If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. This dish perfectly balances tender, browned ground beef with soft, golden potatoes all bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce that’s subtly spiced with smoked paprika and Italian seasoning. It’s the kind of recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a cozy, satisfying dinner you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Building this delicious skillet meal starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste and texture. From the creamy richness to the bursts of freshness, every component is carefully chosen to bring out the best in this recipe.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that adds hearty flavor and a satisfying texture.
- 4 medium potatoes (Yukon gold or russet): These create a tender, comforting base with a natural creaminess once cooked.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet and savory layer to deepen the overall flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma that wakes up the dish.
- 1 cup beef broth: Provides rich moisture and infuses the potatoes and meat with robust taste.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy texture that coats every bite deliciously.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a fresh, herbal note to the creamy sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey topping that makes the dish irresistibly indulgent.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and beef, providing a lovely base flavor.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness to finish.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Onions
Start by warming the olive oil in your large skillet over a medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and let them cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes until they become tender and begin to turn translucent. This step lays the flavor foundation, softening the sharpness of raw onion and sweetening them just right.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula. Cook it until well browned, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and develops those rich, savory browned bits. If your skillet accumulates excess fat, feel free to drain it for a leaner dish.
Step 3: Mix in Potatoes and Seasonings
Time to add in those diced potatoes, along with minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the potatoes are well coated in the spices, garlic, and the flavorful beef mixture. This step starts to bring complex layers of taste to the dish.
Step 4: Simmer with Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth, which will steam the potatoes and infuse the skillet with meaty goodness. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Check occasionally; you want the potatoes fork-tender but not falling apart.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Remove the cover and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 3 to 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly, coating the potatoes and meat in creamy, dreamy richness that defines this recipe.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover the skillet again for about 2 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a golden, gooey layer that makes every bite luxuriously creamy and cheesy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the skillet for a fresh contrast and a burst of color. Serve it up hot and enjoy the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors all from one skillet.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you could also add a little chopped chive or green onion to add a mild sharpness and vibrant green color. A dollop of sour cream or a few thin slices of avocado on the side can also offer a creamy cooling element that pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a meal all on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans. The freshness of those sides cuts through the richness perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve directly from the skillet so everyone can dig in festival-style. Alternatively, plate the dish with a generous scoop per person and top each serving with extra shredded cheese or a fried egg for a playful twist that adds richness and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent choice for next-day meals that feel just as comforting as freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to revive that creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through, then add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, but keep in mind they have a milder flavor, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to boost umami.
What if I don’t have heavy cream—can I substitute it?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be as thick and rich. To thicken, consider adding a slurry of cornstarch and water when you add the milk.
Are frozen potatoes okay to use in this recipe?
Fresh diced potatoes work best for texture, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen potatoes can be used—just reduce the initial cooking time in step 4 since frozen potatoes cook faster.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll still get a comforting, creamy skillet meal.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and seasonings. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients sneak in.
Final Thoughts
Nothing feels quite as satisfying after a busy day like a warm, cheesy, and creamy skillet packed with tender meat and potatoes. The One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe is a true winner — easy to prepare yet packed with so much comforting flavor. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for weeknights or anytime you want that cozy, homemade taste.
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
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Ground beef is cooked with diced potatoes, onions, and garlic in a flavorful blend of beef broth, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Finished with a splash of heavy cream and melted cheddar cheese, this dish offers creamy, cheesy goodness all in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or russet work well)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Cook ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid a greasy dish.
- Add potatoes and seasonings: Stir in diced potatoes, minced garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, combining all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer with beef broth: Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet. Cook for 10–12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate heavy cream and thicken sauce: Remove the lid, stir in the heavy cream, and let the skillet simmer uncovered for an additional 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients.
- Top with cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet again, and let it sit for 2 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for creamier texture or russet potatoes for a fluffier bite.
- To make this dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
- If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes along with the smoked paprika.
- Ensure to drain excess fat from the beef after browning to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Fresh parsley garnish is optional but adds a nice color and fresh flavor contrast.
