Print

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner

cheesy ground beef and potato skillet - featured image

A hearty one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, crispy-edged potatoes, and a blanket of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Ready in 35 minutes, this budget-friendly comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs / 680g), sliced into ⅛-inch rounds
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100g) low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients: dice onion, mince garlic, shred cheeses, and slice potatoes into ⅛-inch thick rounds.
  2. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan. Transfer beef to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted and sizzling, add sliced potatoes in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy at edges. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Add diced onion to the potatoes during the last 2 minutes of cooking the second batch. Cook until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir to combine.
  5. Return cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine with potatoes and onions. Sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour in beef broth and stir, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Spread mixture into an even layer and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover skillet with a lid or foil and cook 8-10 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  7. Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover again and cook 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a browned top, broil 1-2 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and let rest 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block (pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting). Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking. If potatoes are thicker than ⅛ inch, add 5 minutes to covered cooking time. Let beef develop a crust before breaking it up for more flavor. Season ingredients as you go for layered flavor. Use low heat when melting cheese to prevent it from becoming greasy.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef and potato skillet, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, ground beef recipe, potato skillet, cheesy skillet dinner