Cheesy Beef & Potato Skillet
One-pan, cozy, toddler-approved, and blessedly simple. Why You’ll Love It This is the kind of dinner that tastes like comfort without the 47 steps. It’s made in one skillet, uses pantry staples, fills everyone up, and reheats beautifully for next-day lunches. Toddlers eat it, husbands eat it, athletes eat it — we don’t question miracles. 📝 Ingredients (Serves 3–4) • 1.5 lbs ground beef • 3–4 medium potatoes, diced small (¼–½ inch cubes for faster cooking) • ½ medium onion, finely diced (optional) • ½ cup beef broth or water • 1 tsp garlic powder • ½ tsp paprika (optional but delicious) • Salt & pepper to taste • ½–1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or whatever melts) • Optional add-ins: peas, corn, bell pepper, chopped spinach 👩🍳 Directions 1. Brown the beef. Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed. 2. Add onions & seasoning. Stir in the diced onion (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. 3. Add potatoes + liquid. Toss in the diced potatoes and pour in the broth or water. Stir well so everything is coated. 4. Cover & cook. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are soft. If it starts drying out before the potatoes are tender, add a splash more water. 5. Add cheese. Once the potatoes are soft, sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover again for 2–3 minutes until melted and glorious. 6. Serve warm. Toddlers may request ketchup. We do not judge. 🥣 Tips • Dice potatoes small so they cook quickly. • Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes if your kids prefer sweet. • Add frozen peas in the last 5 minutes for extra color + nutrients. • Makes a great next-day lunch — reheats well. 📌 Perfect For • Busy weeknights • Toddler meals • Post-workout “I need food now” moments • Stretching groceries without sacrificing taste