Introduction
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is an easy, hearty dinner made with browned ground beef, tender golden potatoes, garlic, herbs, and plenty of melted cheese.
Everything cooks in one skillet, making it a great weeknight meal when you want something filling without a lot of cleanup. The potatoes soak up the savory beef flavor while the cheese melts over the top and brings the whole dish together.
Why This Recipe Is Popular
Ground beef and potatoes are inexpensive, satisfying, and easy to cook.
This recipe also has the advantage of being a complete meal in one pan. You get protein, potatoes, seasoning, and cheese all together, and you can easily add onions, peppers, or other vegetables.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1½ pounds ground beef
1½ pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into chunks
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional
Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes and cut them into bite-size chunks.
Try to keep the pieces fairly even so they cook at the same rate.
If using Yukon Gold potatoes, you can leave the skins on.
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef.
Break it into crumbles and cook until browned.
Add the diced onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Transfer the beef mixture temporarily to a plate.
Cook the Potatoes
Add olive oil to the same skillet.
Add the potato chunks.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to brown.
Pour in the beef broth.
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook for another 8–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Combine Everything
Return the ground beef mixture to the skillet.
Add the Worcestershire sauce.
Stir gently so the beef and potatoes are evenly combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the skillet for about 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
For extra browning, place the oven-safe skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Finish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Best Results
Cut the potatoes into similar-size pieces.
Do not overcrowd the skillet while browning.
Use a wide skillet so the potatoes have enough contact with the hot surface.
Drain excess beef grease if there is too much.
Add the cheese only after the potatoes are fully tender.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
Flavor Variations
For Garlic Parmesan Beef and Potatoes, add Parmesan and extra garlic.
For Spicy Beef and Potatoes, add cayenne, jalapeños, or crushed red pepper.
For Bacon Cheeseburger Potatoes, add cooked crumbled bacon and cheddar.
For Mushroom Beef and Potatoes, sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions.
For Loaded Potato Skillet, top with sour cream, green onions, and extra cheese.
How to Serve
This dish is filling enough to serve on its own.
It also pairs well with:
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Garden salad
- Corn
- Roasted vegetables
- Dinner rolls
A little hot sauce or sour cream on top also works very well.
Meal Prep and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
Add a small splash of beef broth when reheating if the potatoes seem dry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not cut the potatoes too large.
Avoid adding the cheese before the potatoes are tender.
Do not leave too much grease in the pan.
Avoid stirring the potatoes constantly while browning because they need time against the hot skillet to develop color.
Frequently Asked Questions
What potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold and red potatoes hold their shape well and have a creamy texture.
Can I use cheddar?
Yes. Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a combination all work.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli are all good additions.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey can replace the beef.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes. After browning the beef and partially cooking the potatoes, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is simple, filling, and packed with classic comfort-food flavor.
Brown the beef well, cook the potatoes until golden and tender, then finish everything with a generous layer of melted cheese for an easy family dinner.