Chili Cheese Potato Skillet

Name: Chili Cheese Potato Skillet (One-Pan)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 large yellow onion, diced; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles; 1 (15 oz) can chili beans; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped chives, for garnish; Sour cream, for serving; Pickled jalapeños, for serving

This Chili Cheese Potato Skillet combines crispy cubed potatoes, seasoned ground beef chili, and melted cheese in one cast-iron pan. It's a quick, filling weeknight meal that comes together in a single skillet with minimal cleanup.

🌍American 🏷️Chili cheese potatoes 🏷️Skillet dinner 🏷️Ground beef 🏷️Weeknight meal Comfort food

🏷️

🏷️Cheesy

-0:00

cookinginthemidwestonTikTok

Total

35 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$29–$48

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by cookinginthemidwest

-0:00

cookinginthemidwestonTikTok

Ingredients

2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 lb ground beef
1/2 large yellow onion, diced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 (15 oz) can chili beans
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped chives, for garnishoptional
Sour cream, for servingoptional
Pickled jalapeños, for servingoptional

16 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Peel and cube the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
3
Place the seasoned potatoes in an air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
4
While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
5
Stir in the chili powder, minced garlic, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and chili beans. Let the mixture simmer until heated through and the beef is fully cooked.
6
Once the potatoes are crispy, add them to the skillet with the chili mixture and stir to combine.
7
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet.
8
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 2-3 minutes, or just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped chives, and serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream and pickled jalapeños.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cut potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes so they cook evenly and crisp at the same rate.
Don't stir the potatoes constantly; let them sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes between stirs to develop a golden crust.
Brown the ground beef fully and drain excess fat before adding spices to prevent a greasy final dish.
Add cheese in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking and cover the skillet to trap heat and melt it evenly.

Substitutions

Ground beef → ground turkey or Italian sausage (adjust salt accordingly)
Russet potatoes → Yukon Gold or red potatoes (slightly creamier texture)
Chili powder → smoked paprika + cayenne (for a smokier, spicier flavor)
Olive oil → butter or bacon fat (for richer flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled skillet covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.

Equipment

cast-iron skillet or large stainless steel skillet

Common Questions

Can I prep the potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, peel and cube the potatoes up to 4 hours ahead; store in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning.

What type of cheese works best for this skillet?

Sharp cheddar, American, or a blend melts smoothly. Avoid pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents if possible for better melting.

How do I know when the potatoes are crispy?

They should be golden brown on the edges and tender inside when pierced with a fork, typically 12–15 minutes after adding oil and seasoning.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or two skillets; increase cooking time by 3–5 minutes for potatoes to crisp evenly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Assemble without cheese, cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, then top with cheese.