Short Description
A comforting and easy one-pan meal featuring ground meat, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and requires minimal cleanup. It’s also highly adaptable, allowing you to use different types of ground meat, cream soups, and add-ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 1.5 pounds small potatoes, diced (about 12 medium potatoes)
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken/celery)
- ¾ cup milk (or ½ cup water mixed with ¼ cup sour cream)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
Preparation:
Step 1: Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick) over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes directly to the skillet with the browned meat. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Steam (If Necessary): If the potatoes are browning too quickly or the pan seems dry, add a splash of water (about ¼ cup), cover the skillet, and let the potatoes steam until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the potato dice. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add Creamy Base: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk (or the water-sour cream mixture). Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Simmer and Season: Reduce the heat to low and let the skillet simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, stir in frozen mixed vegetables during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Top with shredded cheddar cheese during the last minute, allowing it to melt before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks in a single skillet.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients that most people have on hand.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different meats, soups, and vegetables.
- Comfort Food: A satisfying and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a complete meal on its own.
- Pair with a simple side salad or steamed green beans for added nutrition.
- For a fancier presentation, top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of paprika.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips:
- For even faster cooking, use pre-diced potatoes or thaw frozen diced potatoes.
- To prevent sticking, use a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan.
- If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or celery works well too. You can even use a can of cheddar cheese soup for an extra cheesy dish.
- Add a clove of minced garlic or a chopped onion when browning the meat for extra flavor.
- Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information: (Approximate, per serving, assuming 4 servings)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
The One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a delicious, easy, and budget-friendly meal. Its simplicity and versatility make it a great recipe to have in your repertoire. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking and enjoy a comforting dinner any night of the week!
Questions and Answers about This Recipe
Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Yes, you can absolutely substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes. They will add a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish. Just keep in mind that sweet potatoes may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: To make this recipe vegetarian, you can omit the ground meat and add a can of drained and rinsed lentils or chickpeas. You may also want to add some extra vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or zucchini, to make the dish more substantial.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers of the One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet. However, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit softer. To freeze, let the skillet cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Q4: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef in this recipe. It’s a leaner option and will still provide plenty of flavor. Just be sure to cook the ground turkey thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q5: What if I don’t have milk on hand?
A: If you don’t have milk on hand, you can use water mixed with sour cream or plain yogurt as a substitute. Mix ½ cup water with ¼ cup sour cream (or yogurt) for the ¾ cup of milk called for in the recipe. You can also use broth, such as chicken or vegetable broth, for added flavor.
