If you’re craving a dish that combines the hearty comfort of potatoes with the bold, spicy punch of chili and melty cheese, you have to try this Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe. It’s a vivid celebration of textures and flavors—crispy potatoes, savory ground beef, spicy chili beans, and creamy cheddar all come together in one skillet that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this recipe promises to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crispy potatoes that provide the perfect base to the melty cheddar cheese topping, every component is thoughtfully chosen to create a delicious, cohesive dish.
- Potatoes (5 small to medium, peeled and cubed): The heart of the dish, offering a crispy and fluffy texture when cooked right.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve that perfect golden crisp on the potatoes while adding a subtle richness.
- Salt and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon each for potatoes, 1/2 teaspoon each for beef): Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all flavors.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) and paprika (1/2 teaspoon) for potatoes: Adds a gentle smoky aroma and depth to the crispy potato cubes.
- Ground beef (450 grams): Provides a savory, meaty backbone that makes the skillet truly satisfying.
- Onion (1, chopped): Brings natural sweetness and moisture, balancing the spices nicely.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon) and paprika (1 teaspoon): Additional layers of seasoning to make the beef mixture pop with flavor.
- Chili powder (2 teaspoons): The star spice that gives the chili its signature warmth and inviting aroma.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Fresh garlic to brighten the savory notes and tie everything together.
- Diced tomatoes and green chiles (280 grams, drained): Adds juiciness and a mild spicy kick to the chili base.
- Chili beans (440 grams, drained): Contributes a creamy texture and hearty protein in every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (170 grams): Melted on top for that irresistible gooey, cheesy finish.
- Green onions (2, chopped): Provide a fresh, crisp contrast as a finishing touch.
- Sour cream and sliced jalapeños (to serve): Cool, creamy, and spicy condiments that elevate every forkful.
How to Make Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Potatoes
Begin by peeling and cubing your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them well in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to ensure each cube is perfectly coated. This seasoning step is crucial for infusing the potatoes with flavor before they get that beautiful crispiness.
Step 2: Cook Potatoes to Golden Perfection
Spread the potatoes evenly in your air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded, so they cook evenly. Air fry at 200°C for about 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. This method gives you delightfully crispy outsides and tender insides without using a ton of oil, making it a healthier and faster option.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Browning the beef well develops a deep, savory flavor that forms the backbone of the chili mixture. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Step 4: Build the Chili Base
Season the beef and onion with salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder, then stir in minced garlic, drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, and chili beans. Let everything simmer gently over low heat for about five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, hearty chili.
Step 5: Combine Potatoes with Chili Mixture
Fold your crispy cooked potatoes into the chili mixture in the skillet, mixing gently so they absorb the spicy juices without breaking apart. This step marries the textures—crispy potatoes with savory chili—into one irresistible layer.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the whole skillet. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 200°C and bake for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles into golden goodness. This melty topping is what transforms the dish from simple to spectacular.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions on top to add a fresh, vibrant crunch. Serve the chili cheese potato skillet hot, with dollops of sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side for anyone wanting an extra kick.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh chopped green onions, a swirl of sour cream, and sliced jalapeños not only elevates the dish visually but also adds layers of freshness, creaminess, and heat. These simple toppings bring brightness and contrast to the hearty skillet, making every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe tastes amazing on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. For a more indulgent meal, serve alongside warm, buttery cornbread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of chili and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small cast-iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins. You can also turn this skillet into a loaded baked potato bar, allowing guests to spoon their preferred amount onto baked potato halves and top with their favorite garnishes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that invites everyone to get creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, freeze the cooled skillet mixture without cheese in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, add cheese, and warm as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to keep the potatoes crispy and the chili warm. Adding a little extra shredded cheese when reheating can revive that fresh-from-the-oven cheesiness you love.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will bring a natural sweetness and softer texture that pairs wonderfully with the spicy chili and cheese, giving this skillet a delightful twist.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or extra beans, and you’ll still have a hearty, flavorful Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe that everyone will love.
Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?
Definitely. Just roast the seasoned potatoes in the oven at 220°C on a baking sheet for 30–35 minutes, turning halfway until golden and crispy.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat level?
This recipe offers a moderate heat level from the chili powder and green chiles, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer jalapeños and chili powder based on your preference.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is fantastic for its sharp flavor and meltability, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses if you prefer a different taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe enough—it combines all the flavors and textures you want on a cozy night in, yet it’s simple enough for any day of the week. Whether you’re warming up after a long day or feeding a hungry crowd, give this recipe a try and watch it become your new go-to comfort food classic.
Print
Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chili Cheese Potato Skillet is a hearty, flavorful dish combining crispy air-fried potatoes with a savory ground beef, chili bean, and tomato mixture, topped with melted cheddar cheese and served with fresh green onions, sour cream, and jalapeños. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that brings together comforting flavors and textures with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 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
Beef and Bean Mixture
- 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
Toppings
- 170 grams shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sour cream, to serve
- Sliced jalapeños, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel, wash, and dice the potatoes into cubes. In a large mixing bowl, toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated to ensure each piece is flavorful and ready for air frying.
- Air fry the potatoes: Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C (392°F) for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking, until the potatoes are golden and crisp.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat as it browns to achieve a crumbly texture. When fully cooked, drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Season and simmer the beef mixture: Add salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder to the beef. Stir in minced garlic, drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, and drained chili beans. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Combine potatoes and beef mixture: Fold the crispy air-fried potatoes into the skillet with the beef and bean mixture, blending textures and flavors. Spread shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface for a cheesy finish.
- Melt the cheese: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly, adding a rich, gooey topping to the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Serve hot, accompanied by a dollop of sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side for extra creaminess and heat.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are cut into even cubes for uniform cooking in the air fryer.
- Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking promotes even crispness.
- You can adjust the chili powder and jalapeño quantity to control spice level.
- Using a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet is recommended for transferring the pan into the oven safely.
- This recipe can be adapted with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
