Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet (30-Minute Weeknight Dinner)

Nothing beats a warm, cheesy skillet meal when you’re short on time but craving comfort. This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet is one of my go-to quick dinner options. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast dinner idea that feels like a home-cooked meal without the stress.

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Quick Snapshot

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Difficulty: Easy

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

• 3 medium potatoes, diced small (skin on or peeled)

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional for extra flavor and color)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)

• ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Toppings: chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Cook the beef (5 minutes): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Transfer cooked beef to a plate.

2. Cook the potatoes (10 minutes): Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Stir in diced potatoes and cook until golden and fork-tender, stirring occasionally.

3. Add aromatics (3 minutes): Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the potatoes. Sauté until softened and fragrant.

4. Season (1 minute): Stir in paprika, oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well.

5. Combine (5 minutes): Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in sour cream and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover with a lid and let the cheese melt until bubbly.

6. Finish (2 minutes): Taste and adjust seasoning. Top with green onions or parsley before serving.

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Tips & Variations

• Protein swaps: Use ground chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage.

• Cheese variations: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepperjack for a spicy kick.

• Make it lighter: Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt, or use sweet potatoes for added nutrition.

• Gluten-free & dairy-free: Skip sour cream and cheese—use dairy-free alternatives.

Storage: Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp side salad or steamed veggies.

• Serve with warm buttered bread or garlic toast for a heartier meal.

• Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or salsa on top for a Tex-Mex twist.

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FAQs

Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the beef with lentils, black beans, or plant-based crumbles.

What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape well, but russets also work if diced small.

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Recipe Card

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Skillet (30-Minute Meal)

• Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 30 min

• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, 3 diced potatoes, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 bell pepper, 1 cup cheddar, ½ cup sour cream, seasonings.

Instructions:

1. Cook beef, remove.

2. Cook potatoes in oil until tender.

3. Add onion, garlic, pepper.

4. Season and stir.

5. Return beef, add sour cream, top with cheese, cover until melty.

6. Garnish & serve.

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This family-favorite weeknight dinner is the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments—