Cheeseburger Potato Skillet (One-Pan Dinner)

Ground beef, potatoes, onions, and melted cheese in a skillet

A hearty one-pan dinner with ground beef, tender potatoes, cheddar, and familiar cheeseburger flavors. No hamburger buns needed.

This is the kind of dinner that belongs in a big skillet in the middle of the table. Tender potatoes, saucy beef, and melted cheddar make a very good case for seconds.

Cheeseburger Potato Skillet

  • Servings: 4 servings
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A hearty one-pan dinner with ground beef, tender potatoes, cheddar, and familiar cheeseburger flavors. No hamburger buns needed.


Ground beef, potatoes, onions, and melted cheese in a skillet

Prep:
Cook:
Total:

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, as needed
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth, plus a splash more if needed
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced, optional


Directions

  1. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles, until fully cooked to 160°F. Transfer to a bowl. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the skillet; drain excess or add olive oil if the pan is dry.
  2. Add the potatoes and onion. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper and stir for 30 seconds.
  3. Add the broth, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 12–18 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender. Add a splash of broth if the pan dries before they soften.
  4. Return the beef and its juices to the skillet. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes to heat through and reduce excess liquid.
  5. Sprinkle with cheddar. Cover over low heat for 1–2 minutes, just until melted. Scatter with green onions if using and serve.


Before you start

Use a Cuisinart 5.5-quart stainless sauté pan with a lid so the potatoes have room to cook. A silicone spatula helps break up the beef and scrape the flavorful bits from the pan.

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The little details that make dinner easier

The potatoes set the pace. Aim for even ½-inch cubes, and test a few with a fork before adding the beef back. If they are still firm and the pan looks dry, add a splash of broth and keep cooking with the lid on.

Add the crunch at the table. Chopped dill pickles or a simple green salad bring a fresh bite alongside all that cheddar. The toppings can be everyone’s own little project.

A serving of cheeseburger potato skillet with ground beef, potatoes, onions, and melted cheese on a white plate
Cheeseburger potato skillet, ready to serve.

Tips and recipe notes

  • Cut the potatoes evenly; larger pieces need more cooking time.
  • Keep the pan covered while the potatoes soften, then uncover if extra liquid remains.
  • Optional serving additions: chopped dill pickles or a green salad. These are not included in the base recipe.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate promptly in shallow containers for up to 3–4 days. Reheat covered with a small splash of broth until the center reaches 165°F. The potatoes are best freshly cooked but leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

More recipes to try

Big Mac Tacos/Burritos · Midwest Mostaccioli Casserole · Best Coleslaw

Food-safety references

USDA leftovers guidance

One less dinner decision

Want a little help with the rest of the week? Get my free 5 Dinners. One Less Decision. guide, with five dinner ideas, recipe links, and a printable grocery checklist. Enter your email and confirm your subscription to receive the guide in your welcome email. Free to join; unsubscribe anytime.

Still deciding what to cook? Browse 5 Easy Ground Beef Dinners for When You’re Out of Ideas.

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  1. […] another ground-beef dinner? The Cheeseburger Potato Skillet brings beef, potatoes, and cheddar together in one […]

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