This Cheesy One-Pan Beef and Green Chili Skillet is the definition of comfort food made simple. It’s a creamy, savory, melty dish loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender peppers, and a generous blanket of bubbling cheddar cheese. The entire recipe comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup effortless and weeknight cooking stress-free. With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is ideal for busy families, cozy dinners, or meal-prep portions you’ll actually be excited to reheat.
Ingredients That Build Big Flavor
To bring this cheesy skillet to life, gather a handful of everyday ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Diced green chiles or bell peppers
- Onion, chopped
- Cream cheese or heavy cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic and taco seasoning or your preferred spices
- Salt and pepper to taste
The combination of creamy and cheesy creates a smooth sauce that blends perfectly with the browned beef and vegetables. Using shredded cheddar helps it melt into that irresistible golden crust shown in the photo. Green chiles add just the right touch of heat and smokiness, but mild peppers work just as well if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Step-By-Step Cooking Method
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic, and your favorite taco-style spices. Once browned and cooked through, drain excess fat if necessary to keep the sauce from becoming too greasy.
Add diced green chiles and chopped onions to the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their juices into the meat mixture. This step builds layers of savory flavor and gently sweet undertones from the cooked onion. Stir until everything is well combined and fragrant.
For the creamy base, stir in cream cheese or pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently, mixing until the cream blends into the beef, forming a rich and silky sauce. As the mixture thickens, it creates a perfect canvas for the cheese topping.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat, allowing the cheese to melt into a bubbly, gooey layer. If you prefer a browned finish, place the pan briefly under the broiler until the cheese becomes golden and slightly crispy around the edges.
Tips for Perfect Texture and Taste
Use freshly grated cheese rather than packaged shredded cheese for the smoothest melt. If you want additional vegetable content, toss in corn, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes. For something heartier, stir in cooked rice or pasta before topping with cheese.
Seasoning variations can transform the dish. Swap taco seasoning for Cajun seasoning for a smoky twist, or add a splash of enchilada sauce for a deeper Mexican flavor. For spice lovers, sprinkle crushed red pepper or drizzle hot sauce over the finished skillet.
How to Serve This Cheesy Skillet
This dish works wonderfully on its own, but it shines even brighter when paired with simple sides. Serve it with warm tortillas, rice, garlic bread, or a crisp salad. You can also spoon it into tortilla bowls or wrap it in soft flour tortillas to make easy cheesy beef wraps.
Perfect for gatherings or potlucks, this one-pan meal stays hot and delicious for a long time, and the melty cheese topping makes it instantly appealing to everyone at the table.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm and creamy again. If the sauce thickens after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back to the perfect consistency.
This Cheesy One-Pan Beef and Green Chili Skillet delivers comfort, speed, and flavor—all in one dish. Try it once, and it will quickly become a weeknight favorite!