Is there anything more comforting than meat and potatoes, all cooked up in one pan and finished with a blanket of melted cheese? I think not. This Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is the definition of a hearty, no-fuss meal. It’s a classic, all-in-one dinner that brings together seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, warm hug at the end of a long day. So good. You’ll love how the savory flavors mingle together, and the best part? You only have one skillet to wash. Now that’s what I call a win.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet
You’ll love this recipe because it’s the ultimate solution for those busy nights when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast. It hits all the right notes: it’s incredibly filling, loaded with flavor, and the whole family will actually eat it without a fuss. The creamy, cheesy sauce coating the meat and potatoes is just so, so good. Plus, everything cooks in a single skillet, which means you get a fantastic dinner with minimal cleanup. It’s a reliable, go-to recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again because it’s so easy and so delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing and building flavor.
- 1 pound lean ground beef – A hearty, affordable protein base.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced – Adds a sweet, savory depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For that essential aromatic punch.
- 1 pound russet potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes – They hold their shape and get perfectly tender.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Provides a warm, smoky note.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds an earthy, herbal flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth – Creates the base of our sauce and helps steam the potatoes.
- 1/2 cup whole milk – Makes the sauce creamy and rich.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Because everything is better covered in melty cheese.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – To season every layer.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Step-By-Step Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant.
- Now, stir in the diced potatoes, paprika, thyme, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to coat the potatoes in all those delicious seasonings.
- Pour in the beef broth. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until it’s completely smooth with no lumps. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler. Turn off the heat under the skillet and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the entire meat and potato mixture.
- Carefully place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching it closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to get those gorgeous golden spots.
- Remove the skillet from the oven (remember, the handle is hot!), garnish with fresh parsley, and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up.
Cooking Equipment Needed
You won’t need a ton of fancy gear for this one. A good, sturdy 10 or 12-inch oven-safe skillet is the real MVP here. Cast iron works beautifully, but any heavy-bottomed skillet that can go from the stovetop to the broiler will do the trick. You’ll also need a sharp knife and cutting board for prepping your veggies, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, and a small whisk or fork for blending the milk and flour. That’s really it!
Flavor Twists for Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet
This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own creativity. Feel free to make it your own! For a Tex-Mex twist, use a taco seasoning blend instead of paprika and thyme, and swap the cheddar for a Monterey Jack blend. Stir in a can of drained black beans and some corn with the potatoes. If you’re looking for a little smokiness without pork, try stirring in some chopped smoked turkey sausage during the last few minutes of cooking. For a bit of a veggie boost, diced bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with the onion work wonderfully. And honestly, if you’re a spice lover, a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper will really wake things up.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
Any leftovers can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the stovetop is your best bet for maintaining the best texture. Just warm it gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a tiny splash of broth or milk if the sauce seems too thick. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the dairy sauce can become grainy and the potatoes may get a bit mushy when thawed.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This cheesy skillet is a complete meal all on its own, but a simple side can really round things out. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is my go-to because it cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully. Some warm, buttery cornbread or a crusty roll is perfect for sopping up any extra cheesy sauce. For a lighter option, some steamed green beans or roasted broccoli on the side are always a hit. It’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs well with just about any of your favorite simple sides.
Doneness Test for Perfect Cooking
The key to nailing this dish is ensuring the potatoes are cooked through before you add the cheese. The easiest way to check is to simply pierce a few potato cubes with a fork. If the fork slides in and out easily with no resistance, they’re perfectly tender and ready. If they still feel firm, just pop the lid back on and give them another 3-5 minutes. You want them soft so they soak up all that flavorful sauce. And when it’s under the broiler, keep a very close eye on it! Cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.
FAQs
- Can I make this with ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives for these healthy dinner recipes. Just be sure to use a little extra seasoning, as they are milder in flavor than beef.
- What other cheeses work well in this easy weeknight dinner? While cheddar is classic, you can use any good melting cheese. A Colby Jack blend, pepper jack for a kick, or even a Swiss cheese would be delicious. Use what you have on hand for cheap dinners for a family.
- My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it? If your sauce hasn’t thickened enough after adding the milk mixture, just let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. You can also make a quick slurry with another teaspoon of flour and a tablespoon of cold water, whisk it in, and simmer for another minute.
- Can I prep this easy healthy dinner ahead of time? You can brown the meat and chop the veggies ahead of time to speed things up. But for the best texture, I recommend cooking it all fresh. The potatoes are best when they’re not sitting uncooked for too long.