These hearty skillet potatoes and beef pack 34 grams of protein per serving and come together in one pan in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of weeknight recipe that saves time, skips dishes, and delivers bold, cheesy flavor that the whole family will love.
This one-pan cheesy meat & potato skillet was born from a busy Tuesday night when I forgot to defrost the chicken. I grabbed ground beef, leftover potatoes, and cheese , what followed became an instant hit. It’s one of those easy dinners you can trust again and again, whether it’s for your growing teens or your hungry partner walking through the door. Simple, satisfying, and completely family-approved.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Here’s What You’ll Need
- 1 Tbsp. oil
- 1 lb. potatoes (about 2 medium), diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
How To Make This Cheesy Skillet Favorite
- Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced potatoes in a single layer; cook without stirring for 2 minutes until lightly golden. Stir and cook another 2 minutes to deepen the color.
- Push potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef to the empty side. Sprinkle everything with salt and pepper.
- Break up the beef and press it down to sear well. Let cook undisturbed for 4 minutes while occasionally stirring the potatoes.
- (Optional: Spoon off extra beef fat if you like a leaner finish.)
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika on top of beef and potatoes. Stir everything together to combine.
- Continue cooking for 3–4 minutes until veggies are soft, beef is browned, and potatoes are tender.
- Turn off heat. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the hot skillet, cover for a minute to melt.
- Finish with chopped green onions and serve hot!
Family-Tested Tips for Busy Nights
- Cut Even Cubes: Keep potatoes at ½-inch dice to ensure they cook through quickly.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Less fat means less draining and a better melt with cheese.
- Cheese Last, Always: Let residual heat do the melting to avoid oily cheese.
What’s Inside (Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Total Fat: 16.6g
- Cholesterol: 95.8mg
- Sodium: 1152.9mg
- Carbs: 24.2g
- Sugars: 4.1g
- Protein: 34g
- Vitamin A: 163.6µg
- Vitamin C: 51.6mg
Try These Serving Ideas
- Tex-Mex Style: Add jalapeños and a dollop of sour cream.
- Breakfast Hash: Crack in a couple of eggs and broil for 3 minutes.
- Low-Carb Twist: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
Leftovers Made Easy
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water.
- Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What I’ve Learned Making This
The first time I made this, I didn’t let the beef sear long enough , it turned grey and didn’t taste nearly as rich. Trust the process: let it sit before stirring! And don’t skip the smoked paprika , it’s the secret to that “wow” flavor.
Questions You Might Have
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes! Just thaw and pat them dry before using.
Can I swap beef for ground turkey?
Absolutely, but season a bit more to make up for the flavor difference.
Your Turn to Cook!
This cheesy meat & potato skillet is calling your name , quick, cozy, and packed with flavor. Try it this week and tag me @flavorsbybetty if you do. I’d love to see your twist on it!