Name: One-Pan Cheesy Potato Meat Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or any ground meat of your choice); 3 cups sliced potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes); 1 cup chopped onions; 1 cup bell pepper, chopped (any color); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or preferred blend); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate all-in-one meal—protein, veggies, and carbs all in a single skillet. The ingredients are basic, but the flavor is anything but. It’s also endlessly customizable, so I can switch up the meat or vegetables based on what I have in the fridge. And since it’s made in one pan, I don’t have to spend my evening washing dishes.

Ingredients

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

1 pound ground beef (or your choice of ground meat)
3 cups sliced potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes)
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup bell pepper, chopped (any color)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. If there’s too much grease, I drain off the excess.

Next, I stir in the chopped onions, bell pepper, and garlic. I let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Then I add the sliced potatoes and season with paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano. I stir well to coat the potatoes with all those spices.

I reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes. I stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to make sure the potatoes cook evenly.

Once the potatoes are tender, I sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet again, and cook for another 2–3 minutes—just until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.

To finish, I sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve it hot right out of the pan.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage, depending on what I have. I’ve also added extras like corn, black beans, or mushrooms to bulk it up even more. For a spicier version, I add red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. And when I want to make it feel a little more like breakfast, I top it with a fried egg.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I warm it on the stove over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. It also reheats well in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I’ve made this a day in advance and simply reheated it in the skillet. I just wait to add the cheese until I’m reheating so it’s fresh and melty.

What type of potatoes work best?

I like using Yukon Golds or red potatoes because they hold their shape well and don’t get mushy, but russets work too if that’s what I have.

Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?

Absolutely. If I have leftover roasted or boiled potatoes, I slice them up and add them after the veggies are cooked. It cuts the cooking time down to about 10 minutes.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, I just skip the meat and load it up with more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or beans. The flavor is still amazing, especially with the spices and cheese.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar is my go-to, but I’ve used mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of whatever I have in the fridge. Any melty cheese works great.

Conclusion

One-Pan Cheesy Potato Meat Skillet is one of those recipes I keep coming back to. It’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor, and I love how simple it is to throw together in a single pan. Whether I’m feeding the family or just making something cozy for myself, this dish always hits the spot.