One-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
Scale
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
