If you’re craving a cozy, all-in-one comfort meal, look no further than this One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet. This dish brings together juicy ground beef, tender baby potatoes, melty cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and every bite packed with satisfying flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is truly a family favorite that warms hearts and brings smiles to the table.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, and you’ll be amazed at how just a handful of pantry staples builds layers of savory depth, silkiness, and crunch. Gather these simple items and see how they transform into something unforgettable.

Ground beef (1 pound): Brings hearty, meaty flavor and protein; ground turkey is a great, lighter swap.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the meat with a subtle, fruity note.
Onion, diced (1 small): Provides mellow sweetness and depth.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For that irresistible aromatic kick that infuses the entire skillet.
Baby potatoes, halved or quartered (1 1/2 pounds): Their tender, creamy texture absorbs all the flavors as they cook.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and balances every element in the dish.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a mild, peppery finish to each bite.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle smokiness and gorgeous color.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle earthy aroma that lingers in the background.
Beef broth (1/2 cup): Infuses richness and keeps the potatoes beautifully moist.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates that creamy, dreamy sauce you’ll want to eat with a spoon.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into gooey perfection, adding tang and a golden hue.
Chopped parsley, optional (2 tablespoons): Brings fresh color and a lively herbal note to finish.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess grease in the pan, go ahead and drain it off—this keeps the final dish from feeling too heavy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Now add in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the kitchen smells mouthwatering. The onion and garlic create the flavor foundation for the whole dish.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Next, stir in the halved or quartered baby potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything well so the potatoes are coated in all those gorgeous seasonings. This is where you’ll start to see the savory flavors come together beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour the beef broth right into the skillet, then cover with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. Check that the potatoes are fork-tender; they should soak up that flavorful broth while becoming ultra-soft.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, pour in the heavy cream and stir. Simmer uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens just a bit—the transformation from brothy to creamy is absolute magic here!

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover for another minute or two until the cheese melts into gooey pools of goodness. If you like, finish the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant pop.

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet

Garnishes

The right finishing touches can make this dish sing. Try showering your One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of green, or even a dash of extra paprika and black pepper for color and little extra kick. Scallions or chives are another lovely choice if you’re craving a mild oniony note.

Side Dishes

Because this skillet meal is so rich and filling, it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. A crisp green salad or simply steamed broccolini cut through the creaminess, while crusty bread is a dream for soaking up every last drop of cheesy sauce. Even a tangy cucumber salad works beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

You can really have fun with the presentation! Serve it family-style straight from the skillet at the center of the table for a rustic vibe, or dish out individual portions into shallow bowls and top with extra cheese and herbs. For a playful twist, use loaded potato toppings like diced bacon or a dollop of sour cream right on top of each serving of One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet into airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days and makes a delicious next-day lunch or dinner with no fuss at all.

Freezing

Want to freeze for later? Let the skillet cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. While the texture of potatoes may soften a bit after thawing, the flavors remain fantastic. Freeze for up to two months, and simply thaw overnight in the fridge when those cravings hit.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to keep everything creamy. Warm through on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Covering the dish helps retain moisture, so everything stays deliciously saucy and not dry.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are tasty alternatives that lighten the dish while still providing plenty of savory satisfaction in the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet.

What if I don’t have baby potatoes?

No worries—just use russet or Yukon gold potatoes, diced small so they cook quickly and evenly. They’ll soak up all that creamy goodness beautifully.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can experiment with plant-based heavy cream or unsweetened coconut milk and a vegan cheese alternative. The result may be a little different in taste, but the creamy, comforting feel of the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet will still shine through.

How do I make this more kid-friendly?

For picky eaters, skip the thyme and paprika for a milder herbal flavor, or use their favorite cheese. Chopping potatoes smaller and mixing in extra cheese is usually a kid-approved move!

Can I meal-prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the potatoes and aromatics in advance and even cook the beef ahead. When it’s time for dinner, just follow the steps for assembling and simmering. The One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet comes together quickly for busy nights.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is just the kind of recipe that turns a regular evening into something special with minimal effort. I hope you make it soon, scoop up every last bite, and share the warmth with those you love!

One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 16 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 satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this dish features ground beef or turkey cooked with creamy potatoes and a flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Potato Mixture:

1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add Aromatics and Potatoes: Add the diced onion and garlic to the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Cook Potatoes: Pour in the beef broth, cover the skillet with a lid, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

You can use russet or Yukon gold potatoes if baby potatoes aren’t available—just dice them small.
For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream cheese with the cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American