Introduction:
This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights and teaching young chefs the basics of cooking. With just a few affordable ingredients and minimal clean-up, you’ll create a hearty meal featuring savory ground meat, tender diced potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy finish—all cooked right on your stovetop!
⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
⏲ Total Time: 35–40 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4–6
🥘 Ingredients
- 🥩 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey)
- 🥔 12 small potatoes, diced (adjust quantity as desired)
- 🥫 1 can cream soup (cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, etc.)
- 🥛 3/4 cup milk (or a substitute mix, like water with a bit of sour cream)
- 🧂 Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other spices you like
- 🧀 Cheese, shredded (for sprinkling on top)
📝 Instructions
- Brown the Meat:
- In a large, deep skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until well browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the Potatoes:
- Add the diced small potatoes to the pan with the browned meat. Stir occasionally, cooking until the potatoes become tender (about 15–20 minutes).
- Create the Creamy Base:
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the can of cream soup and 3/4 cup milk (or your substitute mix).
- Add your chosen seasonings—salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.—to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Finish with Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of the mixture. Allow it to melt into a delicious, gooey topping.
- Serve:
- Once the cheese has melted, your one-pan meal is ready to serve. Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish with minimal fuss!
🤩 Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Skillet:
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and a single pan means less time cooking and cleaning.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite seasonings or swap out the cream soup variety for a different twist.
- Great for Learning: A fantastic recipe to teach young chefs the basics of stovetop cooking.
💡 Tips:
- Customize Your Seasonings: Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese Options: Try different types of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack) to vary the taste.
- Texture Variation: For an extra crunch, consider adding a handful of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top in the final few minutes.
- Leftovers: Store any extra portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—great for a quick lunch the next day!
Enjoy your One-Pan Meat & Potato Skillet—a delicious, straightforward meal that’s perfect for a busy night and ideal for budding chefs!