One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is everything you want in a meal: quick, easy, and affordable. Whether you’re cooking for the family or teaching someone to cook, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s versatile, customizable, and satisfying. The combination of savory ground meat, creamy soup, and cheesy goodness makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the best part is you don’t need to juggle multiple pots and pans!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or pork)
• 12 small potatoes (or more, depending on your preference), diced
• 1 can of cream soup (your choice of flavor)
• 3/4 cup milk (substitute with water and sour cream if needed)
• Seasoning of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite cheese)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
2. Once the meat is browned, add the diced potatoes to the pan. Stir occasionally until the potatoes are tender and cooked through (about 10-15 minutes).
3. After the potatoes are cooked, add the cream soup and milk (or water and sour cream mixture) to the pan. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Season with your favorite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices you prefer.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture, cover the pan, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
6. Once the cheese has melted, serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Meat choices: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Vegetables: Add in vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Cheese options: Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your favorites.
• Seasoning variations: Experiment with different seasoning blends like Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or smoked paprika to change the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little bit of milk or water to keep the mixture moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cream soup?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cream soup you prefer, such as mushroom, chicken, or even broccoli cheese soup.

What can I use if I don’t have milk?

If you’re out of milk, you can substitute with a combination of water and sour cream, or use heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or use a spicy seasoning blend to give the dish some heat.

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen diced potatoes will work well in this dish. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly until tender.

Can I use ground beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef is the most common meat used in this dish, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage based on your preference.

How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming too soft?

Make sure you’re stirring the potatoes occasionally, and try to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Also, don’t add the soup until the potatoes are tender.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground meat with plant-based protein like lentils, tofu, or a meat substitute such as Beyond Meat for a vegetarian version.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I add cheese before cooking it?

Yes, you can add the cheese during the cooking process, but adding it at the end gives it a nice melty, gooey texture on top.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet is a fantastic dish that’s sure to please everyone in your family. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or teaching someone how to cook, this recipe is a winner. Plus, the one-pan cooking method means less cleanup—always a bonus! Enjoy!