Easy One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This easy one-pan creamy meat and potato skillet is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining ground meat, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce, it brings comforting flavors with minimal effort. You can customize it with cheese, herbs, or vegetables to suit your taste.

Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 12 small potatoes, diced
- 1 can cream soup (mushroom, chicken, or celery)
- ¾ cup cold milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: shredded cheese, as desired
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish
- Optional: frozen vegetables for extra nutrition
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Avoid overcrowding the pan for better browning.
- Step 2: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the potatoes start to soften and absorb the meat flavors. Use uniform ½-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Step 3: Pour in the cream soup and cold milk. Stir to combine until the sauce is creamy. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if needed. Let it simmer uncovered briefly if it’s too thin.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check that potatoes are fork-tender. Add a splash of milk or water if mixture sticks, and reduce heat if necessary.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top to melt. Add frozen vegetables in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try mixing different meats like beef and pork or adding sautéed onions and garlic to the skillet.
- Use sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes for a different taste and texture.
- Top with shredded cheese of your choice for a gooey finish.
- Add frozen peas, corn, or green beans toward the end of cooking for added color and nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less milk or simmer uncovered a little longer.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream soup base.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. You can use beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or even a mixture. Choose whatever you have on hand or prefer for flavor and texture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can brown the meat and dice the potatoes ahead to save time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with the soup and milk when ready to cook. However, it’s best served freshly simmered for optimal texture.
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Easy One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring browned ground meat cooked with diced potatoes in a creamy soup base, it delivers rich, satisfying flavors with minimal effort and cleanup. Optional additions like shredded cheese, fresh herbs, and frozen vegetables boost both nutrition and taste, making this dish a versatile family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 12 small potatoes, diced (about ½-inch pieces)
- 1 can cream soup (mushroom, chicken, or celery)
- ¾ cup cold milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- Shredded cheese, as desired
- Fresh herbs, for garnish
- Frozen vegetables, for extra nutrition
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Meat: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season generously with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary for better browning.
- Add the Diced Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes with the cooked meat. Mix well to combine and let the potatoes cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the potatoes to absorb meat flavors and start softening. Make sure potatoes are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- Create the Creamy Base: Pour the cream soup and cold milk into the skillet. Stir thoroughly until combined into a creamy mixture. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if it’s too thick or simmer uncovered a bit longer if too thin.
- Simmer Until Potatoes are Tender: Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender. If mixture starts sticking, add a splash of milk or water and lower heat slightly.
- Add Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add frozen vegetables during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking if desired. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Use evenly cut potatoes (about ½-inch) for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning meat to ensure better texture.
- Adjust soup and milk ratio for your preferred creaminess.
- Add frozen vegetables for a nutrition boost and color.
- Optional cheese adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- This recipe can be customized with any ground meat you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: one-pan, meat skillet, creamy meat and potatoes, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, ground meat recipe

