Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet

$- Ground meat options: beef or turkey - Vegetables: potatoes and onions - Cheese selection: shredded cheddar - Seasoning essentials: garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper When making Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet, you need simple but tasty ingredients. Start with ground meat. You can use either beef or turkey. I often choose turkey for a lighter meal, but beef adds a rich flavor. Next, you need vegetables. Four medium potatoes work best. Dice them into small cubes. This helps them cook faster. You also need one cup of diced onions. They add sweetness and depth. Cheese is key to this dish. I prefer two cups of shredded cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and gives that rich, cheesy flavor. Don’t forget seasonings. You’ll need garlic powder and paprika for warmth. Salt and pepper add balance. These little touches make a big difference in taste. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a comforting, cheesy meal that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to prepare your ingredients. Start by dicing the potatoes into small cubes. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Next, dice the onion. The onion adds flavor and sweetness to the dish. Now, let's measure the seasonings and cheese. You will need 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste. Finally, measure out 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This cheesy goodness will melt and create a rich topping. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onions until they turn translucent, around 3-4 minutes. This step brings out their sweet flavor. Next, add in 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 5-7 minutes. If there's excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish from being greasy. Now, stir in the diced potatoes along with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to coat the potatoes with all the seasonings. This adds depth to the flavor. Pour 1 cup of beef broth into the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender. This step allows the potatoes to soak up all the tasty flavors. Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the lid. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes. This will give the cheese time to melt and become gooey. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal hot and cheesy! - To brown meat well, use medium heat. This helps it cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan. This can cause steaming instead of browning. - For tender potatoes, cut them evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate. Simmer them until fork-tender but not mushy. - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. This can boost flavor without overpowering. - Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary can brighten the dish. Add them near the end for the best taste. - This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad. The crunch adds contrast to the creamy skillet. - Try serving it in bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. This makes for a fun and interactive meal. Pro Tips Choose the Right Meat: Use ground turkey for a leaner option, or stick with ground beef for a richer flavor. Perfect Potato Prep: Dicing the potatoes into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly and are tender throughout. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a flavor twist. Add More Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color in your dish. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the ground beef or turkey for chicken or sausage. Both options add unique flavors. Chicken gives a lighter taste, while sausage adds spice. If you're vegetarian, try using plant-based meat. It works well and keeps the dish hearty. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but feel free to explore other types. Try mozzarella for a stretchy melt or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also add creamy elements like sour cream. It makes the dish rich and tangy. Don’t stop at potatoes and onions! Add bell peppers for sweetness or green beans for crunch. You can also use seasonal veggies like zucchini or spinach. These additions boost flavor and nutrition, making your meal even better. After you enjoy your cheesy meat and potato skillet, let it cool first. Place it in a sealed container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat leftovers, the best way is to use the stove. Heat it in a pan over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel. This helps keep the cheese creamy and tasty. Avoid high heat, as it can make the potatoes tough. To freeze the dish, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This keeps the flavors strong and the texture nice. This dish takes about 40 minutes in total. You need 10 minutes to prep. Then, it takes about 30 minutes to cook. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 30 minutes - Sauté onions: 3-4 minutes - Brown meat: 5-7 minutes - Cook potatoes: 15-20 minutes - Melt cheese: 3-5 minutes Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. It's great for meal prep! Cook it as directed and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Each option will change the flavor slightly. Chicken broth gives a lighter taste, while vegetable broth adds a nice richness. You can also use water mixed with seasoning if broth is not available. In this post, we've explored how to make a tasty Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet. We covered the main ingredients like ground meat, potatoes, and cheese. I shared simple steps for preparing and cooking the dish. You also learned helpful tips for flavor and serving ideas. Remember, you can customize this meal with different proteins and veggies. It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to adapt. Enjoy perfecting your version and sharing it with others!$

Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet

A hearty skillet dish featuring ground meat, diced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese.

Print Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or turkey
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the diced potatoes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the potatoes with the seasonings.
Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dish. Cover again and let it sit until the cheese has melted, about 3-5 minutes.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.

Keyword cheesy, meat, potatoes, skillet