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This Chili Cheese Potato Skillet brings together crispy, golden potatoes with hearty, seasoned ground beef and a rich chili flavor, all under a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. It's a comforting one pan meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or laid back family dinners where everyone can customize their toppings.
I first made this on a chilly evening when I wanted something warm and filling without a long prep time. Since then, my family requests it at least once a week because it's cozy, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- Small or medium potatoes: These crisp up beautifully and form the hearty base for the skillet Choose firm potatoes with no sprouting or green spots
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika: Tossing the potatoes in this mix gives them rich flavor and a beautiful golden color Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste and nutrition
- Ground beef: Lean beef adds a rich hearty flavor to the chili Look for bright red meat with minimal fat for a clean taste
- Onion: Chopped onion gives a sweet aromatic foundation Pick onions that feel heavy and firm without soft areas
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out all the flavors Use freshly cracked pepper if you can
- Onion powder and paprika: These spices add warmth and a subtle smoky note Choose Spanish paprika if possible for the best depth
- Chili powder: This gives the dish its signature chili flavor Pick a chili powder you enjoy and adjust according to spice preference
- Minced garlic: Adds bold depth and richness Fresh garlic cloves make the biggest difference here
- Diced tomatoes and green chiles: This tangy combo keeps the chili balanced Choose firm tomatoes rather than mushy ones for texture
- Chili beans: Beans add heartiness and protein Pick quality beans that hold their shape well
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the skillet for a gooey finish Sharper cheddar provides more flavor complexity
- Green onions: For a fresh crisp crunch and color Look for bright fresh bunches without wilting
- Sour cream: A creamy cooling topping Thick whole milk sour cream adds richness
- Jalapeños: Adds a nice zesty heat Use fresh for more spice or jarred for convenience
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Peel wash and chop the potatoes into bite sized cubes. Toss them with olive oil salt pepper garlic powder and paprika until each cube is evenly coated. This seasoning step is key to crispy flavorful potatoes.
- Crisp the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes in an air fryer set at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Cook for approximately twenty five minutes shaking the basket a few times to ensure all sides get golden and crispy. If you don't have an air fryer bake on a sheet pan in the oven at the same temperature tossing occasionally.
- Brown the Beef and Onion:
- While the potatoes cook heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion breaking up the meat with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains. Sprinkle chili powder onion powder paprika salt and pepper over the meat then stir well to coat everything. Drain excess grease to keep the dish lighter.
- Simmer the Chili Mix:
- Add minced garlic diced tomatoes and green chiles plus the drained chili beans directly into the skillet. Stir all ingredients carefully and allow to simmer gently for about five minutes letting the flavors meld together and intensify.
- Combine Potatoes and Chili:
- Once your potatoes are perfectly crispy add them into the skillet with the chili mixture. Gently stir so the potatoes are coated with the sauce but stay mostly intact. This step brings the whole dish together.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Bake just for a few minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and top with freshly chopped green onions. Serve hot with sides of sour cream and jalapeños so everyone can add as much tangy cooling or spicy heat as they like.
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Potatoes always remind me of cozy winter nights when my mom would make simple skillet meals like this. The crispy golden potato base is hands down my favorite part and I always sneak the crunchy corners right out of the pan while it's still hot.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to refresh the crispiness of the potatoes or microwave for a quick lunch fix. Freezing is not recommended as the potatoes lose their desired texture but the flavor remains tasty.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you want a lighter meal option. Vegetarian crumbles also work well for a meatless take. Black beans can be swapped for the chili beans if that is what's on hand. Pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheeses offer a nice alternative if you want a little extra spice or creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is substantial enough on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for balance. Warm flour tortillas or cornbread on the side are perfect for scooping up every last bit of the chili. Serve it family style right out of the skillet for a cozy communal meal.
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This Chili Cheese Potato Skillet is cozy and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Top servings with sour cream and jalapeños so everyone can customize their heat and tang.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer for the potatoes?
Yes, bake the potatoes on a sheet pan at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, tossing occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- → Which ground meat works best for this dish?
Ground beef offers rich flavor, but ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.
- → What toppings pair well with this skillet?
Fresh green onions, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or creamy avocado add brightness and balance to the dish.
- → Can the skillet be prepared ahead of time?
Components can be made in advance and reheated, adding cheese just before serving for best texture.
- → Is the dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from chili powder and jalapeños, adjustable to personal taste.
- → What sides complement this skillet best?
Simple green salad, cornbread, or roasted vegetables make great accompaniments.