This Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. With tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a comfort food favorite that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Start by washing and thinly slicing the potatoes. It’s important to slice them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced potatoes in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Once done, remove the potatoes and set them aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue to cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Season the beef with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Combine Potatoes and Beef:
- Once the beef is fully cooked, return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Gently stir to combine the potatoes with the beef mixture. Make sure the potatoes are well distributed throughout the skillet.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef and potato mixture. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the cheese to melt, which should take about 5 minutes. The cheese should be gooey and cover the entire dish.
- Serve:
- Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy! This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Skillet Meal:
- Evenly Sliced Potatoes:
- Use a mandoline slicer to get perfectly even slices. This ensures they cook at the same rate and get that nice, crispy texture.
- Cheese Variations:
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses can add unique flavors to the dish.
- Seasoning Adjustments:
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can give the dish a little kick if you like it spicy.
- Vegetable Add-ins:
- You can easily add other vegetables to this dish. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would make great additions. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the beef.
- Make-Ahead:
- This dish can be prepped ahead of time. Cook the potatoes and beef separately, then combine and refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat in the skillet and add the cheese.
Variations:
- Tex-Mex Style:
- Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies to the beef mixture. Use a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese, and garnish with sliced jalapeños and cilantro.
- Italian Style:
- Add a can of diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the beef. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil.
- Vegetarian Option:
- Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Ensure you adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Breakfast Skillet:
- Add scrambled eggs to the beef and potato mixture. Top with cheese and serve with a side of toast for a hearty breakfast.
This Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of crispy potatoes, flavorful beef, and melted cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the versatility of the recipe allows you to customize it to your liking. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the hearty flavors and the simplicity of a one-skillet meal!
