One-Pan Cheesy Potato And Meat Skillet: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to One-Pan Cheesy Potato And Meat Skillet
This One-Pan Cheesy Potato And Meat Skillet is a delightful dish that brings together hearty ingredients in a simple, comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to for anyone looking to whip up something tasty without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
A Personal Story Behind My One-Pan Cheesy Potato And Meat Skillet Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the table for hearty meals that were both satisfying and simple. This One-Pan Cheesy Potato And Meat Skillet reminds me of those moments, where comfort food brought us together after a long day. I fondly remember my grandmother cooking a similar dish, filling the kitchen with the warm aromas of potatoes and savory beef. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, and now I’m excited to share it with you.
What Makes This One-Pan Cheesy Potato And Meat Skillet Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and the way it combines flavors seamlessly. The combination of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying meal in one skillet. It’s not only convenient but also versatile; you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover ingredients you may have in your fridge!
The Full One-Pan Cheesy Potato And Meat Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1½ lbs potatoes (any kind), cut into ½-inch cubes
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup low sodium beef or chicken broth
- ½ cup tomato sauce (marinara or similar)
- ¼ cup cream (any kind)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure your skillet has a lid that fits well.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until they are light golden and starting to soften. This step helps to ensure a nice texture for the potatoes.
- Stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook and stir until the beef is browned. If there’s excess fat, drain it or soak it up with a paper towel to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Mix in the tomato paste, minced garlic, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously to blend the flavors.
- Pour in the broth, tomato sauce, and cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring often, until the potatoes are tender (this may take some time, but be patient!).
- Once the potatoes are tender, taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. Remove from heat, uncover, and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover the skillet just until the cheese melts, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for One-Pan Cheesy Potato And Meat Skillet
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a twist, consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even corn to the skillet for added nutrition and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese based on your preference; a mix of mozzarella and cheddar offers a delightful taste! For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add jalapeños.
Frequently Asked Questions About One-Pan Cheesy Potato And Meat Skillet
Can I use different meats? Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, you can replace the meat with beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.
How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 350
- Servings: 4
One-Pan Cheesy Potato And Meat Skillet
Equipment
- Large Skillet Must have a lid that fits well.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1.5 pounds potatoes (any kind), cut into ½-inch cubes
- 0.5 medium onion, finely diced
- 0.5 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.75 cup low sodium beef or chicken broth
- 0.5 cup tomato sauce (marinara or similar)
- 0.25 cup cream (any kind)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure your skillet has a lid that fits well.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until they are light golden and starting to soften. This step helps to ensure a nice texture for the potatoes.
- Stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook and stir until the beef is browned. If there's excess fat, drain it or soak it up with a paper towel to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Mix in the tomato paste, minced garlic, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously to blend the flavors.
- Pour in the broth, tomato sauce, and cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring often, until the potatoes are tender (this may take some time, but be patient!).
- Once the potatoes are tender, taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. Remove from heat, uncover, and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover the skillet just until the cheese melts, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.