One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Weeknights

Elevate Your Dinner with This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Introduction

When you crave a dinner that’s both hearty and hassle-free, nothing beats this One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet. Packed with savory ground meat, tender potatoes, and bubbling melted cheese, this dish delivers maximum comfort and flavor with minimal clean-up. Perfect for busy weeknights or family-style entertaining, it’s a recipe that easily satisfies everyone around the table.

Why This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet Stands Out

This recipe shines thanks to its one-pan simplicity and deep, layered flavors. Browning the meat in the same skillet where potatoes caramelize means every ingredient benefits from the savory pan juices. The creamy melted cheese ties everything together, turning pantry staples into a meal that feels special—without the fuss or a pile of dishes.

Ingredient List for an Unforgettable Skillet Dinner

Just a few simple ingredients transform into a cheesy, savory masterpiece:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 medium onion, diced
3-4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika.
  2. Remove the meat and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, onions, and potatoes. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until the potatoes begin to soften and edges turn golden.
  3. Add bell pepper (if using) and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet, stirring to combine with the potatoes and vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let the cheese melt for 3-5 minutes, or until bubbly and gooey.
  6. Remove from heat and top with chopped parsley. Serve straight from the skillet for a true family-style meal!

Serving Suggestions for a Crowd-Pleaser Skillet

Pair this skillet dish with a crisp green salad or simple steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For extra flair, offer sour cream or hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their servings.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 generous portions. Each serving provides approximately 450-500 calories, depending on meat and cheese choices. It’s a balanced, protein-rich meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Weekly Meal Planning

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is perfect for meal planning! Save and schedule this recipe to your meal rotation, and CookifyAI will combine ingredients across all your planned dinners to streamline your weekly shopping.

Planning Benefits:

  • Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all recipes
  • Sorts shopping lists by grocery store area
  • Ensures you never forget a key ingredient or buy more than needed
  • Makes your meal prep routine more efficient and stress-free

Pro tip: By scheduling your whole week in CookifyAI, your shopping list will adjust as you add or remove recipes—so you’ll know exactly how many potatoes to buy for this dish and any others, reducing waste and saving money.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet (Recap)

Few dinners can match the comfort and convenience of this cheesy, meaty skillet. With minimal prep, one pan, and universally loved flavors, this meal is sure to become a staple on your weekly menu—delivering crowd-pleasing results every time.

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