One-Pan Creamy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Easy One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is a comforting and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it delivers rich, satisfying flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 12 small potatoes, diced (or as many as you like)
- 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 spoon. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan for better browning.
- Step 2: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet with the meat. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the potatoes start to soften and absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Pour in the cream soup and milk, stirring until combined. Adjust the creaminess by adding more milk if too thick, or simmer uncovered a bit longer if too thin.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender. If the mixture sticks, add a splash of milk or water and lower the heat.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and allow it to melt. Add any frozen vegetables during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Cut potatoes into uniform ½-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Use your favorite cream soup flavor to vary the dish.
- Add frozen vegetables like peas or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Try topping with cheese and fresh herbs for added richness and freshness.
- If your skillet isn’t large enough, brown meat in batches to improve texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the mixture has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use any type of ground meat?
Yes, this recipe works well with beef, turkey, chicken, or pork. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
What can I use if I don’t have cream soup?
You can substitute with a homemade cream sauce made from butter, flour, and milk, or use a condensed mushroom or chicken sauce if available.
PrintOne-Pan Creamy Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe
This Easy One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring ground meat browned in a skillet, diced potatoes, and a creamy soup base, this dish combines simple ingredients into a rich, comforting dinner that can be prepared all in one pan. Optional additions like shredded cheese, fresh herbs, and frozen vegetables elevate the flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this family-friendly recipe is both hearty and convenient.
- 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 (about ½-inch pieces)
- 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. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is fully browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning; cook in batches if necessary.
- Add the Diced Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes directly into the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the potatoes to absorb meat flavors and begin softening. Use uniformly cut small pieces for even cooking.
- Create the Creamy Base: Pour the can of cream soup and the cold milk into the skillet. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick, or allow to simmer uncovered for a few minutes if too thin.
- Simmer Until Potatoes are Tender: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Test doneness by piercing potatoes with a fork—they should be tender and easy to pierce. Add a splash of milk or water and reduce heat if the mixture starts sticking.
- Add Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top and allow it to melt. Add frozen vegetables during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a large enough skillet to avoid overcrowding the meat for better browning.
- Cut potatoes into uniform small pieces (~½ inch) for even cooking.
- Adjust milk quantity to get desired creamy consistency.
- Frozen vegetables added near the end maintain texture and nutrition.
- Optional cheese adds extra richness and flavor.
Keywords: one-pan, creamy, meat skillet, potato skillet, easy dinner, weeknight meal, ground meat, comfort food
