If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting meal that comes together effortlessly and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s quick, flavorful, and uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The golden potatoes crisp up beautifully alongside savory ground meat and a blend of spices, creating a dish that’s satisfying in every bite. Plus, cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup and maximum flavor harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though the ingredient list is delightfully straightforward, each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s texture, depth, and richness. From crispy potatoes to savory ground meat, every bite bursts with well-balanced flavor and comforting warmth.
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken: Choose your favorite ground protein for a juicy, flavorful base.
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (about 4 cups): These provide the perfect crispy, tender bite that complements the meat beautifully.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic richness and a touch of spice.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings warmth and a lovely smoky undertone.
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and seasoning depth.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional): Infuses earthy herbal notes for an extra layer of complexity.
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and helps meld all the flavors together.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds richness and ensures perfect crisping.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional): For a luscious, melty topping that makes every bite even more comforting.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A refreshing pop of green and light flavor to finish the dish.
How to Make One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is all about getting those potatoes golden and crisp on the edges without overcooking. The slight crunch you develop here will add delightful texture to the finished dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat
Next, add your choice of ground beef, turkey, or chicken right on top of the potatoes. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until the meat is no longer pink and has taken on a nice brown color—about 5 to 7 minutes. This layering allows meat juices to mingle with the potatoes for extra flavor depth.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Incorporate the diced onions and minced garlic, stirring them together with the meat and potatoes for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and release their sweetness. This step builds the aromatic foundation that makes this skillet so inviting.
Step 4: Season Everything
Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme if you’re using it. Stir well to combine, letting the spices toast gently for 1 to 2 minutes. This seasoning mix is key to turning simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful feast.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the beef or chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cover and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the potatoes can become tender and all the flavors can meld beautifully in one pan.
Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, then cover the skillet for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt luxuriously. This extra melty layer adds both creaminess and gooey goodness to each bite.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish by sprinkling bright, fresh parsley on top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm, hearty skillet. Serve it up right from the pan to enjoy all the rustic charm and comforting flavors packed into this One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe.
How to Serve One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is a classic choice, feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions. These additions can brighten flavors and introduce a creamy or sharp contrast that enhances the skillet’s satisfying richness.
Side Dishes
Since this One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe is a complete and hearty dish on its own, lighter vegetable sides work best. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add refreshing crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this skillet in individual cast iron pans for an eye-catching table presentation. You could also spoon it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta to soak up every bit of the savory juices, turning it into a comfort-food sensation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to bring back the crispiness of the potatoes, or microwave on medium power in short bursts until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water before reheating can help maintain moisture and tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat?
Absolutely! This One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe is very adaptable. Ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even pork all work beautifully. Just be mindful of the fat content, as it affects moisture and flavor.
What if I don’t have broth on hand?
You can substitute broth with water, but adding a bouillon cube or a splash of soy sauce can help boost the flavor so the dish stays rich and savory.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free broth and ensure any added ingredients like spices or cheese don’t contain hidden gluten.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas during the cooking process to add color, nutrition, and extra flavor layers to your One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It reheats well and stays tasty over a few days, making it a convenient and satisfying option for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless, adaptable, and always satisfying. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to dishes that you turn to over and over for reliable comfort and flavor.
Print
One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and easy one-pan skillet meal combining ground meat, crispy potatoes, and savory seasonings. This versatile recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and can be made with beef, turkey, or chicken. Topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley for extra flavor and garnish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- 4 medium potatoes, diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice, optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the potatoes and meat evenly.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to become golden and crispy on the edges, ensuring a nice texture.
- Brown the ground meat: Add the ground meat to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their aroma into the dish.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle in paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme if using. Stir thoroughly to combine the spices with the meat and vegetables, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the beef or chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate flavor. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Optional cheese topping: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the skillet contents, cover again, and allow it to melt for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Diced sweet potatoes can be used instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your broth choice.
- Covering the skillet while simmering helps the potatoes cook evenly and flavors to blend well.
- Use a non-stick or cast iron skillet for best results.
