Chili Cheese Potato Skillet

This chili cheese potato skillet brings together crispy seasoned potatoes and hearty ground beef simmered with chili beans and tomatoes. Topped with melted cheddar and fresh garnishes, it serves up layers of comforting flavor in one satisfying pan. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy yet filling, this dish never fails to please.

I first made this on a chilly evening when I needed something quick and warm to feed my family. Now it’s a weekly request for us all because it hits that perfect balance of crunchy potatoes and savory chili flavors.

Ingredients

• Potatoes: Small or medium potatoes crisp up beautifully and form the base of the skillet. Look for firm potatoes with no sprouting or green spots for best texture
• Olive oil and seasonings: Olive oil plus salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika season and make the potatoes golden. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor
• Ground beef: Ground beef adds heartiness and rich chili taste. Choose lean beef with bright red color and minimal fat
• Onion: Onion chopped finely gives a sweet aromatic foundation. Pick onions that are heavy for their size and free of soft spots
• Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are essential classic seasonings that deepen all the flavors. Freshly cracked pepper works best
• Onion powder and paprika: Onion powder and paprika bring warmth and a subtle smoky note. Spanish paprika is a nice choice if you can find it
• Chili powder: Chili powder delivers the signature chili flavor. Use a brand that suits your spice preference
• Minced garlic: Minced garlic adds bold depth and brightness. Fresh garlic cloves yield the best flavor
• Diced tomatoes and green chiles: Diced tomatoes and green chiles keep the chili tangy and balanced. Pick a can with firm tomatoes rather than mushy ones
• Chili beans: Chili beans help make this dish filling and hearty. Choose beans that are tender but not mushy
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts perfectly over the skillet to finish the dish. A sharper cheddar adds more flavor punch
• Green onions: Green onions provide lively crunch and a pop of color. Go for bright, fresh bunches without wilting
• Sour cream: Sour cream adds creamy cooling richness as a topping. Thick whole milk sour cream is best
• Jalapeños: Jalapeños bring zesty heat and freshness. Use fresh for more spice or jarred for convenience

Instructions

Prep the Potatoes:

Peel, wash, and cut your potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Toss them in olive oil with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until every piece is coated evenly. This step infuses every bite with flavor and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully.

Crisp the Potatoes:

Place the potatoes in an air fryer at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about twenty-five minutes. Shake the basket occasionally so all sides get golden crispy edges. This makes the potatoes delightfully crunchy and the perfect base for your skillet.

Brown the Beef and Onion:

While potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Cook until browned with no pink remaining. Sprinkle chili powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on top. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly. Drain excess grease to keep it lighter.

Simmer the Chili Mix:

Stir in minced garlic, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and drained chili beans directly into the skillet. Combine everything thoroughly then let it simmer gently for about five minutes. This lets all the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.

Combine Potatoes and Chili:

Add the crispy potatoes straight into the skillet. Gently stir just enough to coat them with the chili mixture without breaking them apart. This step balances the crispiness with the rich sauce perfectly.

Melt the Cheese:

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Transfer it to a preheated oven at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until the cheese melts fully and bubbles beautifully. The cheese ties the whole dish together with creamy richness.

Finish and Serve:

Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch and vibrant color. Serve hot right from the skillet with sour cream and jalapeños on the side so everyone can add as they like.

Potatoes always remind me of cozy winter nights growing up when my mom would make skillet meals just like this one. The crispy golden edges on the potatoes are my favorite part; I always sneak the crunchy corners first straight from the pan.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the potatoes crispy, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave. This dish doesn’t freeze well because the potatoes lose their texture, but the chili still tastes great.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter dish. Vegetarian crumbles work well for a meat-free version. Black beans make a good substitute for chili beans. For cheese, pepper jack or Monterey Jack adds a nice spicy or creamy twist.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet stands strong on its own but pairs nicely with a fresh green salad for crunch or some roasted vegetables. Warm flour tortillas or cornbread are perfect for scooping up any extra chili. Serve it family style right from the pan or ladle into individual bowls.

This skillet is an easy, satisfying weeknight winner that reheats well for lunches. Serve with sour cream and jalapeños so everyone can customize their bowl.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I bake the potatoes instead of air frying?

Yes, baking potatoes on a sheet pan at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy works well as an alternative.

→ What ground meats can be used in this dish?

Ground beef offers rich flavor, but ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option without compromising taste.

→ Which toppings complement this skillet best?

Fresh green onions, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños add brightness and heat. Avocado is also a great addition.

→ Can this meal be prepared ahead of time?

Components can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven. Add shredded cheese just before serving to maintain texture.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is mild, primarily from chili powder and optional jalapeños. Adjust seasoning to suit your preference.

→ What sides pair well with this skillet?

Simple green salads, cornbread, or roasted vegetables complement the hearty skillet and complete the meal.