Creamy One-Pan Meat and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Easy One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is a delicious, comforting meal that comes together quickly. Featuring simple ingredients and a creamy sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss.

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

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until meat is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.
2. Step 2: Add the diced potatoes directly to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir well to combine. Let the potatoes cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to absorb the meat flavors and start softening. Use uniformly diced potatoes (about ½-inch) for even cooking.
3. Step 3: Pour in the can of cream soup and the cold milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, simmer uncovered briefly.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should be tender when tested with a fork. If sticking occurs, add a splash of milk or water and lower the heat.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and allow it to melt. Add frozen vegetables in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try using a mix of ground meats or adding garlic and onions when browning the meat.
• Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a different flavor and added nutrients.
• Add frozen peas, corn, or green beans during the last few minutes to boost vegetable intake.
• Use low-fat cream soup and milk for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. If the sauce thickens too much when reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cream instead of canned soup?

Yes, you can make a homemade cream sauce using fresh cream and a roux, but canned cream soup helps save time and adds consistent flavor and texture.

What ground meat works best for this recipe?

Any ground meat works well—beef, turkey, chicken, or pork. Choose based on your preference or what you have on hand. Mixing meats can also enhance the flavor.

Creamy One-Pan Meat and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

This Easy One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining browned ground meat, tender diced potatoes, and a creamy soup base, this dish is both hearty and flavorful. Optional additions like shredded cheese, fresh herbs, and frozen vegetables allow you to customize it to your taste and nutrition needs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a satisfying, well-rounded dinner all from one pan.

• Author: Dana
• 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 1x2x3x

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

1. Brown the Ground Meat: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season generously with salt and pepper and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even browning.
2. Add the Diced Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes to the browned meat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the potatoes to absorb meat flavors and begin softening.
3. Create the Creamy Base: Pour in the cream soup and cold milk. Stir well to combine, adjusting milk quantity if needed to achieve a creamy but not overly thick consistency.
4. Simmer Until Potatoes are Tender: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should be fork-tender. Add extra milk or water as needed to prevent sticking and adjust heat if necessary.
5. Add Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings. If using frozen vegetables, add them during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top to melt if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Notes

• Use uniform small potato pieces (½-inch) for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning meat; cook in batches if needed.
• If the mixture is too thick, add more milk; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
• Frozen vegetables can be added for extra nutrients during the last minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to customize with different types of cream soups and ground meats.

Keywords: one-pan meal, creamy meat skillet, ground meat and potatoes, quick dinner, easy weeknight recipe, creamy potato skillet