If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dinner that requires minimal cleanup, the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe is destined to become your new go-to. This dish brings together tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and a luscious sauce all cooked in one pan, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite. It’s perfect when you want something simple yet utterly delicious that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients straightforward and accessible is part of what makes this recipe such a winner. Each component contributes to the dish’s comforting flavor profile and creamy texture, from the mild sweetness of sautéed onions to the smoky touch of paprika.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds richness and depth.
- 4 medium potatoes, diced: Yukon gold or russet potatoes offer creaminess and structure.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and balances the savory notes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a wonderful aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the beefy taste.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings herbal complexity and freshness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for highlighting all the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the dish for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to soften the onions and start building flavor.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a bright pop of color and freshness.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want them tender and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness as a perfect base for the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add your ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked through. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to avoid greasiness but keep enough to keep the dish flavorful.
Step 3: Add Potatoes, Garlic, and Seasonings
Now it’s time to stir in your diced potatoes along with the minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well so the potatoes get coated with those lovely spices that will elevate every bite.
Step 4: Simmer with Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover your skillet and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce with a fork. This step infuses the potatoes with savory goodness and softens them perfectly.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream
Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Let the skillet simmer uncovered for another 3 to 5 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce just enough to coat the meat and potatoes beautifully, turning the dish into something rich and creamy.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over the top, cover the skillet again, and give it a couple of minutes to melt. The cheese adds a gooey, melty layer that makes every forkful absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh contrast. Serve your One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe hot and enjoy that satisfying combo of creamy, cheesy, and meaty flavors all in one delicious skillet.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A simple handful of fresh parsley goes a long way to brighten the rich and creamy nature of this dish. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of green onions for extra zing and color.
Side Dishes
This skillet packs enough heartiness to stand on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies. A loaf of crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the flavors. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for a couple minutes for a bubbly, golden crust topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened up too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning as turkey can be milder in flavor.
What potatoes are best for this skillet?
Yukon gold and russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape while softening nicely in the skillet. Waxy potatoes can get a little mushy, so stick with these for the best texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian take.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative and use a dairy-free cheese substitute to keep the creaminess intact without dairy.
How spicy is the dish?
It’s very mild, with just a gentle smoky warmth from the smoked paprika. If you like a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños when cooking.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe is such a gem for busy weeknights or anytime you want a soul-satisfying meal without fuss. I hope you give it a try and discover just how easy it is to create something so tasty and comforting with just one pan and simple ingredients. Trust me, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes too!
Print
One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting one-pan meal featuring ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy cheesy sauce, cooked entirely in a skillet for an easy and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Veggies
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or russet)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid sogginess.
- Add Potatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced potatoes, minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until everything is evenly combined.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Heavy Cream: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Continue to simmer uncovered for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve hot for a delicious, creamy, and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture or russet potatoes for a fluffier bite.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
- Covering the skillet helps the potatoes cook evenly and the cheese melt properly.
- This recipe can be customized with other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
