Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 3 medium yellow or russet potatoes, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced (optional); 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend); 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is a one-pan wonder that’s hearty, comforting, and loaded with savory flavor. With tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese in every bite, it’s a quick and filling dinner I love turning to when I want something easy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s everything I need in a meal—meat, potatoes, cheese, and veggies—all in one skillet. It’s easy to throw together with pantry staples, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy nights. The cheesy topping melts into the beef and potatoes, making it cozy and crowd-pleasing with minimal cleanup.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Yellow or russet potatoes, diced
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Bell pepper, diced (optional)
Paprika
Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend)
Olive oil or butter
Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

directions

I heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil or butter.
I sauté the diced potatoes for 8–10 minutes until they’re golden and tender, stirring occasionally. I remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, I cook the ground beef with the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper until the beef is browned and the veggies are soft. I drain any excess grease.
I stir in the seasonings—paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper—then return the potatoes to the skillet.
I mix everything together and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.
I sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
I garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook. It’s on the table in about 35–40 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Variations

Sometimes I add frozen corn or peas for extra color and sweetness. I’ve used taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs for a Tex-Mex twist, and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Ground turkey or chicken also works well if I want a lighter option.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. It also makes a great filling for wraps or stuffed peppers the next day.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, I’ve used frozen diced hash browns in a pinch. I cook them until golden before adding the beef.

What kind of cheese works best?

I love using sharp cheddar, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses all melt beautifully and add great flavor.

Do I need to boil the potatoes first?

Nope! I just dice them small and cook them right in the skillet until tender. It saves time and keeps cleanup easy.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, I cook everything through, then reheat and add the cheese just before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with it?

This skillet is a full meal on its own, but I sometimes serve it with a side salad, steamed broccoli, or a dollop of sour cream.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is pure comfort in one pan—savory, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s quick to make, easy to clean up, and always hits the spot. Whether I’m feeding my family or just looking for a satisfying dinner with leftovers for lunch, this recipe is always a winner.