Easy One-Pan Creamy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe
Introduction
Easy One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is a comforting and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this dish combines hearty ground meat and tender potatoes in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 12 small potatoes, diced
- 1 can cream soup (mushroom, chicken, or celery)
- ¾ cup cold milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: shredded cheese, as desired
- Optional: fresh herbs, for garnish
- Optional: frozen vegetables, for extra nutrition
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Step 2: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet with the meat. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to help the potatoes absorb meat flavors and soften. Use uniform ½-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Step 3: Pour the cream soup and milk into the skillet. Stir until well combined, creating a creamy mixture. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if needed, or simmer uncovered to thicken.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Potatoes should be fork-tender. If the mixture sticks, add a splash of milk or water and lower the heat.
- Step 5: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add shredded cheese on top and let it melt. Stir in frozen vegetables during the last 3-4 minutes if using. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use different ground meats to change flavor and nutrition profiles.
- Mix in your favorite frozen veggies like peas or green beans for added color and nutrients.
- Substitute cream soup with a homemade béchamel sauce for a fresher option.
- For extra richness, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving.
- Cut potatoes smaller for quicker cooking or parboil them if short on time.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold work well because they hold their shape. Avoid very starchy potatoes like Russets if you want the pieces to stay intact.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but the texture of potatoes may change slightly. Cool completely before freezing in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
PrintEasy One-Pan Creamy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe
This Easy One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet recipe is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining ground meat, diced potatoes, and a creamy soup base, it delivers comforting flavors and hearty nutrition in just 30 minutes. Optional additions like shredded cheese, fresh herbs, and frozen vegetables make it customizable and even more satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 12 small potatoes, diced
- 1 can cream soup (mushroom, chicken, or celery)
- ¾ cup cold milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- Shredded cheese, as desired
- Fresh herbs, for garnish
- Frozen vegetables, for extra nutrition
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Meat: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season generously with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary for better browning.
- Add the Diced Potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the skillet with the browned meat. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing potatoes to absorb flavors and begin softening. Ensure potatoes are cut uniformly (~½-inch) for even cooking.
- Create the Creamy Base: Pour the cream soup and cold milk into the skillet. Stir until the mixture is creamy but not too thick. Adjust thickness by adding more milk or simmering uncovered to thicken.
- Simmer Until Potatoes are Tender: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender. Add a splash of milk or water if mixture starts sticking and reduce heat slightly.
- Add Final Touches and Serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If using cheese, sprinkle over the skillet and allow it to melt. Add frozen vegetables in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, cut potatoes into uniform small pieces for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when browning the meat to ensure proper browning.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite cream soup variety.
- Add frozen vegetables towards the end for added nutrition without overcooking.
- Use shredded cheese and fresh herbs to enhance flavor and presentation.
Keywords: one-pan skillet, ground meat recipe, creamy potato skillet, quick dinner, easy family meal, stovetop recipe
