Loaded Beef & Potato Skillet (One-Pan Cheesy Comfort)

If you’ve ever wanted a dinner that tastes like the cozy love child of a loaded baked potato and a cheesy beef casserole… this skillet is your new obsession. Crispy golden potatoes, seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions, all bubbling together in one cast iron pan like they were destined to be a team.

This meal hits every comfort-food note: savory, cheesy, hearty, fast, and nearly impossible to stop eating straight from the pan (don’t worry, we’re all guilty).

Ingredients

For the Skillet

• 1 lb ground beef

• 3 cups diced potatoes (small cubes)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 3 green onions, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Seasoning Mix

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream

• Hot sauce

• Fresh parsley

How to Make It

1️⃣ Crisp the Potatoes

Heat oil in your cast iron skillet over medium-high.
Add the diced potatoes and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and beginning to soften.

2️⃣ Cook the Beef

Scoot the potatoes to one side and add the ground beef.
Cook until browned, breaking it apart with your spoon.
Add the onion + garlic and sauté until softened.

3️⃣ Season Everything

Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the beef and potatoes.
Stir to coat everything in those smoky, savory spices.

4️⃣ Make It Cheesy

Turn heat to low and sprinkle cheddar cheese over the entire skillet.
Cover for 2–3 minutes, until melted and gooey.

5️⃣ Finish Like a Pro

Top with sliced green onions.
Serve with sour cream, hot sauce, or fresh herbs.

Serving Ideas

• With eggs for breakfast

• Wrapped in warm tortillas

• Over rice

• As a game-day dip

• Straight out of the pan with a spoon (correct option)

Storage

• Fridge: 3–4 days

• Freezer: 1–2 months

• Reheat: cast iron over medium heat or microwave