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
Scale
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.
