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This Chili Cheese Potato Skillet combines crispy golden potatoes and hearty homemade chili, all topped with gooey melted cheddar. It is the quickest way to satisfy comfort food cravings on busy nights and comes together surprisingly fast
My family begs for this at least once a week ever since I whipped it up on a chilly evening. It is the kind of dish you look forward to all day
Ingredients
- Small or medium potatoes: They crisp up perfectly and form the base of the skillet Choose firm potatoes with no sprouting or green spots
- Olive oil plus salt pepper garlic powder and paprika: Prepping the potatoes with these makes them flavorful and golden Use extra virgin olive oil for best taste
- Ground beef: Lean beef adds heartiness and rich chili flavor Look for bright red meat with as little excess fat as possible
- Onion: Chopped onion gives a sweet aromatic base Choose onions that are heavy for their size and free of soft spots
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings that help deepen every flavor Use freshly cracked pepper if possible
- Onion powder and paprika: These add warmth and a slight smoky note Choose Spanish paprika for a subtle boost
- Chili powder: Gives the meal its signature chili taste Pick a chili powder you enjoy
- Minced garlic: For bold depth Fresh garlic cloves always add the best kick
- Diced tomatoes and green chiles: This tangy mix keeps the chili balanced Pick a can with firm tomatoes rather than mushy ones
- Chili beans: Beans make the dish hearty Pick quality beans that are tender not mushy
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the skillet to finish The sharper the cheddar the more flavor
- Green onions: Lively crunch and color Pick bright fresh bunches with no wilting
- Sour cream: Creamy cooling topping Use thick whole milk sour cream for richness
- Jalapenos: Adds zesty heat Use fresh for more spice or jarred for convenience
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Peel wash and chop your potatoes into bite sized cubes. Toss them with olive oil salt pepper garlic powder and paprika until evenly coated
- Crisp the Potatoes:
- Cook your prepared potatoes in an air fryer at four hundred degrees F for about twenty five minutes Shake the basket a few times to ensure every potato gets golden crispy edges
- Brown the Beef and Onion:
- While the potatoes are cooking heat a large skillet over medium high. Add ground beef and chopped onion breaking up the meat and cooking until browned no pink remains. Sprinkle with chili powder onion powder paprika salt and pepper then stir to coat. Drain excess grease for a lighter result
- Simmer the Chili Mix:
- Add minced garlic canned diced tomatoes and green chiles and the drained chili beans straight into the skillet. Stir everything until well combined then let it bubble gently for about five minutes to meld flavors
- Combine Potatoes and Chili:
- Once potatoes are crispy add them right into the skillet with the chili. Gently stir so they are coated in the sauce but not broken up
- Melt the Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar all over the top. Slide the whole skillet into a hot oven at four hundred degrees F for a few minutes just until the cheese melts and bubbles
- Finish and Serve:
- Top with chopped green onions. Spoon onto plates and offer sour cream and jalapenos on the side for everyone to add as they like
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Potatoes always remind me of cozy winter nights as a kid when my mom would make simple skillet meals like this. The crispy golden potato base is my favorite part and I will always sneak the corners first right out of the pan
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to crisp up the potatoes again or microwave for quick lunches. This dish does not freeze well because the potatoes will lose their crispiness but the flavor is still delicious
Ingredient Swaps
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter meal. Vegetarian crumbles also work well for a meatless version. Black beans can stand in for chili beans. Pepper jack or Monterey Jack are great cheese choices if you want an extra kick
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Serving Ideas
This is filling on its own but I sometimes serve it with a simple green salad for crunch or a tray of roasted vegetables. Warm flour tortillas or cornbread are perfect for soaking up extra chili too. You can pile it into bowls or serve straight from the skillet at the table for a family style meal
Chili Skillet History
Chili over potatoes echoes American diner classics and the love of combining simple comfort foods. One pan meals like this have been a weeknight dinner secret in many homes including mine for generations
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer for the potatoes?
Yes, bake the potatoes on a sheet pan at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, tossing occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- → Which ground meat works best for this dish?
Ground beef is commonly used for rich flavor, but ground turkey or chicken can also be substituted for a lighter result.
- → What toppings pair well with this skillet?
Fresh green onions, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños add brightness and balance to the dish. Avocado works great, too.
- → Can the skillet be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the components in advance. Reheat in the oven and add cheese just before serving for best texture.
- → Is this meal spicy?
The spice level is mild, with heat coming from chili powder and optional jalapeños. Adjust to taste as desired.
- → What can I serve alongside this skillet?
This pairs well with a simple side salad, cornbread, or sautéed vegetables to round out the meal.