One-Pan Ground Meat And Potato Skillet Recipe

Hearty One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe

Crafting a delightful one-pan ground meat and potato skillet brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Home cooks appreciate meals that minimize cleanup while maximizing flavor.

Tender potatoes and seasoned meat create a perfect harmony in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Each bite promises a hearty blend of proteins and vegetables that nourish both body and soul.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Come discover how easily you can turn basic ingredients into an irresistible family favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Ingredients for One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet

For the Protein:
  • Ground Meat: A hearty base that provides rich flavor and protein to the skillet dish.
For the Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that adds substance and creates a comforting texture to the meal.
For the Creamy Base and Dairy:
  • Cream Soup, Milk: Ingredients that create a smooth, rich sauce for binding the dish together.
  • Sour Cream, Water: Alternative option for creating a creamy consistency.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds melty, savory topping that enhances the overall flavor profile.
For the Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Spices that enhance and balance the dish's taste, providing depth and complexity to the skillet meal.

How to Cook One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle the Meat

Brown the ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a spatula to break the meat into small, delicious crumbles.

If there’s extra grease, carefully drain it off to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 2: Potato Power

Toss in the diced potatoes with the browned meat.

Stir and cook everything together, letting the potatoes become wonderfully tender. This will take about 15-20 minutes, so be patient and stir occasionally.

Step 3: Creamy Transformation

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Pour in:
  • Cream soup
  • Milk

Stir everything until the mixture becomes smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle in your favorite seasonings:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 5: Cheese Magic

Generously scatter shredded cheese over the top.

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection for a few minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Scoop the skillet contents onto plates while it’s piping hot.

Enjoy this comforting, one-pan wonder that brings everyone to the table with excitement!

Tips for One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet

  • Choose lean ground meat to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
  • Dice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
  • For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or gluten-free cream soup as a thickening agent.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to boost nutritional value and create a more complete meal.

Variations on One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
  • Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet

  • Savor Complementary Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel to enhance the rich, meaty flavors of the skillet dish, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
  • Pair with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to cut through the skillet's richness, adding refreshing contrast and balancing the hearty meal's heavy textures.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the creamy sauce, providing an extra layer of comfort and helping to complete the rustic, homestyle meal.

Storage Advice for One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Pack the cooled skillet meal in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
  • Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for variety and different flavor profiles.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! It uses affordable ingredients like ground meat, potatoes, and pantry staples, making it an economical meal for families.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Choose lean ground meat, use low-fat cream soup, and add extra vegetables like carrots or peas to boost nutritional value.

  • Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can partially cook the dish and refrigerate it, then quickly reheat and finish with cheese when ready to serve.

One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet: Simple, Hearty, Delicious

  • Streamline Kitchen Cleanup: Prepare a delightful meal using just one pan, minimizing dishwashing and saving precious time after cooking.
  • Quick and Satisfying Comfort Food: Combine hearty ground meat, tender potatoes, and melted cheese for a filling meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Family-Friendly Dinner Solution: Perfect for busy households, this recipe appeals to all ages and requires simple ingredients most people already have in their kitchen.
  • Flexible Seasoning Adventure: Customize the dish with your favorite spices and herbs, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
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One-Pan Ground Meat And Potato Skillet Recipe

One-Pan Ground Meat And Potato Skillet Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Ground Meat and Potato Skillet brings comfort directly to your dinner table with minimal cleanup. Savory spices and tender ingredients create a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something quick and delicious.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
  • 12 small potatoes, diced
  • 1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or other)

Liquid and Cream Components:

  • 1 can cream soup (mushroom, chicken, or celery)
  • 3/4 cup milk

Seasonings:

  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium flame and crumble the ground meat, breaking it into fine fragments while cooking. Eliminate any surplus grease if necessary.
  2. Incorporate diced potatoes into the sizzling meat mixture, stirring periodically to ensure even cooking. Allow potatoes to become fork-tender and golden, approximately 15-18 minutes.
  3. Lower the skillet’s temperature to minimal heat and introduce cream soup along with milk, creating a smooth, cohesive sauce. Thoroughly blend ingredients until completely integrated.
  4. Enhance the dish’s flavor profile by sprinkling carefully selected seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently fold these aromatics into the meat and potato mixture.
  5. Generously distribute shredded cheese across the surface, then cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Allow cheese to melt completely, transforming into a luscious, gooey topping.
  6. Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken. Plate immediately while steaming hot for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Select lean ground meat to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
  • Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
  • Use low-sodium cream soup or make a homemade sauce to control salt content and enhance flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique taste variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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