If you’re craving a comforting dish that’s packed with bold flavors and crispy, cheesy goodness, look no further than this Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion of tender potatoes, spicy chili, and melty cheddar cheese all cooked together in one pan. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a hearty, irresistible meal, perfect for sharing on any night when you want something truly satisfying that’s easy to make and even easier to love.

Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients, each bringing their own special touch. From the crispy potatoes to the rich, spice-kissed beef and the creamy melted cheese, every component plays a delicious part in creating the perfect balance of taste, color, and texture.

5 small to medium potatoes, peeled and cubed: The crispy base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the potatoes get golden and crisp while adding a smooth richness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a mild and inviting garlicky background note.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings warmth and a beautiful color to the potatoes.
450 grams ground beef: The hearty protein that forms the chili’s base.
1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and texture when cooked down with the beef.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor with an extra punch.
1 teaspoon paprika: Continued smoky warmth within the chili mixture.
2 teaspoons chili powder: The star spice for true chili flavor and a little kick.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds brightness and zestiness.
280 grams diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained: For a juicy, slightly tangy bite and mild heat.
440 grams chili beans, drained: Hearty and filling, these soften the dish with creamy texture.
170 grams shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, irresistible pockets of cheesy goodness.
2 green onions, chopped: Fresh and slightly sharp garnish to brighten every bite.
Sour cream, to serve: Cool and creamy to balance the spices perfectly.
Sliced jalapeños, to serve: Optional for those who like an extra fiery finish.

How to Make Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Potatoes

Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into small cubes. Toss them gently in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This seasoning blend gives the potatoes a beautiful golden crust and layers of flavor that will hold up wonderfully throughout cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes Until Crispy

Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Cook them at 200°C for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure every piece gets nice and crispy. The result is potatoes that are crunchy on the outside but fluffy on the inside—a perfect skillet base.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef along with the chopped onion. Break the meat up as it cooks so it browns evenly. Once fully cooked, carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish balanced but flavorful.

Step 4: Build the Chili Flavor

Sprinkle salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder onto the cooked beef mixture. Stir in minced garlic, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and the drained chili beans. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together into a rich, hearty chili that perfectly complements the potatoes.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients and Add Cheese

Fold your golden potatoes into the skillet with the beef and bean chili mixture, making sure everything is evenly combined. Then, spread shredded cheddar cheese visually across the top in an even layer. This cheese will melt into those crispy potatoes and spicy chili, creating irresistible pockets of creamy goodness.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese in the Oven

Slide the entire skillet into a preheated oven at 200°C for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese has melted completely and bubbles enticingly. This finishing touch unites all the flavors and textures, turning the dish into a warm, gooey masterpiece.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve with Flair

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions across the skillet to add freshness and color. Serve the Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe hot, with a dollop of sour cream and optional sliced jalapeños on the side to customize the heat level for your guests.

How to Serve Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Chopped green onions add a lovely crunch and bright flavor, while cool sour cream tempers the spicy chili and rich cheese. For those who love extra heat, sliced jalapeños bring a fresh, fiery zip that enhances every bite. These simple garnishes truly elevate the eating experience.

Side Dishes

This skillet is quite a full meal on its own, but if you want to make it even more special, pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. A basket of warm crusty bread also works beautifully to scoop up all the melty goodness and hearty chili.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe family-style right in the skillet at the table. Alternatively, portion it into small bowls topped with extra cheese or fresh herbs like cilantro for a vibrant presentation. You can even turn leftovers into loaded potato skins the next day for a totally new snack or appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as satisfying (if not more) the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked skillet in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. When you want a quick meal, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the oven. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the potatoes crispy and the cheese melty. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese while reheating for an extra gooey boost.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Absolutely! Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their texture and crispiness, but you can experiment with red potatoes if you prefer a waxier bite.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe?

Yes! You can swap out the ground beef with cooked lentils, textured vegetable protein, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep that hearty chili feel without the meat.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Definitely. Roast the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 30 to 35 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and golden.

How spicy is this dish?

The chili powder and green chiles provide moderate heat, but it’s very customizable. Adjust the amount of chili powder or omit jalapeños if you want something milder, or add more for a kick.

What cheese works best for melting on top?

Sharp cheddar is ideal because it melts well and adds a rich, tangy flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite melty cheeses for a twist.

Final Thoughts

This Chili Cheese Potato Skillet Recipe is pure comfort on a plate with a vibrant kick and hearty textures you’ll want to make again and again. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved go-to in your recipe collection.