Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet

$- 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 4 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes - 1 cup onion, finely diced - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped This cheesy meat and potato skillet packs a punch with its main ingredients. You can choose between ground beef or turkey, depending on your taste. The diced potatoes give the dish a hearty feel. Onions add sweetness and depth, while sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully over everything. For seasonings, garlic powder provides a lovely aroma. Smoked paprika adds a hint of warmth and color. Using low-sodium beef broth keeps the dish rich without being too salty. Olive oil helps the onions cook to perfection. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they are key to bringing out the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley gives a pop of green and freshness. It makes the dish look vibrant and inviting. Enjoy creating this easy and hearty meal with these simple yet essential ingredients! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 cup of finely diced onion. Cook the onions for about 3-4 minutes. They should become soft and translucent. Stir them often to avoid burning. This step builds a great base for our dish. Next, add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes. You want the meat to be browned all over. If there is extra fat, drain it. This keeps the dish from being too greasy. Now, stir in 4 medium diced potatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well so the potatoes are coated with the seasonings. Then, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the potatoes are tender. Once the potatoes are soft, remove the lid. Evenly sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Cover the skillet again for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt nicely. You want it to be gooey and delicious. After the cheese has melted, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve the Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet hot, straight from the skillet. Enjoy this hearty meal with a side of crusty bread to soak up those tasty juices. - How to achieve perfectly browned meat: Start with a hot skillet. This helps the meat sear well. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir often for even browning. If you see too much fat, drain it away. - Ensuring potatoes are tender: Cut your potatoes into small cubes. This helps them cook faster. Add them to the skillet with the seasonings. Cover the skillet while they cook. This traps steam and speeds up the cooking. - Adding spices for extra depth: Use smoked paprika for a unique taste. Garlic powder brings warmth and flavor. Feel free to add your favorite spices. Experiment to find what you like best. - Cheese alternatives: While cheddar cheese is great, other cheeses work too. Try Monterey Jack for a creamy twist. Or use pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mix different cheeses for a fun flavor blend. - Best skillets for one-pan meals: A large cast-iron skillet works wonders. It heats evenly and holds heat well. Non-stick skillets are great for easy cleanup. Choose one that is sturdy and safe for high heat. - Useful utensils for preparation: A good spatula helps break apart the meat. A sharp knife makes dicing potatoes easy. Use a cutting board to keep your counters clean. Keep a lid handy for simmering dishes. Pro Tips Choose the Right Meat: For a leaner option, use ground turkey. If you prefer a richer flavor, stick with ground beef, preferably 80/20 for the best balance of taste and juiciness. Prep Potatoes Ahead: To save time, peel and dice the potatoes the night before and store them in water in the fridge to prevent browning. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique flavor twist. Mixing cheeses can also enhance the creaminess. Garnish for Freshness: Always finish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the dish and add a pop of color before serving. {{image_4}} You can switch the ground beef or turkey for chicken or sausage. Chicken gives a lighter taste. Sausage adds a nice kick of flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, try mushrooms or lentils instead. Both options offer a hearty feel without meat. Mushrooms bring umami, while lentils add protein and fiber. If you want a low-carb meal, use cauliflower instead of potatoes. Cauliflower has a similar texture and absorbs flavors well. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheddar cheese. You can use nutritional yeast or cashew cheese for a cheesy taste without dairy. Both options keep the dish creamy and satisfying. Adding vegetables can elevate your dish. Bell peppers or broccoli bring color and nutrition. You can mix them in when you add the potatoes. For extra flavor, try spices like cumin or chili powder. These spices can give your skillet a regional twist. Experimenting with different ingredients allows you to make this dish your own! To store leftovers, let the skillet cool first. Then, scoop the dish into a container. I recommend using an airtight glass or plastic container. These keep the food fresh and tasty. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Always label the container with the date to keep track. If you want to freeze the skillet, let it cool completely. Then, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. Just make sure to squeeze out all the air. For best taste, eat the frozen meal within two to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge. This helps maintain the flavor and texture. To reheat the skillet, use the stovetop or oven. If using the stovetop, heat it in a pan over low heat. Stir often to ensure even warming. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until hot. To avoid soggy potatoes, do not add extra liquid. If the dish seems dry, add a little broth or water. This keeps the potatoes firm and tasty. Enjoy your meal just like when it was fresh! To add some heat, try adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can also use hot sauce or diced jalapeños. If you love spice, think about adding crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder. Adjust the amount based on how much heat you like. Remember to taste as you go! Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the meat and potatoes, then cool them down. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready, just reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Stir in the cheese before serving. This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies. You might also enjoy crusty bread to soak up all the cheesy goodness. For a fun twist, serve it with pickles or a tangy slaw on the side. They add crunch and balance the richness. Absolutely! While cheddar is great, you can mix it up. Try mozzarella for a stretchy melt or gouda for a smoky flavor. A blend of cheeses can add depth. Just remember to use cheese that melts well for the best results! This blog post covered a tasty Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet. You learned about the main ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and cheddar cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions so you can easily make it. We also discussed tips for flavor and health adjustments. Using different proteins or vegetables makes this dish flexible. You can add your twist! Remember, leftovers store well for quick meals. Enjoy your cooking and feel free to experiment with flavors. A delicious, warm meal awaits you!$

Cheesy Meat and Potato Skillet

A hearty and comforting dish featuring ground meat, diced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or turkey
4 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes
1 cup onion, finely diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir frequently for roughly 5-7 minutes until the meat is evenly browned. If there’s excess fat, drain it from the pan to keep the skillet from becoming greasy.
Stir in the diced potatoes along with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings for maximum flavor.
Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to a soft simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Replace the lid and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese becomes beautifully melted and gooey.
After the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, straight from the skillet for a cozy and hearty meal.

Notes

Serve this cheesy skillet with a side of crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices!

Keyword cheesy, meat, potatoes, skillet