Description
This hearty skillet recipe combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese into a cozy one pan dinner that feels like classic American comfort food and comes together easily on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
Instructions
- Dice potatoes into even pieces and rinse them briefly under cold water, then pat dry.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet and return the beef to medium heat.
- Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly golden.
- Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then cook until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste if using and mix until it coats the beef evenly.
- Add diced potatoes and mixed vegetables if using, then pour in the beef broth.
- Stir everything together, bring to a gentle simmer, and reduce heat to medium low.
- Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Once the potatoes are soft and most of the liquid is absorbed, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef and potato mixture.
- Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt until bubbly and smooth.
- Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot straight from the skillet, spooning generous portions into bowls or onto plates.
Notes
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes give the best balance of fluffy texture and structure for this recipe.
- Use lean ground beef if you prefer a lighter dish with less excess fat to drain.
- For extra flavor, add Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce along with the seasonings.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of broth to keep the potatoes from drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 110