Imagine savoring the rich and savory flavors of a cheeseburger, but with the delightful twist of crispy potatoes. This Cheeseburger Potato Skillet combines all the iconic ingredients of your favorite burger into one comforting, hearty skillet meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
From the perfectly seasoned ground beef and crispy bacon to the melty Colby Jack cheese and tangy burger sauce, every bite delivers satisfying textures and delicious layers of flavor. It’s an indulgent yet approachable dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
- This skillet brings the essence of a cheeseburger into a one-pan comfort meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
- Using an air fryer crisps up the potatoes perfectly without any greasy mess from deep frying.
- The copycat burger sauce adds a nostalgic, tangy finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Ingredients
- Ketchup: A classic sweet and tangy base that forms the heart of the burger sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to balance the acidity in the sauce.
- Yellow Mustard: Brings mild heat and sharpness, enhancing the authentic burger flavor.
- Sweet Relish: Provides a sweet, crunchy texture uplifting the burger sauce with bursts of flavor.
- Potatoes: Five small to medium-size peeled and cubed, chosen for their creamy interior and crisp exterior when cooked.
- Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up wonderfully while adding a subtle fruity note.
- Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Seasonings that give the potatoes an irresistible savory and smoky depth.
- Ground Beef: One pound of seasoned, juicy beef which is the protein-packed base of the skillet.
- Onion: Finely chopped to add sweetness and texture when cooked with the beef.
- Spices (Salt, Black Pepper, Ground Mustard, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika): A blend that layers complex, bold flavors in the beef.
- Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a hint of pungent flavor to elevate the dish.
- Shredded Colby Jack Cheese: One and a half cups that melt beautifully to blanket the skillet in creamy goodness.
- Bacon: Six strips cooked crisp and crumbled, adding smoky, crunchy texture and richness.
- Green Onions: Chopped fresh to garnish, providing a bright, mild onion finish.
Instructions
- Make the Burger Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and sweet relish until smooth. This creates a creamy, tangy sauce reminiscent of a classic Big Mac, adding nostalgic flavor layers to your skillet.
- Prepare and Season Potatoes
Peel and cut the potatoes into bite-sized cubes for even cooking. Toss them in olive oil and generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to create a well-flavored, crispy base after air frying.
- Cook Bacon Until Crisp
If not using leftovers, bake bacon in the oven on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. This method cooks it evenly and crisply without splatters, perfect for crumbling over the dish later.
- Air Fry the Potatoes
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Shake the basket periodically to ensure each cube crisps evenly, achieving a perfect golden texture without deep frying.
- Brown the Ground Beef and Onions
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onions, seasoning with salt, pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until beef browns thoroughly, breaking it apart for even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Add Garlic and Combine with Potatoes
Drain excess grease from the skillet then add minced garlic. Stir briefly to release its aroma without burning. Add the crispy potatoes to the skillet and gently fold to combine all flavors evenly.
- Top with Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese and crumbled bacon over the beef and potato mixture. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven to melt the cheese until bubbly and golden, creating a luscious gooey topping.
- Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and drizzle your homemade burger sauce evenly on top. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with optional classic burger additions such as pickles, lettuce, or tomato slices to customize your skillet experience.
- The burger sauce mimics Big Mac sauce, adding iconic cheeseburger flavor that makes this dish truly special.
- Ensure your skillet is oven-safe to safely melt the cheese directly in it without risk of damage.
- If you don’t own an air fryer, roasting potatoes at 425°F for 25-30 minutes works perfectly well as an alternative.
- This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover bacon, adding flavor and reducing waste.
- Save leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great next-day meal.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the potatoes crispy and cheese melty.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet with fresh classic burger toppings like crisp lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles for extra texture and freshness. A simple green salad or coleslaw pairs nicely for a balanced meal.
- For crispier potatoes, soak cubed potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning.
- Using Colby Jack cheese balances meltability with a mild flavor, but feel free to substitute cheddar or American cheese for different taste profiles.
- To enhance smoky flavor, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the burger meat while cooking.
- Make the burger sauce a day ahead to let flavors meld and intensify.
FAQs
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes work well, but they tend to soften faster so watch cooking times closely to maintain some crispness.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for a gluten-free diet as long as condiments used are verified gluten-free.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative and choose a dairy-free mayo for the burger sauce.
- What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute can be used for a lighter or vegetarian version of this dish.
- How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Ensure potatoes are dried thoroughly before cooking, don’t overcrowd the air fryer, and toss potatoes halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, the burger sauce and cooked bacon can be made ahead. Potatoes can be prepped and kept in water until ready to cook.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep potatoes crispy and cheese melty or use a microwave with a short interval and stirring halfway.
Cheeseburger Potato Skillet
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 large oven-safe skillet
- 1 sheet pan for baking bacon
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish
- 5 small to medium potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to taste
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions chopped
- your favorite burger toppings optional
Instructions
- Combine ketchup, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and sweet relish in a bowl to make the burger sauce. Set aside.
- Peel, wash, and cube the potatoes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well coated.
- Cook bacon until crispy, preferably baked at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet pan, then crumble.
- Cook the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to crisp evenly.
- While the potatoes cook, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef with chopped onion and seasonings.
- Drain excess grease from the skillet, then stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the beef and mix everything together well.
- Top the mixture with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon, then place the skillet in a 400°F oven until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Remove skillet from oven, drizzle burger sauce over the top, and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve with optional burger toppings.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to melt the cheese safely.
- Air frying potatoes provides a crispy texture without deep frying.
- Oven-roasted potatoes work if no air fryer is available.
- Leftover bacon from breakfast is perfect for this dish.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve with classic burger toppings like pickles, tomatoes, or lettuce for extra flavor.
