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Loaded Potato Skillet with Beef – Easy 3 Cheese Family Dinner Recipe

loaded potato skillet with beef - featured image

This loaded potato skillet with beef features crispy potatoes, savory ground beef, and a melty trio of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing one-pan dinner that comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Fresh green onions, sliced, for garnish (optional)
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and scrub the potatoes. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes (peeling optional). Dry well with a towel.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced potatoes and cook, stirring every couple of minutes, until golden brown and fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes. Add more oil if needed.
  3. Push potatoes to the edge of the skillet. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the center. Sauté until onions are soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Mix everything together.
  4. Scoot potatoes and onions to the side. Add ground beef to the cleared space. Cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Sprinkle in paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to coat potatoes and beef evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. With heat on low, sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the skillet.
  7. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let sit on low heat for 2–3 minutes, until cheese is melty and bubbling. For extra browning, place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
  8. Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, or cooked bacon if desired. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

For crispier potatoes, let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes between stirs. Shred your own cheese for best melting. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach for variety. If using the broiler, watch closely to avoid burning the cheese. Leftovers reheat well and make a great breakfast with a fried egg on top.

Nutrition

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