Introduction to Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
Hey there! If you’re a busy mom or professional looking for a delightful meal, welcome to the world of the Chili Cheese Potato Skillet! Picture this: crispy potatoes mingling with seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that warms the heart after a long day. Quick to prepare, it makes for a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Plus, who doesn’t smile at the sight of cheese bubbling over a rich chili? Trust me, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
This Chili Cheese Potato Skillet is an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights! It combines the rich flavors of chili with crispy potatoes, making it a family favorite.
Easy to whip up in just a little over 50 minutes, this dish is perfect for satisfying those hungry tummies. And don’t forget the cheese! What’s not to love about a bubbling, cheesy topping? You’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
Ingredients for Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
To create this hearty Chili Cheese Potato Skillet, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to weave a tapestry of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Potatoes: The star of this dish, crispy cubes of potatoes add a comforting base. I prefer using small to medium potatoes for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: This golden elixir helps achieve that crispy exterior on the potatoes while carrying the seasonings’ flavors.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these straightforward ingredients elevate every bite.
- Garlic Powder & Paprika: Enhance the flavor profile with savory hints. Garlic powder brings warmth, while paprika adds a subtle smokiness.
- Ground Beef: Tender and juicy, this protein is what brings the chili flavors to life. You can easily swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take!
- Onion: Chopped onion infuses the beef with aromatic sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Onion Powder: Double the onion flavor! It provides a rich taste that rounds out the beef mixture.
- Chili Powder: The star of the chili flavor! Adjust this based on your spice tolerance; more can add that extra kick.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the dish with its robust flavor, perfectly harmonizing with the ground beef and beans.
- Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles: These canned wonders add a zesty, tangy touch along with a hint of heat.
- Chili Beans: For added heartiness and texture, they enrich the chili mixture while boosting fiber content.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese is a must! It melts into gooey perfection, topping off the skillet with a creamy finish.
- Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch as a garnish, balancing the dish’s richness.
- Sour Cream & Sliced Jalapeños: Perfect for serving on the side, they add a cooling element and a spicy kick, respectively.
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; feel free to mix and match ingredients or check the bottom of this article for the exact quantities and printing. Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
Prepare the Potatoes
First things first, let’s get those potatoes ready! Peel and wash the potatoes, then chop them into cubes. I like to keep the pieces roughly the same size for even cooking. Toss the cubes in a large mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure every piece is coated nicely; it helps maximize that flavor!
Cook the Potatoes
Next, it’s time to cook the potatoes! Arrange the seasoned cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast them in the oven. Set the air fryer to 200°C (or 400°F) and cook for about 25 minutes. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through for even browning. You want them golden and crisp, like little potato jewels!
Brown the Ground Beef
While your potatoes are cooking, let’s move on to the ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Break up the meat as it cooks, stirring until it’s fully browned. Remember to drain any excess fat; nobody enjoys a greasy dish! The onions will turn soft and sweet, making your kitchen smell amazing!
Prepare the Chili Mix
Now for the flavor bomb! Add in salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder to the browned beef. Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and drained chili beans. Allow this mixture to simmer on low for about 5 minutes. Let those flavors meld together; the aroma will be tantalizing!
Combine Ingredients
Once your chili mix is ready, it’s time to combine everything. Gently fold the crispy potatoes into your skillet with the chili mixture. Spread a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, like a cozy blanket of goodness. This cheesy layer is what makes the dish truly irresistible!
Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 200°C (or 400°F). Bake for about 3—5 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye; you don’t want it to burn! The sight of that golden cheese should make anyone’s mouth water!
Serve and Enjoy
Finally, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve this Chili Cheese Potato Skillet hot, with a dollop of sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side. Your family will absolutely love digging into this hearty, comforting meal!
Tips for Success
- For extra crispiness, soak the cubed potatoes in water for 30 minutes, then dry before seasoning.
- Try using a mix of potatoes for varying textures; russets, reds, or yellows all bring something unique!
- Adjust spice levels to cater to your family’s taste by adding more or less chili powder.
- Don’t rush the browning of the beef; a little caramelization makes a big flavor difference!
- Serve with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a lovely complete meal.
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer: Ideal for crispy potatoes; an oven works too!
- Large Skillet: Perfect for browning beef and mixing ingredients; use any large pan.
- Mixing Bowl: Needed for seasoning potatoes; a large plate can do in a pinch.
- Spatula: Great for stirring and serving; a wooden spoon works just as well.
- Measuring Cups: Handy for precision; eyeball where needed!
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty meatless option without sacrificing flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce directly into the chili mix for those who crave more heat.
- Cheesy Dreams: Experiment with different types of cheese! Monterey Jack or pepper jack can bring a delightful creaminess with a zesty kick.
- Loaded Skillet: Top with sliced avocado or fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Cauliflower Alternative: Swap out potatoes for cauliflower for a lower-carb version while still enjoying the delicious chili mix.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for balance.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious chili sauce.
- Cocktail Pairing: A refreshing iced tea or light beer complements the dish beautifully.
- Presentation: Serve in the skillet for a rustic look, garnished with extra green onions on top.
FAQs about Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
Can I make Chili Cheese Potato Skillet ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chili mixture and cook the potatoes in advance. Just combine everything before serving, and then bake it until the cheese is melted. It’s perfect for meal prep!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works great! You can also use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian twist that still packs a punch of flavor.
Is this Chili Cheese Potato Skillet kid-friendly?
Totally! The cheesy topping and flavorful chili make it appealing to kids. If your little ones are picky, you can adjust the spices to be milder, ensuring they’ll enjoy every bite!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, simply add more chili powder or toss in sliced jalapeños. You can also use a hot salsa in place of regular diced tomatoes for an extra kick!
Can I freeze leftovers?
You sure can! Just let the Chili Cheese Potato Skillet cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat in the oven for the best results!
Final Thoughts
Making this Chili Cheese Potato Skillet feels like a culinary hug for your family. The blend of crispy potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese creates a comforting meal that brings everyone together. I can’t tell you how many smiles I’ve seen at the dinner table when I serve it!
Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just need a cozy dish on a chilly night, this recipe is your ticket to a satisfying meal. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of cooking, and create memories with each bite. Your family will thank you!
Print
Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air frying and oven baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and delicious Chili Cheese Potato Skillet that combines crispy potatoes with seasoned ground beef, beans, and melted cheese, perfect for a tasty meal.
Ingredients
- 5 small to medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 450 grams ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 280 grams diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
- 440 grams chili beans, drained
- 170 grams shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sour cream, to serve
- Sliced jalapeños, to serve
Instructions
- Peel, wash, and dice the potatoes into cubes. In a large mixing bowl, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder to the beef mixture. Stir in minced garlic, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and drained chili beans. Simmer on low for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Fold the cooked potatoes into the skillet with the beef and bean mixture. Spread shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 200°C for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the skillet from the oven. Top with chopped green onions and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or jalapeños.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated in the oven.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
