If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings together simple ingredients in an unforgettable way, the Ground Beef and Potato Skillet with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines savory ground beef seasoned to perfection with tender potatoes, all topped with melty sharp cheddar and fresh green onions for a burst of flavor and color. It’s a warm, filling skillet meal that feels like a big, flavorful hug—easy to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in delivering that rich, soulful taste and satisfying texture. From the earthy russet potatoes to the sharp cheddar, every component comes together beautifully to create a well-balanced, colorful dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to savor.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a lovely depth and helps brown the beef perfectly without sticking.
- Ground beef (90/10): Lean enough to keep it from being greasy but still juicy and flavorful.
- Yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and a subtle bite to balance the richness of the beef.
- Garlic cloves, roughly chopped: Infuses the skillet with aromatic warmth that elevates every bite.
- Green bell pepper, finely chopped: Adds freshness and a little crunch, brightening up the dish.
- Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky sweetness that makes this skillet special.
- Dried oregano: Brings a subtle herbaceous note that complements the meat and potatoes.
- Onion powder: Reinforces the savory depth without taking over.
- Tomato paste: Adds a rich, umami-packed base to the sauce, tying everything together.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a gentle sharpness that balances the creamy cheese and meaty base.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives a tangy, complex punch that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Chicken stock: Keeps the potatoes moist and helps create a luscious sauce.
- Russet potato, peeled and cut: The star starch of the dish; it soaks up all the meaty goodness while staying tender.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, grated: Melts into a gooey, tangy topping that makes every forkful irresistible.
- Green onions, thinly sliced: Adds a fresh pop of color and a mild onion bite for contrast.
- Sour cream (optional): A creamy, cool counterpoint that pairs perfectly with the warm skillet flavors.
- Hot sauce (optional): For those who love a kick and want to add a little heat.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potato Skillet with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Cook the beef, onion, garlic, and pepper
Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef along with the diced yellow onion, chopped garlic, and finely chopped green bell pepper. Breaking up the meat gently with a wooden spoon, cook everything together until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown and the onion softens, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step builds the foundational savory flavor you’ll love.
Step 2: Add the potatoes and build the sauce
Sprinkle in the kosher salt, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and onion powder. Then stir in the tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring all those bold flavors coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Pour in the chicken stock and stir in the peeled, diced russet potatoes. Turn the heat up to high to bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let everything cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has nearly evaporated—this should take about 20 minutes. This part transforms the dish into a hearty, satisfying one-pan meal.
Step 3: Add cheese and melt
Once the potatoes are just right and most of the liquid is gone, remove the skillet from the heat. Generously sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let the skillet sit for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a luscious, gooey blanket.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Finally, scatter thinly sliced green onions across the cheesy surface. This final touch adds a burst of color and a fresh, crisp bite against the creamy texture.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potato Skillet with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a dollop of sour cream on top brings a velvety creaminess that balances the smoky, savory flavors. For a little heat, drizzle your favorite hot sauce, which cuts through the richness beautifully. A sprinkle of extra fresh green onions or even a handful of chopped fresh parsley can add a lively freshness that makes the dish pop.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add something extra, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint. Roasted or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans also pair nicely, providing a pleasant crunch and color contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Ground Beef and Potato Skillet with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe right from the pan for a rustic, homestyle vibe that invites everyone to dig in. For a family-style dinner, scoop generous portions onto warm plates and garnish individually. Alternatively, spoon it into baked bell peppers or sweet potatoes for a fun twist that’s perfect for entertaining or lunch leftovers with a little flare.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This skillet keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor. The potatoes soak up the sauce, making every bite still luscious after refrigeration.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the cooled skillet into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date so you can enjoy this comforting meal anytime you need a quick and hearty fix.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce. Cover and warm until heated through, then stir in a little extra cheese if you want to revive that melty magic before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes work great because they absorb flavors and cook quickly, you can substitute Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the potato’s texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this skillet is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or a certified variety. Always double-check labels to be safe.
Can I swap ground beef for another protein?
Certainly! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version, though the flavor profile will be a bit lighter. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tempeh or mushrooms and adjust seasonings to taste.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
No worries! Regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder can substitute, but smoked paprika really adds that unique depth and warmth that makes this recipe shine.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe itself has a mild warmth from the smoked paprika but isn’t spicy. Feel free to add hot sauce or chili flakes if you want more heat to suit your palate.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the comforting layers in the Ground Beef and Potato Skillet with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe— it’s like a warm embrace on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe delivers big on flavor and heart. Trust me, once you try it, this skillet will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for family and friends to ask for again and again.
Print
Ground Beef and Potato Skillet with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful ground beef and potatoes skillet dish seasoned with smoked paprika, oregano, and a savory tomato-based sauce. This comforting meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and fresh green onions, served optionally with sour cream and hot sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
- ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it glistens. Add the ground beef, diced onion, chopped garlic, and green bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and the onion has softened, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add the potatoes and sauce: Stir in the kosher salt, smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in the chicken stock and add the peeled and diced potatoes. Stir everything to combine well. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer until potatoes are tender: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
- Add cheese and melt: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and let it sit for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese has melted completely.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm with optional sour cream and hot sauce on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- Use 90/10 ground beef to reduce excess fat but retain flavor.
- Adjust smoked paprika quantity for desired smokiness and heat level.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable stock.
- Make sure potatoes are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of chicken stock if the mixture becomes dry.
