Cheesy Loaded Beef & Potato Skillet – One-Pan Magic!

There’s nothing quite like a one-pan meal that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of indulgence — and this Cheesy Loaded Beef & Potato Skillet does exactly that.

Crispy golden potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese all come together in one skillet, finished with a cool drizzle of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions.

It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade and filling without the fuss.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepared in under an hour.

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Recipe Highlights

This recipe combines all your favorite comfort food flavors into one skillet. The crispy potatoes soak up the rich juices from the seasoned beef, while melted cheddar adds the perfect creamy contrast.

It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that looks and tastes like it took hours — but it’s ready in less than 40 minutes.

Highlights:

• Crispy golden potatoes meet juicy ground beef
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• Loaded with melty cheddar and sour cream drizzle
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• One-skillet recipe = easy cleanup
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• Ready in under 40 minutes
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• Perfect comfort food for weeknights or casual gatherings

How to Make My Cheesy Loaded Beef & Potato Skillet

1. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Drizzle with sour cream, sprinkle chopped green onions, and serve hot straight from the skillet.
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2. Cook the Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
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3. Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
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4. Combine and Layer: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine with the beef. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.

Hearty Ingredients for a Comforting Meal

This Cheesy Loaded Beef & Potato Skillet is a delightful combination of hearty ingredients that come together to create a satisfying dish.

At the heart of this recipe is 1 pound of ground beef (80/20), which provides a rich flavor and juicy texture.

Alongside the beef, 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces, add a comforting starchy element.

To enhance the flavor, a medium yellow onion, diced, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced, bring aromatic depth to the skillet.

For that cheesy goodness, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese melt beautifully over the top, creating a luscious finish.

Finally, a touch of sour cream and chopped green onions elevate the dish with creaminess and freshness, making each bite truly enjoyable.

Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef (1 pound): Use 80/20 beef for a flavorful, juicy result that crisps nicely in the skillet.
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• Potatoes (3 medium, diced): Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best — they crisp beautifully and stay fluffy inside.
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• Onion (1 medium yellow): Adds sweetness and depth to the beef.
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• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the savory flavor of the dish.
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• Cheddar Cheese (2 cups shredded): Melts into a rich, gooey layer — sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast.
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• Sour Cream (½ cup): Drizzled on top for a creamy tang that balances the richness.
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• Green Onions (¼ cup chopped): Fresh garnish for color and crunch.
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• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps crisp the potatoes evenly.
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• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and mild smokiness.
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• Salt (1 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Bring all the flavors together.
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• Optional: A drizzle of BBQ sauce or hot sauce for extra kick.

Cooking Method: Simple and Efficient

This skillet meal is designed for efficiency, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.

If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Next, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Then, add the diced Yukon Gold potatoes along with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.

Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.

Cheesy Finish: Melting Goodness

Once the potatoes are cooked, it’s time to add the star of the show: the cheese.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese along with ½ cup of sour cream.

Mix until everything is melted and creamy, creating a rich and inviting texture.

This step is crucial for achieving that gooey, cheesy finish that makes this dish so irresistible.

Garnishing for Presentation

After removing the skillet from the heat, it’s time to add the finishing touches.

Sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a nice crunch that complements the creamy texture of the dish.

Serving this meal in a cast-iron skillet on a rustic wooden table creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Cheesy Loaded Beef & Potato Skillet is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it can also be paired with a few sides for a more rounded meal.

• A cold beer, iced tea, or sparkling lemonade
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• A crisp side salad or coleslaw
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• Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
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• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or served at a gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Nutritional Information

This dish serves 4 and is packed with flavor and nutrition.

Each serving contains approximately 520 calories, with 35g of fat and 30g of protein, making it a filling option for any meal.

With 30g of carbohydrates, it provides a good source of energy, perfect for those busy days.

Enjoy this comforting skillet meal knowing it’s not only delicious but also satisfying and nourishing.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Loaded Beef & Potato Skillet

For crispy potatoes, don’t overcrowd the skillet — let them sear undisturbed for a few minutes at a time.

Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melt and texture (pre-shredded can clump). For extra richness, top with cooked bacon bits before serving.

You can also swap the beef for ground turkey or sausage for variety.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results, or use a microwave in 30-second bursts.

Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese when reheating for extra creaminess.