Chili Cheese Potato Skillet is a hearty and comforting dish that combines crispy potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese, creating a satisfying meal. Every bite bursts with flavor, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Imagine a golden, cheesy topping melding with rich chili flavors—it’s pure comfort food that warms your heart and stomach. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
This Chili Cheese Potato Skillet is not just another meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings everyone together. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this dish:
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for one-pan chili cheese potatoes.
- Loaded with protein from the beef and beans, making it filling and satisfying.
- Perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings like sour cream and jalapeños.
- Great for meal prep; you can make it ahead and reheat it easily.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Versatile; you can easily adapt it to a vegetarian chili cheese potato skillet by omitting the beef.
- Delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day, making for a quick chili cheese potato meal.
With its American cuisine roots and skillet and air fryer method, this dish is a must-try!
Ingredients for Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
Gather these items:
- 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
How to Make Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Step-by-Step
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: Fold the cooked potatoes into the skillet with the beef and bean mixture. Spread shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.
- Step 6: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 200°C for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: 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.
Pro Tips for the Best Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
Keep these in mind:
- For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist.
- Ensure the beef is well-drained to avoid a greasy dish.
- Use a chili cheese potato fry pan if you have one for better heat distribution.

Best Ways to Serve Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Here are some great serving ideas:
- Top with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with a side of cornbread for a comforting meal.
- Pair with a light salad to balance the richness of the cheese.
How to Store and Reheat Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This makes it ideal for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Cheese Potato Skillet
What’s the secret to perfect Chili Cheese Potato Skillet?
The secret lies in perfectly seasoning each layer, ensuring crispy potatoes and well-cooked beef. A blend of spices brings out the best flavors, making this dish a family favorite!
Can I make Chili Cheese Potato Skillet ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the components ahead and assemble them just before baking. This makes it a great option for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chili Cheese Potato Skillet?
To avoid soggy potatoes, ensure they are well-coated and adequately cooked before mixing them with the beef. Also, don’t rush the melting of cheese; allow it to become bubbly for the best texture.
Variations of Chili Cheese Potato Skillet You Can Try
Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Make it a chili cheese potato casserole by layering ingredients in a baking dish.
- Try a spicy cheese potato skillet by adding extra jalapeños or hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian chili cheese potato skillet.

For more delicious recipes, check out our quick meal ideas or learn how to make the perfect chili. You can also explore meal prep tips to save time in the kitchen.
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Delicious Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe for Dinner
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Chili Cheese Potato Skillet is a hearty and comforting dish that combines crispy potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheese, creating a satisfying 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
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet and Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Chili Cheese Potato Skillet