Chili Cheese Potato Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy potatoes, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and bold chili flavors in one skillet. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this hearty dish comes together easily and is incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine or need a crowd-pleasing meal, this skillet has it all. The blend of textures and the savory, cheesy topping make every bite irresistible. Let’s dive into how you can bring this delicious skillet meal to life right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
This dish is everything you love about comfort food in one skillet. Crispy air-fried potatoes meet rich, spiced ground beef, while gooey cheddar cheese ties everything together. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s customizable to suit any taste—spice it up, make it vegetarian, or load it with toppings. It’s also an excellent make-ahead or meal-prep option that reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
- 5 small to medium potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (for seasoning the potatoes)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
- 15.5 oz can chili beans, drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Jalapeños (for serving)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
- Prep the potatoes: Peel, wash, and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Toss them in olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook the potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in an air fryer and cook at 400°F for about 25 minutes. Shake the basket a few times while cooking to ensure the potatoes crisp up evenly.
- Prepare the beef mixture: While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
- Season the beef: Stir in salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef in seasoning.
- Add tomatoes and beans: Add the drained diced tomatoes and green chiles along with the drained chili beans. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine and top: Once the potatoes are done, add them to the skillet. Stir everything together and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Melt the cheese: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Top with chopped green onions. Serve hot with sour cream and jalapeños on the side.
Helpful Tips
- For extra crispy potatoes, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Drain beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy skillet.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing the chili powder or jalapeños.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving to help flavors meld.
Substitutions And Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans.
- Cheese: Try pepper jack, Monterey jack, or a Mexican blend for variety.
- Spice level: Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper for more heat.
- Beans: Use kidney or black beans if chili beans are unavailable.
- Tomatoes: Swap in fire-roasted or plain diced tomatoes based on preference.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm it up in the microwave or heat in a skillet over medium until hot throughout. For freezer storage, cool completely before freezing in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving (4 servings total):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with cornbread or crusty bread for extra comfort.
- Add a side of guacamole or sliced avocado.
- Make it a party dish by serving it nacho-style with tortilla chips.
- Top with a fried egg for a brunch twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the components separately and assemble before serving. You can also fully prepare and refrigerate, then reheat in the oven.
Do I need an air fryer? No. You can bake the potatoes on a sheet pan at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and crispy.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Definitely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative and pairs perfectly with the same spices.
Is this dish spicy? It has a mild to moderate spice level. Adjust the chili powder or jalapeños to your taste.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes. Cool the skillet completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for exploring this Chili Cheese Potato Skillet recipe with me! It’s a warm, satisfying dish that brings bold flavors and comforting textures together in one easy meal. I love how effortlessly it comes together and how customizable it is for any palate or occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner with family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s sure to be a hit. I hope this skillet brings joy to your table and inspires more delicious moments in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and thanks for being part of this food-loving community!
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Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chili Cheese Potato Skillet is a bold, cheesy, one-pan dinner made with crispy potatoes, seasoned ground beef, chili beans, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights. A crowd-pleasing comfort meal your whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients
5 small to medium potatoes
Olive oil
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (for potatoes)
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp minced garlic
10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
15.5 oz can chili beans, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, chopped
Sour cream, for serving
Jalapeños, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Peel, wash, and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Toss them in olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook the potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in an air fryer and cook at 400°F for about 25 minutes. Shake the basket a few times while cooking to ensure the potatoes crisp up evenly.
- Prepare the beef mixture: While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
- Season the beef: Stir in salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef in seasoning.
- Add tomatoes and beans: Add the drained diced tomatoes and green chiles along with the drained chili beans. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine and top: Once the potatoes are done, add them to the skillet. Stir everything together and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Melt the cheese: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Top with chopped green onions. Serve hot with sour cream and jalapeños on the side.
Notes
No air fryer? Bake potatoes on a sheet pan at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for variations.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet + Air Fryer (or Oven)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 28g