If there’s ever a meal that guarantees pure comfort with minimal fuss, it’s the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet. This effortless dish brings together juicy ground meat, tender golden potatoes, and a velvety, cheesy sauce—all in a single skillet. Whether you’re searching for a cozy weeknight dinner or a no-brainer crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers serious flavor and heartiness with every bite. One bite will convince you why it’s a steadfast favorite in so many kitchens!

One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is its simplicity—each ingredient brings something essential, from the crispy potato edges to the savory, oozy cheese that pulls it all together. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little tip for each to ensure your dish comes out irresistibly good.

Ground beef or turkey (1 pound): Pick your favorite—beef adds rich depth, while turkey keeps things lighter.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed): A splash helps brown leaner meats and prevents sticking for creamy perfection.
Small onion, diced: Sweet and gentle, it weaves extra savoriness into your skillet.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Don’t skimp; garlic gives this dish irresistible warmth and aroma.
Medium potatoes (3, peeled and diced small): Go for waxy varieties—they hold their shape and soak up the creamy sauce.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and gives character to the potatoes.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and rounds out the overall taste.
Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): For that subtle, cozy smokiness that sets this skillet apart.
Dried thyme (¼ teaspoon): Earthy and fragrant, a little thyme elevates the whole skillet.
Beef or chicken broth (½ cup): Gives the potatoes a savory boost and helps create that luscious sauce.
Heavy cream or whole milk (½ cup): Heavy cream makes it extra decadent, but whole milk works for a lighter touch.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melty, tangy, and crowd-pleasing—shred it fresh if you can!
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A shower of green for freshness and a pop of color right before serving.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Set your favorite large skillet on medium heat and toss in your ground beef or turkey. Cook, busting up any big clumps with your spoon or spatula, until the meat is deeply browned and a little crispy at the edges. If there’s extra grease, you can drain some off—but leave a little for flavor! If you’re using very lean meat, a drizzle of olive oil helps everything stay juicy and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic straight into the meat and let them cook together for about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir often until the onions soften and turn translucent—the sweet, savory base you’re building here is pure magic for the soul of your One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Next, scatter your diced potatoes into the skillet. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir well to ensure the potatoes are coated in that wonderful seasoning, and let them cook for about 5 minutes so they start to brown and soak up all the tasty drippings. This is when you’ll catch that amazing toasty-potato smell wafting through the kitchen!

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the broth of your choice, whether beef or chicken, then cover the skillet with a snug-fitting lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture quietly bubble away for 12 to 15 minutes. The potatoes will become fork-tender, and all the flavors will mingle and meld into sheer comfort.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lift the lid and stir in the heavy cream or milk. Keep it uncovered and let the skillet simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce will gently thicken, turning gorgeously creamy and ready to blanket those potatoes and meat in silkiness. You’re nearly at the finish line now!

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese—don’t be shy!—evenly over everything. Pop the lid back on for a quick 1 to 2 minutes to let the cheese melt into gooey perfection. A last shower of fresh parsley, and your one-pan dinner masterpiece is ready to serve piping hot. The hardest part is letting it cool just enough to eat!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet

Garnishes

Just before serving, adding a handful of freshly chopped parsley will not only elevate the colors, but also bring a spark of freshness that balances the rich, creamy elements in the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet. For that extra wow, a little extra fresh-cracked black pepper or a pinch of red chili flakes can be a great finishing touch for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

This skillet shines with minimal accompaniment, but a bright, tangy salad or some steamed green beans will play beautifully off the creamy, hearty dish. A piece of crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce—trust me, you’ll want to!

Creative Ways to Present

While it’s right at home served family-style in the middle of the table, try spooning the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet into individual bowls for a cozy, bistro feel. For potlucks or casual gatherings, a sprinkle of extra cheese on top followed by a brief oven broil gives a bubbly, golden crust that absolutely wows.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool down to room temperature, then store your One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld to become even cozier overnight.

Freezing

If you need to freeze, pack cooled portions into airtight containers or zip-top freezer bags. The potatoes may soften slightly when thawed, but the overall taste remains hearty and delicious. Freeze for up to 2 months, and label the containers with the date for easy planning.

Reheating

To reheat, scoop your desired portion into a skillet and warm gently over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to refresh the creamy sauce. You can also use the microwave for quicker reheating—just cover the bowl loosely and give it a good stir midway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes bring a slight sweetness and beautiful orange hue that pairs marvelously with the creamy sauce and bold cheddar. Just keep in mind, sweet potatoes may cook a little faster, so check for tenderness a few minutes sooner.

What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?

If you’d like a lighter spin on the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet, swap heavy cream for whole milk or even half-and-half, and choose ground turkey or lean ground beef. Reducing the cheese a bit or picking a lighter blend like part-skim mozzarella lets you enjoy all the flavor with less richness.

Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?

Yes! Just be sure to use a very large skillet or split between two pans for best results. Keep an eye on the simmer time; with more potatoes and meat, you might need a little extra time to ensure everything is cooked through and the sauce is thick and luscious.

What’s the difference in flavor if I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Beef broth lends a deeper, more robust flavor while chicken broth keeps things a bit lighter and more delicate. Both work beautifully in the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet, so use what you have on hand or what suits your mood best!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is naturally gluten-free as written—just be mindful to choose a broth that doesn’t contain hidden gluten or additives if you’re sensitive or cooking for someone with celiac disease.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, utterly satisfying meal that delivers on both flavor and ease, give this One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet a try. It’s rich, hearty, and completely hassle-free—the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Gather your favorite people, grab your skillet, and get ready for some serious comfort food magic!

One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner. With a creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and savory ground beef or turkey, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Meat:

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

Skillet Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced small
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup beef or chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Ground Meat: Brown the ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add Onions and Potatoes: Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, then stir in diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in broth, cover, and simmer on medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in cream, simmer for 3–5 minutes. Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.