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This Loaded Cheeseburger Potato Skillet with Creamy Cheese Sauce takes all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger and transforms them into a hearty skillet meal built around crispy golden potatoes. It has smoky bacon, juicy seasoned beef, fresh pickles and tomatoes, and a silky, rich cheese sauce that ties every bite together. This recipe is indulgent and satisfying, perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or whenever you want something cozy and crowd-pleasing on the table.
I first made this for a casual family night and was amazed that everyone—including picky eaters—kept going back for more. The combination of textures and flavors really made it a standout meal in our rotation.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: diced into cubes for the perfect crisp outside and fluffy inside
- Ground beef: seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to deliver that classic burger flavor
- Bacon: cooked crispy to add smoky crunch, choose thick-cut for more texture
- Fresh tomatoes: for juicy sweetness and bright contrast
- Chopped pickles: for tang and crunch that keep the dish from feeling too heavy
- Fresh parsley: adds a pop of herbal freshness on top
- Butter and flour: for making a creamy roux base in the cheese sauce
- Whole milk: for richness and smoothness in the cheese sauce, whole milk helps the sauce stay velvety
- Sharp cheddar cheese: shredded fresh melts beautifully for silky sauce
- Mustard powder: for a subtle tangy boost to the cheese sauce
- Salt and pepper: to enhance every element perfectly
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the potatoes:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer and cook without stirring for several minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy. Stir occasionally thereafter, cooking about 12 to 15 minutes until potatoes are crispy on the edges and tender inside. This step builds a crispy potato base that holds its texture under the toppings.
- Cook the beef:
- Clear a side of the skillet or remove the potatoes temporarily. Add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Brown thoroughly about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Season the beef and combine:
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Mix together with the potatoes so the spices coat everything evenly.
- Prepare the bacon:
- Cook bacon until crispy in a separate pan or the same skillet if there is space, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the creamy cheese sauce:
- Melt butter gently in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the whole milk whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer gently until thickened about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the skillet:
- Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the potato and beef mixture in the skillet, letting it coat everything luxuriously.
- Add toppings:
- Scatter bacon, diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, and fresh parsley over the top.
- Serve immediately:
- Scoop generous portions onto plates while warm, enjoying the layers of crispy, creamy, smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors melding beautifully.
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Storage tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little milk to loosen the cheese sauce. This keeps the dish creamy and prevents drying out. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring frequently or the cheese sauce can get grainy. Freeze just the potato and beef base if you want to save some for later then add fresh toppings when reheating.
Ingredient substitutions
Feel free to swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a twist on flavor and color. Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives work well if you want a lighter protein option. Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to vary the cheese sauce character. Add jalapeños or hot sauce to spice things up, or add sautéed onions and mushrooms for extra savoriness. Worcestershire sauce stirred into the beef adds a classic burger depth.
Serving suggestions
This skillet is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs nicely with crisp garden salad or steamed broccoli for extra greens. Corn on the cob and onion rings add whether for a classic American feel. Coleslaw or garlic bread are also great companions that round out the meal and complement the cheesy, smoky flavors.
Cultural context
This dish elevates the American cheeseburger into a comforting skillet meal that ditches the bun and embraces potatoes as the base. It reflects the spirit of comfort food that combines nostalgia with practical weeknight cooking. Like many American classics, it blends diverse flavors and textures to create a satisfying experience that feels familiar yet special. It’s a perfect example of how home cooks reinvent beloved dishes to fit new occasions and tastes.
Pro Tips
- Let the potatoes fry undisturbed early to create the crispiest crust
- Freshly shred cheese if possible to ensure the smoothest, creamiest sauce
- Avoid boiling the cheese sauce to keep it silky and prevent separation
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can frozen potatoes be used for this skillet?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes or hash browns can be substituted and will crisp up nicely when cooked properly.
- → How can the dish be made spicier?
Adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy cheese varieties are great ways to introduce heat while keeping the dish balanced.
- → Is it possible to prepare this skillet ahead of time?
You can prep components separately, especially the cheese sauce, and combine or reheat before serving for convenience.
- → What is the best method to reheat leftovers?
Reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk helps maintain the smoothness of the cheese sauce. Microwaving in short intervals with stirring also works.
- → Are there good substitutions for the ground beef?
Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives can be used for different dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.