One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet: Easy, Delicious Comfort Food

When it comes to making a quick, satisfying, and hearty dinner, few things can beat the simplicity and flavor of a one-pan meal. The One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together savory ground meat, tender potatoes, and melted cheese in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weekday or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this skillet meal will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

This dish is the definition of convenience and deliciousness. Packed with flavor, it’s made from everyday ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry and fridge. The ground beef (or turkey) provides a hearty protein, while the potatoes give the meal substance and a comforting texture. And then there’s the melted cheese—because who doesn’t love cheese?

Best of all, everything is cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. No need for multiple pans or bowls. Just one skillet, a few simple ingredients, and a bit of time to create a flavorful meal that your whole family will adore. Plus, you can customize the ingredients to your preferences—use different types of cheese or add in some vegetables for an even more nutritious twist.

Ingredients for One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this mouth-watering cheesy meat and potato skillet:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  Choose your preferred ground meat. Ground turkey is a great lean option, but ground beef brings a richer flavor.
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  For sautéing the onions and ground meat.
• 1 small onion (diced)
  Adds a savory, aromatic base to the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  Adds depth and flavor.
• 3 medium potatoes (diced into small cubes)
  The heart of this dish, bringing substance and comfort. Make sure the potatoes are cut small for faster cooking.
• 1 tsp salt
  Essential for seasoning the dish from the start.
• ½ tsp black pepper
  Adds a mild kick of heat.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
  Provides a smoky, rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the ground meat and potatoes.
• ½ tsp garlic powder
  Enhances the garlic flavor for extra depth.
• ½ tsp onion powder
  A great complement to the diced onions.
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  Helps cook the potatoes to tender perfection while infusing the dish with rich flavor.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  For a classic, melty, cheesy goodness.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  Adds a creamy, stretchy texture that takes the dish over the top.
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
  A fresh touch to balance out the richness of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process for this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet. It’s incredibly straightforward, so even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ll feel confident making this meal!

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. This step will infuse the oil with the sweet aroma of onions.

Next, add the ground beef (or turkey). Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Brown it evenly, stirring occasionally. Once fully cooked, be sure to drain any excess grease if necessary. This step helps reduce the fat content of the dish, especially if you’re using ground beef.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Once the meat is browned, stir in the minced garlic and diced potatoes. This combination of garlic and potatoes is the foundation of the dish’s flavor. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, making sure to coat everything evenly.

Next, pour in beef or chicken broth, which will help cook the potatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, checking the potatoes for doneness. They should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

Once the potatoes are cooked through, it’s time for the best part—melting the cheese. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the potato and meat mixture. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for about 2-3 minutes. The cheese should be gooey and stretchable, bringing everything together.

Step 4: Serve

Once the cheese has melted and the dish is hot, remove it from the heat. Garnish with fresh, chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Serve this cheesy, meaty, and potato-filled skillet hot and enjoy every bite!

Why This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is Perfect for Busy Nights

Let’s face it: life can get hectic. Between work, school, and other commitments, finding time to make a delicious, comforting dinner can be a challenge. That’s where this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet comes in. It’s not just a meal; it’s a time-saver.

• Minimal Prep Time: With only a few simple ingredients and minimal chopping, this dish is quick to prep.
• One Skillet Cooking: Cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes, making cleanup a breeze.
• Easy to Customize: You can adjust the seasoning, swap the ground beef for turkey, or even add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a nutritional boost.

Nutritional Benefits of One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

While this dish is indulgent, it also offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The ground meat provides a rich source of protein, while the potatoes offer complex carbs that will keep you full for hours. Adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach can make it even more nutritious.

FAQs about One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop until hot, adding a little extra broth or water if needed.

Q2: Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage would work well in this recipe. You can also use plant-based crumbles if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes, you can add your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just toss them in when cooking the potatoes so they cook through.

Q4: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with dairy-free alternatives. Additionally, swap the butter and heavy cream for plant-based versions.

Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, try incorporating a diced jalapeño or more red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Comfort of One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

The One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a flavorful, satisfying, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights or casual family dinners. With its perfect balance of meat, potatoes, and cheese, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Easy to make, quick to clean up, and endlessly customizable, it’s the ultimate one-pan wonder.

Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or add your personal twist, this skillet meal promises to deliver mouthwatering results every time.

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