One-Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet

30 minute beef-and-potato comfort you can make in one pan, gentle on time, big on flavor

Tender bites of beef, buttery potatoes, and a silky cream-cheese sauce melt together into a cozy skillet dinner you can put on the table, no juggling, no stress, just a warm hug of a meal.

Why You’ll Love It

• Cooking for beginners friendly: one pan, simple cues, and clear steps.
• Fits busy evenings: true beef recipes for dinner in ~30 minutes.
• Creamy, kid-approved flavor for family favorite meals with minimal dishes.
• Works like a stovetop beef casserole—all the comfort without the bake time.
• Flexible base for weeknights: swap veg, use what’s in your fridge.
• Nice pairings from your site:
  Try Broccoli Bacon Salad → https://spoonrecipes.com/broccoli-bacon-salad/
  Fresh Tzatziki Cucumber Salad → https://spoonrecipes.com/tzatziki-cucumber-salad-recipe/
  Bright Cucumber Caprese Salad → https://spoonrecipes.com/cucumber-caprese-salad/

Ingredients (notes only)

Beef & Aromatics

• Ground beef (85–90% lean): classic, fast protein for beef dishes.
• Onion + garlic: savory backbone.
• Paprika + dried thyme (or Italian seasoning): gentle warmth.

Potatoes & Veg

• Waxy/yellow potatoes (hold shape) or Russets (softer); ½-inch cubes for quick cook.
• Bell pepper or peas: color and sweetness.
• Spinach (optional): stir in at the end for freshness.

Creamy Sauce

• Beef broth + milk: light, sippable sauce.
• Cream cheese (just enough for silk) + Dijon for depth.
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella for melt.

Finish

• Parsley, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon to brighten.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté beef: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 lb (450 g) ground beef with ¾ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper; cook, breaking up, until browned and 160°F / 71°C. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add aromatics: Stir in 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle 1 tsp paprika and 1 tsp dried thyme.
3. Potatoes in: Add 1½ lb (680 g) potatoes, ½-inch cubes, and 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth. Cover and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring once, until potatoes are just tender.
4. Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup (120 ml) milk, 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese, and 1 tsp Dijon until smooth.
5. Veg & melt: Fold in 1 cup bell pepper or peas. Sprinkle 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese over; cover 2–3 minutes to melt.
6. Finish: Add 1 Tbsp lemon juice (optional), taste, and adjust salt. Scatter parsley and a few grinds of pepper.
7. Serve: Big spoonfuls straight from the skillet with a crisp side salad.

Gentle note for you: this is a low-fuss, high-comfort dinner—no marathon at the stove. Breathe, stir once, and let the pan do the work.

Pro Tips

• Even cubes = even cook: keep potato pieces similar in size.
• Lid on for potatoes: traps steam so they soften fast.
• Silky sauce: soften cream cheese at room temp or cube it small.
• Thicker or thinner: simmer uncovered to thicken; add a splash of milk to loosen.
• Make it brighter: a squeeze of lemon or a spoon of sour cream at the end perks up richness.

Variations

• Mushroom beef skillet: sauté 8 oz mushrooms with the onions.
• Southwest: add 1 tsp chili powder + corn; top with pepper jack.
• Hidden veg: grate carrot or zucchini into the beef for picky eaters.
• Cheesier “casserole”: broil 2–3 minutes to brown the top (oven-safe pan).

How to Serve

• With Broccoli Bacon Salad for crunch, or Cucumber Caprese Salad for freshness.
• Spoon over baby spinach to wilt slightly, or serve with buttered toast.
• A sprinkle of crushed kettle chips on top for a fun “casserole” vibe.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Fridge: 3–4 days in airtight container.
• Freeze: Up to 2 months (sauce may separate slightly; stir while reheating).
• Reheat: Low heat on stovetop with a splash of milk; or microwave 60–90 sec per portion, stirring once.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey?
Yes—brown well and season a touch more; still heat to 165°F / 74°C.

Best potato type?
Yukon Gold holds shape; Russet gets softer and creamier.

Dairy-free?
Use coconut milk + dairy-free cream cheese; skip cheese or use DF shreds.

Can I add pasta?
Yes—stir in 2 cups cooked short pasta with the cheese for a heartier skillet.

Simple Nutrition Table (estimate per serving, 6 servings)

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbs: 38 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sodium: ~780 mg
  Estimates only; ingredients vary.