Description
This Hearty One-Pan Chili Cheese Potato Skillet is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining crispy roasted potatoes with a rich, savory chili. Packed with seasoned beef, beans, and melted Cheddar, it is like a loaded chili cheese fry dinner that you can feel good about serving to the whole family. With textures ranging from crunchy potatoes to tender beans and gooey cheese, this skillet meal is satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together on a busy night.
Ingredients
The Crispy Potatoes
- 5 small/medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), washed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper (measure with your heart!)
The Chili Beef Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (e.g., Rotel), drained
- 1 (15.5 oz) can chili beans, drained
Seasoning blend:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
The Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sour cream and sliced jalapeños (for serving)
Instructions
Prep Potatoes
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place potato cubes in a bowl. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Crisp Potatoes
Cook potatoes in the air fryer for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. Goal: You want them golden and crispy on the outside.
Brown Beef
While potatoes cook, heat a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until beef is browned; drain excess grease.
Season & Simmer
Add the salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder to the beef. Stir well. Add the minced garlic, drained diced tomatoes/chiles, and drained chili beans. Stir and let simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
Combine
Add the crispy air-fried potatoes into the skillet with the chili mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Melt Cheese
Top the skillet with the shredded Cheddar cheese.
Bake
Place the skillet in the oven (still at 400°F if preheated, or use the broiler) for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Remove carefully (handle will be hot!). Top with green onions, sour cream, and jalapeños.
Notes
Air Fryer Advantage: Cooking the potatoes in the air fryer first ensures they stay crispy even when mixed with the chili. If you boil them or cook them in the sauce, they will turn to mush.
Drain the Cans: It is crucial to drain both the tomatoes and the beans. If you add the liquid, the skillet will be too runny and the potatoes will lose their crunch.
No Air Fryer? Roast the seasoned potato cubes in the oven at 400°F for 30–40 minutes until crisp, then proceed with the recipe.
Uniform Cuts: Cut the potatoes into small, uniform 1/2-inch cubes so they cook quickly and are easy to eat in a single bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Skillet
- Method: Air Fryer / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/5 of Skillet
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chili cheese potatoes, loaded potato skillet, air fryer dinner recipes, ground beef skillet, one pan meals, kid friendly dinner, cast iron recipes