If comfort food had a secret handshake, this One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet would surely be in the club. Tender potatoes, savory browned beef, and melty cheeses come together in one skillet for a rich, creamy meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. There’s just a touch of paprika and thyme for depth, while a dreamy, cheesy sauce wraps every bite in coziness. Best of all, you only need one pan and about forty minutes—less mess, more flavor, and pure dinner happiness.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish shines because of its simplicity—the ingredients are familiar, easy to find, and each one adds its own magic. From the savory richness of beef to the gooey melt of cheese, every addition plays a key role in making One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet utterly irresistible.

Ground beef (1 pound): Packs the skillet with hearty flavor and satisfying protein.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Brings aromatic sweetness that softens as it cooks into the dish.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses each bite with a gentle, savory warmth.
Potatoes, diced (3 cups): The creamy yet tender backbone—peeling is optional, so use your favorite!
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a light smokiness and gorgeous color to the mix.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Gives an herby fragrance that elevates the beef and potatoes alike.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for rounding out all the other flavors—don’t skimp.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle kick and balances the richness.
Beef broth (1/2 cup): Helps simmer the potatoes and deepens the savory notes.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The magic ingredient for silky, decadent texture that brings everything together.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Melts into dreamy strings for perfect cheesy pulls.
Cheddar cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Adds sharpness and golden color—classic comfort!
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A pretty green flourish that brightens each serving.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium and swirl in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add your finely chopped onion. Let it soften and turn fragrant—this takes about three to four minutes and jump-starts the whole flavor base. Toss in the garlic and let it mingle for another 30 seconds, just until aromatic (but not browned!).

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Crumble in the ground beef and start breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Give it about six to eight minutes, stirring often, until the beef has lost all its pink and developed deliciously crispy edges. If there’s any excess fat at this point, carefully drain it off for a lighter (but still luscious) skillet.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Scatter your diced potatoes right into the skillet, followed by paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well so every chunk gets coated in that gorgeous, flavorful mix. You’ll notice the color deepen and the aroma grow—a sign you’re on your way to skillet greatness!

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in your beef broth and give everything a gentle stir. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally and check for doneness—the potatoes should become fork-tender and start to soak up all those lovely pan juices.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

With the potatoes now tender, uncover the skillet and stir in heavy cream along with both cheeses. Let the whole mixture cook for another three to five minutes, stirring gently as the cheese melts into stretchy, creamy perfection. The sauce will thicken, the colors will pop, and the skillet will smell like pure comfort.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove your masterpiece from the heat. If, like me, you love a hit of freshness, scatter some chopped parsley over the top for a pop of green. The One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is now ready to be scooped up straight from the pan—no need to stand on ceremony!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley brings pop and brightness, but you can also add paper-thin green onions or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for color. Want extra indulgence? Try a dollop of sour cream or a dusting of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. Garnishing adds not just looks, but a whole extra layer of flavor to your One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet.

Side Dishes

This skillet doesn’t demand much to feel like a complete meal. Crisp green beans, a simple salad with vinaigrette, or some lightly buttered peas all work beautifully. Crusty bread is another favorite in our house—it’s just begging for you to mop through any extra creamy sauce left on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the skillet family-style right at the table for maximum wow factor, or scoop portions into small ramekins for individual servings at a dinner party. For something playful, spoon it onto toasted sourdough for a cozy open-faced sandwich. However you dish it up, One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is guaranteed to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep any leftover One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it an ideal meal prep option for easy weeknight lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Flatten for quicker thawing and use within two months for best flavor. Let the skillet thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating; creamy dishes freeze surprisingly well, so the textures return nicely!

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickened up in the fridge. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through until piping hot. Stir well to bring back that creamy, cheesy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat in One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet?

Absolutely—ground turkey or sausage both work wonderfully here. Turkey gives a lighter feel, while sausage brings extra flavor and spice. Just follow the same cooking steps and adjust your seasonings as needed.

Do I have to peel the potatoes for this recipe?

Not at all! Leaving the skins on adds fiber and a rustic touch; just give them a good scrub before dicing. Peel or not, your One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet will turn out delicious.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella and cheddar make a stellar combo for creaminess and sharpness, but feel free to swap in pepper jack for heat or Swiss for nuttiness. Try a mix based on what’s already in your fridge!

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Definitely—toss in a handful of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of simmering for color and sweetness. Chopped bell peppers or spinach work well too; just add them in according to how quickly they cook.

How can I make the dish even creamier?

For extra creaminess, substitute half the beef broth with more heavy cream, or add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce. Just be sure to stir well so everything melts in smoothly.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of a meal that’s both ridiculously easy and unbelievably comforting. One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is the kind of dish you’ll turn to again and again, whether it’s a simple family dinner or an impromptu get-together. Give it a try and discover just how much flavor you can find in a single, humble skillet!

One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is a comforting and hearty dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and flavorful ground beef, this skillet meal is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Potato Mixture:

3 cups diced potatoes (peeled if desired)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, then add ground beef and cook until browned.
Cook Potatoes: Add diced potatoes, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and both cheeses. Cook until sauce is thick and creamy, and cheese is melted.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve.