If you love easy dinners that feel like a warm hug, then this One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet is about to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen! This dish brings together tender potatoes, perfectly seasoned ground meat, colorful veggies, and a glorious sprinkle of melty cheese—all in a single skillet and under 40 minutes. Whether you’re wrangling hungry kids or looking for a cozy meal after a long day, this skillet delivers on heartiness and comfort with minimal cleanup. Let’s dive into a meal that’s both satisfying and supremely doable any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays its part in building bold flavors and layers of texture, while also giving you plenty of wiggle room for creativity.
- Ground meat (1 pound, beef, turkey, or chicken): This is the protein powerhouse of the skillet, and you can pick your favorite for a custom flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for crisping up those potatoes and adding a lush, savory backdrop to the dish.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Brings a hint of sweetness and depth that ties everything together.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that unmistakable aromatic kick we all crave in a homemade meal.
- Potatoes (3 medium, diced into ½-inch cubes): These golden nuggets soak up all the flavors while adding a hearty, satisfying bite.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Pops of color and subtle sweetness make every forkful lively.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): For savory depth and a touch of earthy warmth that takes things up a notch.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): A sprinkle of herby goodness for a classic home-cooked flavor.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the flavors and brings everything together.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and a finishing touch of spice.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup, optional): Melty, gooey, and irresistible when sprinkled over the top.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish): The final flourish for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—cast iron or heavy-bottomed nonstick work beautifully. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer, ideally so they all get a chance to brown. Let them cook for about 10 to 12 minutes with occasional stirring, until they’re golden and fork-tender on the inside but crisp and irresistible at the edges.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat
Once those potatoes are nicely golden, push them off to one side of the skillet (they’ll hang out there for a minute). Add your ground beef, turkey, or chicken and start breaking it up with a spatula. Let it sizzle and brown for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring as needed, until almost cooked through. This is where the magic starts and the aroma fills your kitchen!
Step 3: Add Onion, Garlic, and Red Bell Pepper
Now it’s time for even more flavor. Add your diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let them cook for 3 to 4 more minutes, until the vegetables soften and their flavors mingle with the meat and potatoes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion turns translucent and the bell pepper gets a bit tender.
Step 4: Season and Combine
Sprinkle the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the entire skillet. Give everything a good stir so that those seasonings are distributed evenly, coating every bite in glorious flavor. Let it cook for another 2 minutes—this extra time helps the spices marry with the skillet’s ingredients for that craveable, cohesive taste.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional) and Garnish
If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet. Cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes to let the cheese melt into gooey perfection. Finish by showering over some fresh chopped parsley or green onions before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet
Garnishes
A simple handful of chopped parsley or green onions is all you need to elevate this skillet from a weeknight staple to something that feels a bit more special. The herbs provide a welcome burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the cozy, savory flavors underneath.
Side Dishes
The One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with a light green salad or crisp coleslaw brings some brightness and extra veggies to the table. If you’re craving more comfort, a side of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any tasty juices left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To make things feel a little fancy, try serving the skillet directly from the pan at the table—family-style! You can also top each portion with a fried or poached egg, or spoon the skillet into warm tortillas for a delicious twist on a breakfast taco. The One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet is endlessly customizable, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for some truly delicious next-day lunches or quick dinners on the fly.
Freezing
If you want to stash a batch for later, let the One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet cool completely before popping it in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, skip the cheese until after reheating, as it can sometimes lose its meltiness when frozen.
Reheating
Rewarming is a breeze! Just pop leftovers into a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist, and heat through until hot. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out—stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely, subtle sweetness and pair beautifully with the ground meat and seasonings. Just dice them the same size as the regular potatoes for even cooking.
What’s the best type Main Course
Beef, turkey, or chicken all work great depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Each brings a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to explore and find your favorite combination.
Can I add other vegetables to the One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet?
Yes! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Try tossing in spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn in Step 3 for extra nutrition and color. It’s a perfect way to clean out the fridge and sneak in more veggies.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It sure is! The One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet is naturally gluten-free, provided you check your spices and cheese for hidden gluten or additives. It’s also nut-free, making it a safe choice for many dietary needs.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Just skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative. The skillet will still be absolutely full of flavor and richness, even without the cheddar.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the sheer comfort and convenience of a One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet. It’s the type of dinner you’ll want to whip up on repeat, especially when you need something hearty, quick, and satisfying. Gather your favorite ingredients and give this cozy classic a spot in your weekly rotation—you’ll be so glad you did!
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful dish that is quick and easy to make. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this skillet meal combines ground meat, potatoes, and veggies for a satisfying one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Ground Meat Skillet:
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 medium potatoes (diced into ½-inch cubes)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook diced potatoes until golden and tender.
- Cook Ground Meat: Push potatoes aside, add ground meat to skillet, and brown it.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook until softened.
- Season and Finish: Season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook briefly. Add cheese if desired, cover until melted. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile and can be customized with various vegetables and proteins.
- Consider adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- For a twist, serve with a fried egg on top for a breakfast-for-dinner option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
