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Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet – Easy One-Pan Dinner

cheesy ground beef and potato skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring crispy potatoes, juicy ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, comforting meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for potatoes)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Green onions, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and scrub the potatoes (peeling optional). Slice into 1/8-inch rounds. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess starch.
  2. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan. Transfer beef to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet. Layer potato slices in a single layer (overlapping is fine). Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden, then flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until tender.
  5. Return beef to the skillet. Add smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and green onions if desired. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Slice potatoes evenly for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook potatoes in batches if needed. Watch salt as cheese and broth add saltiness. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set. For best results, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded.

Nutrition

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