What if you could transform the most humble pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy comfort meal using just one pan? This One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet proves that exceptional flavor doesn’t require complexity. After countless weeknight dinner struggles, I discovered this simple yet satisfying recipe that combines tender potatoes, savory ground meat, and a luscious cream sauce into pure comfort food magic.
- Ingredients
- Timing
- Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat
- Step 2: Add the Diced Potatoes
- Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
- Step 4: Simmer Until Potatoes are Tender
- Step 5: Add Final Touches and Serve
- Nutritional Information
- Healthier Alternatives
- Serving Suggestions
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storing Tips
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Q1. Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
- Q2. What if I don’t have cream soup on hand?
- Q3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Q4. How can I make this dish spicier?
- Easy One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet (30-Minute Meal)
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability and speed. Whether you have ground beef, turkey, or chicken in your freezer, this recipe creates a complete, hearty meal that feeds a family without breaking the bank or your weeknight schedule. It’s the kind of recipe that earns permanent spot in your meal rotation because it delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort, transforming basic ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The combination creates rich, satisfying flavors that make this dish a family favorite.
| Ingredient | Amount/Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork) | 1 pound |
| Small Potatoes, diced | 12 (or as many as you like) |
| Cream Soup (mushroom, chicken, or celery) | 1 can |
| Cold Milk | ¾ cup |
| Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper | to taste |
| Optional Additions: | |
| Shredded Cheese | as desired |
| Fresh Herbs | for garnish |
| Frozen Vegetables | for extra nutrition |
Timing
This one-pan wonder comes together incredibly quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (About 50% faster than traditional meat and potato casseroles!)
Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat of your choice and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season generously with salt and pepper while cooking. Continue until the meat is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the meat in two batches for better browning.
Step 2: Add the Diced Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes directly to the pan with the cooked meat. Stir well to combine and let the potatoes cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the potatoes absorb some of the meat flavors and begin to soften.
Tip: Cut the potatoes into uniform, small pieces (about ½-inch) so they cook evenly and quickly.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
Open your can of cream soup and add it to the skillet along with the milk. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy but not too thick. If it seems too thick, add a bit more milk; if too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Step 4: Simmer Until Potatoes are Tender
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should be fork-tender when done. Test with a fork – it should slide easily into the potato pieces.
Tip: If the mixture starts to stick to the bottom, add a splash more milk or water and reduce the heat slightly.
Step 5: Add Final Touches and Serve
Once the potatoes are tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top and let it melt. Add any frozen vegetables during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
This hearty skillet provides a well-balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
The potatoes provide vitamin C and potassium, while the meat offers high-quality protein and iron. Using lean ground meat can reduce the overall fat content while maintaining the satisfying flavor.
Healthier Alternatives
This versatile recipe can easily be modified to fit various dietary needs and health goals without sacrificing flavor.
- Leaner Protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to reduce saturated fat content while maintaining protein levels.
- Lighter Cream Base: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or even Greek yogurt mixed with chicken broth for fewer calories.
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the potatoes for extra nutrients and fiber.
- Sweet Potato Swap: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added beta-carotene and a subtle sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This complete one-pan meal is satisfying on its own, but a few simple additions can make it even more special.
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy skillet.
- Crusty Bread: Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Bright green vegetables like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to the plate.
- Garnish Ideas: Fresh parsley, chives, or a dollop of sour cream add the perfect finishing touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These simple tips will ensure your skillet turns out perfectly creamy and delicious every time.
- Cutting Potatoes Too Large: Large potato pieces won’t cook through in the given time. Solution: Keep potato pieces small and uniform, about ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Not Browning the Meat Properly: Pale, gray meat lacks flavor depth. Solution: Let the meat cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a nice brown color before breaking it apart.
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Mushy potatoes make the dish unappetizing. Solution: Test potatoes with a fork – they should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Sauce Too Thin or Thick: Improper consistency affects the dish’s appeal. Solution: Adjust with small amounts of milk to thin, or simmer uncovered to thicken.
Storing Tips
This skillet meal makes excellent leftovers and is perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
- Freezing: While this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months, the potatoes may change texture slightly. For best results, freeze before adding any dairy-based toppings.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Brown the meat and dice the potatoes the night before to make weeknight preparation even faster.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet represents everything we love about comfort food – it’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and one pan, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that brings the whole family to the table. The versatility of this recipe means it will never get boring, as you can easily adapt it with different meats, vegetables, and seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.
We’re confident this recipe will become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and let us know in the comments how you made it your own! Don’t forget to rate this recipe and subscribe for more easy, family-friendly meal ideas that make weeknight cooking a breeze.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While small potatoes work great, you can use any variety you have on hand. Russet potatoes will break down slightly and thicken the sauce, while Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape better. Just make sure to cut them into uniform, small pieces for even cooking.
Q2. What if I don’t have cream soup on hand?
No problem! You can make your own cream base by mixing 2 tablespoons of flour with 1 cup of milk or broth, then adding your favorite seasonings. Alternatively, you can use cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream mixed with chicken broth as substitutes.
Q3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats beautifully! You can prepare it completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency. You can also prep the ingredients ahead of time and cook them fresh when ready to serve.
Q4. How can I make this dish spicier?
There are several ways to add heat to this mild comfort food. Try using spicy Italian sausage instead of regular ground meat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking, or stir in some hot sauce at the end. Diced jalapeños or bell peppers also add both flavor and heat.
Print
Easy One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet (30-Minute Meal)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
You’ll love this cozy, budget-friendly skillet dinner made with ground meat, diced potatoes, and a quick creamy sauce. It all comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. Customize it with cheese, herbs, or frozen veggies for an easy family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 12 small potatoes, diced (or as many as you like; cut to ~1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 can condensed cream soup (mushroom, chicken, or celery)
- 3/4 cup cold milk (plus a splash more as needed)
- 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 meat (5–7 minutes): Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
-
Add potatoes (5 minutes): Stir in the diced potatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes so they start to soften and absorb flavor.
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Make it creamy: Add the condensed cream soup and ¾ cup cold milk. Stir until smooth and combined. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit more milk.
-
Simmer until tender (10–15 minutes): Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender. If sticking occurs, add a splash of milk or water and lower the heat slightly.
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Finish & serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If using cheese, sprinkle over the top and let it melt. Add frozen vegetables during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Cut evenly: Dice potatoes into ~½-inch pieces for faster, even cooking.
- Meat options: Lean beef (85/15 or 90/10), turkey, chicken, or pork all work.
- Soup swap: Any condensed “cream of” soup (mushroom, chicken, celery) is fine.
- Make-ahead tip: Brown meat in advance and refrigerate up to 3 days; finish the recipe in 15 minutes.
- Add-ins: Stir in peas, mixed vegetables, or corn for color and fiber.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
