Cheesy Hamburger Potato Skillet

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Continuing our focus on effortless, one-skillet meals, a Cheesy Hamburger Potato Skillet is the ultimate hearty comfort food. It combines seasoned ground beef, tender skillet-browned potatoes, and a rich layer of melted cheese into a satisfying, family-friendly dinner cooked entirely in one pan.

Using raw, thinly sliced potatoes right in the skillet allows them to absorb the savory juices and spices as they cook, creating an incredible depth of flavor without needing to boil them first.
Here is how to make a classic, foolproof version from scratch in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (lean 85/15 or 90/10 works best)
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes), washed and sliced into thin, 1/4-inch rounds or small bite-sized cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper (red or green), diced (optional, for extra flavor and color)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (plus extra to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (or warm water)
  • 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of Cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics (8 Minutes)

  1. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent (about 6 to 8 minutes).
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet, leaving just a touch of fat to cook the potatoes.

Step 2: Season and Layer the Potatoes

  1. Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder directly over the beef and stir to distribute evenly.
  2. Add the diced bell pepper and the thinly sliced potatoes to the skillet, tossing gently to mix the potatoes into the meat and coat them in the pan seasonings.

Step 3: Steam the Potatoes to Tender Perfection

  1. Pour the 1/2 cup of beef broth into the bottom of the skillet. The broth creates the necessary steam to cook the potatoes through while preventing the bottom from burning.
  2. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
  3. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring gently once or twice halfway through, until the potatoes are fork-tender and have absorbed the flavorful liquid.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Serve

  1. Remove the lid. If there is still a small amount of liquid at the bottom, let it bubble uncovered for 1 to 2 minutes until it reduces.
  2. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the entire top of the meat and potato mixture.
  3. Cover the skillet with the lid for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and gooey.
  4. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley, and serve hot directly from the skillet!

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