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Craving a hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal? Look no further than these incredible Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges! Crispy, golden-brown potato wedges baked to perfection and topped with savory ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of umami dust, cool sour cream, and fresh chives. This isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a complete flavor experience. Are you ready to redefine comfort food?

This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate the humble potato into something truly special. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender potato wedges, savoring the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheese, all perfectly balanced by the tangy sour cream and the subtle zing of fresh chives. It’s the perfect dish for game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or any occasion that calls for pure, unadulterated comfort food. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning minimal cleanup!

I remember the first time I made these Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges. My friends and I devoured the entire skillet in minutes! The combination of flavors and textures was simply irresistible. It’s become a go-to recipe for gatherings and potlucks ever since. Get ready to become the star of your next get-together!

Ingredients for Your Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges

Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to create this irresistible dish. Don’t worry, most of these are common pantry staples, and the rest are easily accessible at your local grocery store.

6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes: The perfect potato for wedges! Yukon Gold potatoes have a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory toppings.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for tossing the potato wedges and promoting crispy browning in the oven.

1 pound ground beef: The savory base of our loaded wedges! Use lean ground beef (85/15) to minimize excess fat.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds flavor and aroma to the ground beef mixture.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and flavorful, garlic enhances the savory notes of the ground beef.

1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a warm, earthy spice to the ground beef.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes a smoky depth of flavor to the ground beef.
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that complements the chili powder and smoked paprika.

Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, gooey goodness that binds everything together! Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor.
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives: Adds a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.

1/2 cup sour cream: Provides a cool, tangy contrast to the savory toppings. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast: The secret ingredient for “Umami Dust”! Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty flavor and a boost of B vitamins.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor in the “Umami Dust.”

1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor to the “Umami Dust.”
Pinch of cayenne pepper: Provides a touch of heat to the “Umami Dust.” Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit it altogether.

Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges

Now for the fun part – cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious skillet of Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges in no time. Don’t worry, each step is simple and straightforward.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). First, let’s get the oven preheated to ensure those potatoes bake up nice and crispy!
Wash potatoes and cut them into wedges. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into wedges about 1/2-inch thick.
Toss potato wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in a skillet. In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the wedges in a single layer in a large, oven-safe skillet. A cast iron skillet works particularly well, but any oven-safe skillet will do.

Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and slightly golden. Bake the potato wedges in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly golden brown. Flip them halfway through baking for even browning.
While potatoes are baking, prepare the ground beef. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. While the potatoes are baking, let’s prepare the savory ground beef topping. In a separate skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
In a small bowl, combine nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to make the “Umami Dust”. Prepare the “Umami Dust” by combining nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. This secret ingredient adds a boost of flavor and cheesy goodness!
Once the potatoes are baked, sprinkle the cooked ground beef evenly over the potatoes in the skillet. Once the potatoes are baked, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the cooked ground beef evenly over the top.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the ground beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the ground beef.
Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are heated through.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly before adding the final touches.

Sprinkle the “Umami Dust” over the cheese and ground beef. Sprinkle the “Umami Dust” evenly over the melted cheese and ground beef.
Top with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh chives. Top with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh chives for a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal.

Expert Tips & Serving Suggestions for the Best Loaded Potato Wedges

Want to take your Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges to the next level? Here are some expert tips and serving suggestions to help you create the ultimate comfort food experience. These insights will make this dish shine even brighter.

Serve Immediately: These loaded potato wedges are best served immediately while the potatoes are still crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Garnish Variations: Experiment with different garnishes, such as chopped bacon, pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce, to customize the flavor to your liking.
Cheese Options: Try different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses, to add variety to the flavor.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or use a spicy variety of cheddar cheese for a kick of heat.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before topping the potatoes.

Crispy Potatoes: For extra crispy potatoes, soak the potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before baking. This helps to remove excess starch and promotes browning.

Now that you’re armed with all the knowledge you need, it’s time to get cooking! Try this recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below. Share your creations on social media and tag us – we can’t wait to see your delicious Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges!

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges

Still have questions? No problem! Here are some frequently asked questions about Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges to help you troubleshoot any issues and customize the recipe to your liking. These FAQs should address any lingering concerns.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold potatoes?

Yes, you can use sweet potatoes for a sweeter and slightly healthier option. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while baking.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and evenly. If you use pre-shredded cheese, toss it with a little cornstarch before sprinkling it over the ground beef to help it melt better.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Can I use regular paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute with regular paprika, but the smoky flavor will be missing. Smoked paprika adds a distinctive depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sour cream and ensure that your spices are also gluten-free. Be cautious about cross-contamination.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make this recipe healthier, use lean ground beef, reduce the amount of cheese, and substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can also add more vegetables, such as sautéed bell peppers and onions, to the ground beef mixture.

Can I add different toppings to this recipe?

Definitely! The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings for these loaded potato wedges. Try adding crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the skillet?

To prevent the potatoes from sticking to the skillet, make sure the skillet is well-seasoned or use a non-stick skillet. You can also line the skillet with parchment paper before arranging the potatoes.

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork instead of ground beef. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.

How long does it take to make this recipe from start to finish?

This recipe takes approximately 1 hour to make from start to finish, including prep time and baking time. It’s a relatively easy and straightforward recipe that’s perfect for a weekend meal.

Can I assemble the loaded potato wedges ahead of time?

You can assemble the loaded potato wedges ahead of time, but it’s best to bake them just before serving to ensure the potatoes are crispy and the cheese is melted. If you assemble them ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator and add a few minutes to the baking time.

Can I use pre-made potato wedges?

Yes, you can use pre-made potato wedges to save time. Just adjust the baking time according to the package instructions.

How do I store leftover Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges?

Store leftover Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Loaded Potato Masterpiece!

And there you have it – a delicious and satisfying Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! From the crispy potatoes to the savory ground beef and melty cheese, this dish is the ultimate comfort food indulgence. The best part about this recipe is that there is something for everyone. So gather your loved ones and give it a try!

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting with flavors. Feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking and add your own personal touch. Embrace your creativity!

We hope you enjoyed this recipe and found it helpful. Now it’s your turn to try it out and share your creations with us! Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. We’d love to hear your feedback and see your photos on social media. Happy cooking!

Loaded Skillet Potato Wedges: Comfort Food Reinvented!