave individual portions until hot.
Add a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.
Variations
Spicy Version
Add:
- Jalapeños
- Pepper jack cheese
- Extra chili powder
Breakfast Style
Top with:
- Fried eggs
- Breakfast sausage
- Extra cheese
Loaded Burger Version
Add:
- Pickles
- Bacon
- Burger sauce drizzle
Tex-Mex Version
Mix in:
- Taco seasoning
- Corn
- Black beans
Tips for Best Results
- Use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for best texture.
- Dice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet so potatoes crisp properly.
- Covering the skillet helps cheese melt evenly without drying the beef.
