Getting dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor is a real win, and that’s exactly what this Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe delivers. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both hearty and cheesy, perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without a fuss.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy ground beef mixed with small orange bits, likely shredded cheese, all coated in a thick light gray sauce. The mixture has a chunky texture with visible bits of meat and cheese spread throughout. A wooden spatula with a cream-colored head is resting inside the bowl, partially covered with the creamy mixture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe more times than I can count because it’s simply dependable and comforting. There’s something about tender potatoes soaking up all that savory beef and tomato flavor, topped off with melty cheese—it’s my go-to when I want an easy crowd-pleaser.

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time and cleanup.
Balanced Comfort Food: Starchy potatoes and lean beef create a filling yet not too heavy meal.
Flavorful and Flexible: The seasonings and tomato paste pack a punch, but you can easily tweak it.
Cheesy Goodness: That melting mozzarella or cheddar gives a luscious finish you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances humble ingredients that you probably have on hand, turning simple potatoes and ground beef into a cozy, flavorful dish. Each element brings something special to the skillet, and picking the right kind of potatoes can really make a difference.

Flat lay of cubed red-skinned potatoes, a small white bowl of golden oil, finely diced half medium onion, finely diced half green bell pepper, a portion of lean ground beef in a simple white ceramic plate, two whole cloves of garlic, a small white bowl of bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl of mixed dried Italian herbs and seasoning salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper and red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of rich beef broth, a small white bowl of smooth tomato sauce, a small white bowl of creamy white cream, a mound of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a small bunch of fresh chopped parsley placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Potatoes: I prefer Yukon Gold or red-skinned potatoes because they hold their shape well but also soften enough to absorb flavors.
Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These add a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch that complement the meat perfectly.
Lean Ground Beef: Using lean beef keeps the dish from getting too greasy, while still offering that classic meaty taste.
Tomato Paste & Tomato Sauce: These create a rich, savory base that ties everything together with a slightly tangy sweetness.
Seasonings (Italian seasoning, ground mustard, seasoning salt, pepper, red pepper flakes): This blend adds depth and a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Broth and Cream: The broth helps everything simmer into tenderness, while the cream adds a silky, slightly luxurious touch.
Shredded Cheese: Mozzarella or cheddar melts beautifully over the top, creating that irresistible gooey layer.
Fresh Parsley or Green Onions: A fresh herb garnish brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe is so versatile—feel free to swap in what you like or have around. Personally, I love adding a handful of frozen corn or diced mushrooms sometimes, just to mix up the textures and flavors.

Variation: One time, I replaced the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner meal, and it was just as satisfying—plus the spices really helped keep it flavorful.
Add Veggies: Toss in extra diced veggies like zucchini or carrots if you want a veggie boost without the extra fuss.
Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for some smoky heat that wakes up the dish.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the cream and cheese for coconut milk and vegan cheese to keep the creaminess without dairy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe

A square piece of casserole sits on a white plate with a silver fork beside it. The dish has three main layers: the bottom layer is a brown ground meat with a slightly crumbly texture, the middle layer shows pale yellow potato pieces mixed with bits of red pepper, and the top layer is a golden melted cheese with some small browned patches. Fresh green parsley is sprinkled over the top, adding a touch of color. In the background, there is a piece of sliced bread and a yellow cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crisp and Soften the Potatoes

I heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet and toss in the cubed potatoes. The key here is to cook them long enough until they’re golden on the outside and just tender when pierced with a fork—usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir every few minutes so they brown evenly but don’t mush up. If you want to shave off time, microwaving the potatoes for 3-4 minutes beforehand works well too, just don’t let them get too soft.

Step 2: Cook the Beef with Veggies and Seasonings

Once the potatoes are almost there, I add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and the ground beef right into the same skillet. Breaking up the beef and browning it well gives the dish that depth of flavor. Next, stir in tomato paste, minced garlic, and all the seasonings—Italian seasoning, ground mustard, seasoning salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cooking this together helps the tomato paste mellow and infuses the beef with a rich, savory base.

Step 3: Simmer with Sauces Until Perfectly Tender

I pour in the broth, tomato sauce, and cream, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Covering the skillet and letting it cook for about 10-15 minutes softens the potatoes completely and lets the flavors meld. This step is where the magic happens—the sauce thickens slightly, the potatoes soak up all that goodness, and the beef stays tender and juicy.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Finish with Fresh Herbs

Finally, I sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the skillet. Cover it for a few minutes just to let the cheese melt into bubbly, gooey perfection. Before serving, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions adds a lovely fresh note that cuts through the richness. Trust me, this finishing touch makes all the difference.

Top Tip

After cooking this dish a bunch of times, I’ve discovered a few little tricks that really elevate it. These tips ensure your skillet comes out perfect and save you some troubleshooting in the kitchen.

Potato Prep: Par-cook your potatoes in the microwave if you’re tight on time—just don’t overcook or they’ll turn to mush in the skillet.
Don’t Rush Browning: Let the beef develop a nice crust instead of stirring constantly; this builds flavor and texture that lifts the whole dish.
Cheese Coverage: Use a thick layer of cheese and cover the pan to melt it perfectly—less time with the lid off means the sauce stays creamy.
Fresh Garnish: Always add fresh herbs last to keep their brightness and avoid wilted greenery that loses impact.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe

The dish is shown in a white round pot placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is made of cooked ground meat mixed with visible chunks of orange carrots and yellow potato pieces, with a slightly thick brown sauce surrounding them. On top of this meat and vegetable layer, there is a layer of thinly sliced potatoes arranged evenly, the surface of which is covered with melted cheese that is golden brown in some spots, showing a bubbly and lightly toasted texture. The cheese is sprinkled with small bits of fresh green herbs, adding a pop of color against the warm browns and yellows photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top mine with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions—it adds a fresh, vibrant touch against all that cheesy richness. Sometimes a little sprinkle of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes can ramp up the flavor, too.

Side Dishes

Because the skillet is pretty complete, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or simple steamed broccoli to balance the richness. A crusty piece of bread on the side for soaking up any extra sauce is always a plus in my book.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this skillet topped with a sunny-side-up egg or dollops of tangy sour cream. It also looks festive when garnished with colorful bell pepper strips or a sprinkle of chopped chives for a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they keep well for up to 3 days, making great next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe, do so before adding the cheese topping. Freeze in portion-sized containers, and when you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh cheese during reheating for melty goodness.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet on low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, covering the pan to warm it through without drying out. Then, top with cheese and cover again for a minute or two so it melts fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of potatoes in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold up best, you can use Russets too, but they may get a bit softer. If you want firmer texture, just cut the cubes a little larger or soften them less before adding to the skillet.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils and mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Adjust seasonings as needed to maintain that rich, savory flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This dish reheats well and keeps its flavor and texture. Simply store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding cheese fresh each time to keep it melty.

How spicy is the Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe?

The recipe has a mild heat thanks to just a small pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer it spicier, you can easily add more or include chili powder or hot sauce to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Recipe has been my reliable weeknight hero—so quick, satisfying, and delicious. If you’re looking for hearty comfort food that doesn’t require a ton of effort or fancy ingredients, I can’t recommend this enough. Give it a try, and soon it'll become your own kitchen classic too.