One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet | Easy Dinner Recipe in 30 Minutes!

Looking for a quick and comforting dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? This One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is the perfect weeknight meal. Packed with tender potatoes, juicy ground meat, and a rich, creamy sauce, this easy skillet recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a one-pan dinner, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor—ideal for busy families or anyone craving a hearty home-cooked meal.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Recipe

This dish is all about comfort food made simple. The creamy sauce blends perfectly with golden, pan-seared potatoes and savory ground beef or ground turkey. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or even cheese for a richer flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend night, this one-pan recipe is a versatile crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this creamy meat and potato skillet, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples:

1 lb (450g) ground beef, ground pork, or ground turkey
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken or beef broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your one-pan creamy skillet dinner:

Prepare the potatoes – Wash and thinly slice the potatoes into even rounds for quick cooking.
Cook the meat – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté onions & garlic – In the same pan, add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and slightly golden.
Cook the potatoes – Add sliced potatoes, season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
Make it creamy – Pour in broth and cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat.
Combine & finish – Add the cooked meat back to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Optional cheesy topping – Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover with a lid, and let it melt before serving.
Garnish & serve – Finish with fresh parsley and enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations

Add veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Make it cheesy: Use mozzarella for a gooey finish or parmesan for a sharper taste.
Spice it up: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Holiday twist: Swap ground beef for leftover roast turkey or ham to make a festive leftover skillet dinner.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. The best part? Only one pan to wash! Try it tonight and enjoy a simple, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.