Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines two beloved ingredients, ground beef and potatoes, into a satisfying skillet meal that is easy to prepare. The creamy, savory flavor is enhanced by melted cheese, creating a dish that’s comforting, filling, and simple. It’s quick, requiring just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights when you want something homey and hearty.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 small potatoes (or as many as you prefer), diced
- 1 can cream soup (any type you like)
- 3/4 cup milk (or substitute with water and sour cream mixed together)
- Your choice of seasoning (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
- Shredded cheese (for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Once the beef is browned, add the diced potatoes. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, add the cream soup and milk (or your water and sour cream mixture). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the mixture with your preferred spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.), and adjust to taste. Stir thoroughly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the dish. Cover and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or mushrooms.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add an extra layer of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if the mixture has thickened.
FAQs
How can I make this dish healthier?
Consider using lean ground beef or swapping out the cream soup for a low-fat version.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, cheddar is a popular choice, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack also work well.
What type of potatoes should I use?
Any type of waxy potato like Yukon Gold or red potatoes works best for this dish since they hold their shape well during cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it a day ahead and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the texture of the potatoes may change slightly, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken would be great alternatives to beef.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the cream soup you choose is gluten-free, this dish will be gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, onions, or even frozen peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
Can I make this in the oven instead of the skillet?
Yes, after browning the beef, transfer everything to an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.
What if I don’t have cream soup?
You can make a simple roux using butter, flour (or gluten-free flour), milk, and seasonings to replace the cream soup.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the ultimate in comfort food—simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights. It’s a meal that everyone will enjoy, with its rich combination of tender potatoes, savory beef, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this skillet will quickly become a go-to meal in your kitchen.
Print
Ground Beef and Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Beef and Potato Skillet is the ultimate comfort food, combining ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy broth with a cheesy finish. Quick and easy, this one-pan meal takes just 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for busy weeknights. Customize it with your favorite spices, vegetables, or even a different protein for a hearty, satisfying dish your whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 small potatoes, diced
- 1 can cream soup (any variety)
- 3/4 cup milk (or substitute with a mixture of water and sour cream)
- Seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
- Shredded cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Break into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Pour in the cream soup and milk (or water and sour cream mixture) and stir well to combine.
- Season with your preferred spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.), adjusting to taste.
- Top with shredded cheese and cover the skillet. Let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk if it thickens.
- Can be prepped a day ahead and reheated when ready.
- Freezes for up to 3 months, although the texture of the potatoes may change slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
