One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe

When it comes to hearty comfort food, few dishes deliver the same level of satisfaction as a rich, creamy meat and potato combination. The One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is everything you could want in a weeknight dinner—savory ground meat, tender golden potatoes, a luscious creamy sauce, and melted cheese, all cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup.

Whether you’re making it for your family, preparing a cozy dinner for two, or cooking ahead for meal prep, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of perfectly seasoned meat, fluffy-yet-crispy potatoes, and a smooth, velvety sauce makes this a true weeknight hero. From yummyrecipes.woochiens.com .

One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 hearty portions


Ingredients:

For the Skillet
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or substitute ground chicken/turkey/pork)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into small cubes (about ½-inch pieces)
1 small onion, finely chopped (if tolerated)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper (if tolerated)
½ teaspoon paprika (if tolerated)
½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional) 1 cup (240ml) chicken or beef broth (without problem ingredients)
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend like Monterey Jack or mozzarella)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)


Directions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before starting, dice your potatoes into small cubes. Smaller cubes cook faster and more evenly, ensuring they become tender without overcooking the meat. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Shred your cheese and set it aside.

2. Brown the Meat
In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 5–6 minutes). Drain any excess grease if needed.

3. Sauté the Aromatics
Push the browned meat to one side of the skillet. On the other side, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Mix the onions and garlic into the meat.

4. Cook the Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir to coat everything evenly in the seasonings.

5. Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken or beef broth, stirring to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom (this adds flavor). Cover the skillet with a lid and let the potatoes cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fork-tender.

6. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream with the flour until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the meat and potatoes. Stir well to combine, and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the cheese melt into the sauce.

8. Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color. Serve hot right from the skillet for a rustic presentation.


Cooking Tips for the Perfect Skillet:
1. Choose the right potatoes – Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and have a buttery texture. Russets work but may break down more in the sauce.
2. Cut evenly – Uniform potato cubes ensure even cooking.
3. Don’t skip browning – Browning the meat adds depth and flavor to the entire dish.
4. Low and slow for the sauce – Once cream is added, reduce the heat to prevent curdling.
5. Cheese matters – Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.


Variations to Try
• Add Veggies – Mix in peas, carrots, corn, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
• Different Cheeses – Try other IC friendly cheeses.
• Herb Swap – Rosemary or oregano can replace thyme for a new flavor profile.
• Bacon Upgrade – Stir in crispy bacon (without problem ingredients) bits for extra smoky richness.


What to Serve with It
While this dish is complete on its own, you can pair it with:
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls
• A fresh side salad
• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus


Storage & Reheating
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.