Print

Best Kid-Approved Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

cheesy ground beef and potato skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-skillet meal featuring ground beef, crispy potatoes, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this budget-friendly recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is sure to please even picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup beef broth
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prep the potatoes and onion. Wash and dice potatoes into ½-inch cubes (no need to peel). Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
  2. Brown the ground beef. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with half the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Transfer beef to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Cook the potatoes. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add diced potatoes and onions, spreading into an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to get crispy edges, then stir and cook for another 5–6 minutes until tender and browned. Add a splash of beef broth if the pan looks dry.
  4. Add garlic and seasonings. Stir in minced garlic, remaining salt, pepper, oregano, and any extra smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Combine everything. Return cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in beef broth and stir. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Add the cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and reduce heat to low. Let sit for 2–3 minutes until cheese is fully melted and gooey. For a browned top, broil for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Rest and serve. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese (pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that affect melting). Let potatoes cook undisturbed for crispy edges. If using leaner ground meat, add extra oil. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat well in a skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ground beef and potato skillet, one skillet meal, quick dinner, family dinner, budget-friendly, kid-approved, ground beef recipe, potato skillet

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/best-kid-approved-cheesy-ground-beef-and-potato-skillet/