Sink your fork into this hearty, soul-warming One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet and let all notions of boring weeknight dinners melt away. This dish is everything a comfort meal should be: velvety sauce, golden-tender potatoes, savory ground meat, and a gooey cheddar topping that pulls you back for seconds. Thanks to its clever one-pan method, cleanup is blissfully minimal, yet the payoff is bursting with flavor and texture—think creamy, cheesy, and just the right touch of smoky spice. The One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet turns a handful of humble ingredients into something truly special that’s destined to become a staple around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this skillet dinner is how a few everyday ingredients come together for such maximum impact. Each component brings something essential—richness, creaminess, hearty substance, and a pop of color. Here’s what you need, and why you want the best version of each.
- Ground meat (beef or turkey): Choose your favorite—beef is classic and rich, while turkey lends a lighter touch but still soaks up all that creamy flavor.
- Olive oil: This is your foundation for sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a lovely base note and sheen.
- Onion (diced): Sweetness and depth for the whole skillet—use yellow or white for the best results.
- Garlic (minced): Just two cloves wake up every bite with bold aroma.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (thinly sliced): Their buttery texture holds shape beautifully and soaks in flavor; slicing them thin ensures even cooking.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors—taste and adjust at the end if needed.
- Black pepper: Adds the necessary bite to balance all that creaminess.
- Smoked paprika: This is the secret to a hint of smoky warmth that makes the whole pan addictive.
- Dried thyme: Herbal depth that’s subtle, but you’ll miss it if it’s gone.
- Broth (beef or chicken): The simmer liquid that layers in savory richness; use what you have, both work beautifully.
- Heavy cream: For that luscious, silken sauce that wraps the meat and potatoes in a gorgeous veil.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty magic on top—sharp cheddar cuts through the richness best.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): A burst of freshness and color right before serving.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet
Step 1: Start with the Aromatics
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, toss in the diced onion and give it a stir. In just a few minutes, the onion will turn soft and translucent, creating a fragrant base for everything else. Add your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until the kitchen smells irresistible.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next up: crumble in the ground beef or turkey. Cook it, stirring and breaking it up as you go, until it’s nicely browned—this step develops so much flavor for the final One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet. If you see lots of excess fat, just drain a bit off before moving on.
Step 3: Layer in the Potatoes and Spices
Now comes the cozy part. Stir in your sliced Yukon Gold potatoes, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Every potato slice should get a little seasoning love, so mix well for even coverage. Those spices will infuse the potatoes as they cook, turning them into golden, flavor-packed bites.
Step 4: Simmer Everything Together
Pour in your broth of choice and bring things to a gentle simmer. Pop a lid on the skillet and let everything cook for about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks, and keep an eye out—the potatoes are ready when they’re fork-tender and have soaked up all those mouthwatering flavors.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 2–3 minutes. You’ll see the sauce become beautifully silky and just thick enough to coat every spoonful—this is what sets the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet apart from the crowd.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar generously over the skillet, then cover again for two final minutes. The cheese will melt into a luxe layer on top, bubbling around the edges. Finish with that bright sprinkle of chopped parsley, and your One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is ready for the spotlight.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet
Garnishes
A simple flourish of chopped parsley instantly livens up the plate with color and freshness. For a bistro-worthy touch, try a dusting of extra smoked paprika or thin-sliced green onions. Each garnish invites curiosity and just begs you to dig in for another spoonful of creamy, cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
While the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is a star on its own, serving it with a crisp green salad or tender steamed green beans makes the meal feel extra complete. A slice of rustic bread to mop up the sauce? Highly encouraged, if not required!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this family classic into a dinner party hero by spooning individual servings into mini cast iron skillets or oven-safe bowls. Or ladle it over a bed of wilted greens for a heartier twist. However you serve it, the crowd will be delighted that you brought such comforting charm to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet, lucky you! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day lunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion cooled servings into freezer-safe containers. The creamy sauce and potatoes freeze surprisingly well. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again, then reheat gently for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave, covering lightly and stirring halfway through. For a larger batch, use your stovetop: add a splash of broth or cream, cover, and warm over low heat until the potatoes are heated through and the cheese is gooey once more.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Russets will get a bit softer and creamier, while red potatoes hold their shape well. Even sweet potatoes work beautifully for a subtle sweetness and extra color.
Can I make this One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground meat for a mix of mushrooms and lentils, and use vegetable broth. Add extra smoked paprika and a dash of soy sauce for a punch of savory flavor.
What’s the best way to slice the potatoes?
A sharp knife works fine, but a mandoline makes quick, even slices for perfect, consistent cooking. Aim for 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick rounds for best texture.
Can I add more veggies?
Feel free! Stir in a handful of spinach, peas, or even bell peppers near the end of cooking for more color and nutrition without any extra fuss.
Will this recipe work with non-dairy milk?
You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened cashew cream alternative in a pinch, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and thick. Cheese-free dairy shreds melt nicely if you need it dairy free.
Final Thoughts
There’s something universally satisfying about the combination of tender meat, creamy potatoes, and melty cheese, and this One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is your ticket to comfort in record time. It’s quick, homey, and guaranteed to please even picky eaters—give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it lands on your weekly rotation!
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, sauté onions until softened, then add garlic.
- Cook meat and potatoes: Brown ground beef or turkey, add potatoes, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, pour in broth, and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream, simmer until slightly thickened, top with shredded cheddar, and cook until melted.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes or use a mix of both for variety.
- Add chopped spinach or peas at the end for extra color and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
