When you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, there’s nothing like a big skillet of creamy meat and potatoes to hit the spot. This Creamy Skillet Meat & Potatoes recipe is a cozy, one-pan meal that’s sure to please the whole family. With tender diced potatoes, savory ground beef or sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, this recipe checks all the boxes for convenience, flavor, and comfort.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for You

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a quick, easy, and filling meal. It combines simple ingredients with minimal prep and cooking time, making it ideal for busy people who still want to enjoy a hearty homemade meal. It’s also flexible, meaning you can swap out ingredients based on your preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a cozy meal for two, this recipe works for any occasion.

What makes it even better is that it only requires one skillet. No need to fuss with multiple pots and pans—everything comes together in one place, making clean-up a breeze. The creamy texture from the heavy cream combined with the gooey melted cheese creates a dish that is irresistibly delicious. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and who wouldn’t want that?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe instructions, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients that come together to make this dish so special.

• 1 lb ground beef or ground sausage – This is your protein base. You can choose beef for a classic flavor or sausage for an added kick.

• 3–4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced – Russet potatoes are perfect for this recipe because they get tender while still holding their shape, making them ideal for skillet cooking.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• 1 small onion, chopped – Onion enhances the savory profile and brings a slight sweetness when cooked.

• Salt & pepper, to taste – Simple seasoning is essential to balance the flavors.

• 1 tsp smoked paprika – This smoky spice gives the dish a rich flavor that’s perfect for the creamy sauce.

• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil – Used to sauté the potatoes and provide a bit of richness to the dish.

• 1 cup heavy cream – This creates the luscious, creamy sauce that coats the potatoes and meat.

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese – Either of these cheeses will melt beautifully, giving the dish its signature gooey texture.

• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional) – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a bit of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

How to Make Creamy Skillet Meat & Potatoes

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious one-pan meal.

Step 1: Sauté the Potatoes

Start by heating the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced potatoes to the pan. Sauté them until they’re golden brown and tender, about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once they’re done, remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onion

In the same skillet, add the ground meat and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Be sure to break the meat up as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Once the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, cooking for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Combine the Potatoes and Meat Mixture

Return the sautéed potatoes to the skillet with the browned meat and onion mixture. Stir well to combine everything and ensure the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Add the Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3–5 minutes, or until the cream has thickened slightly and everything is nicely coated. The creamy sauce will add a rich texture and flavor to the potatoes and meat.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the skillet. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes all gooey and delicious. This step makes the dish extra comforting.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. If you’d like, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Serve the creamy skillet meat and potatoes hot, and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

1. Meat Swaps

• While ground beef or sausage is the base of this recipe, you can easily swap it out for other meats. Ground turkey is a leaner option that still works well with the creamy sauce. For a fun twist, you could also add cooked bacon for an extra layer of flavor.

2. Vegetarian Option

• To make this recipe vegetarian, consider using a plant-based meat alternative or even crumbled tofu. You can also add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to make it a more well-rounded dish.

3. Make It Spicy

• If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture. This will give the dish a spicy kick that balances the creaminess of the sauce.

4. Cheese Options

• Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor, while mozzarella provides a stretchy, melty texture. You could also try a blend of cheeses for a unique taste.

5. Add More Veggies

• You can sneak in some extra vegetables to make this dish even more nutritious. Try adding diced carrots, peas, or spinach. They’ll add color, texture, and flavor to the skillet without overwhelming the dish.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this Creamy Skillet Meat & Potatoes recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan – This is essential for sautéing and simmering the dish.

• Spatula or Wooden Spoon – To stir the ingredients and break up the meat as it cooks.

• Sharp Knife – For chopping the onion, garlic, and potatoes.

• Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for prepping your ingredients.

Storing Leftovers

This dish is even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. To store, let the skillet cool completely, then transfer any leftover food into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. You can also microwave it for a quick and easy meal, though stovetop reheating will keep the creamy texture intact better.

Food and Drink Pairings

Creamy Skillet Meat & Potatoes pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks. For a balanced meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette. A side of steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, would add a pop of color and extra nutrients.

As for drinks, a chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the richness of the dish perfectly. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try pairing it with sparkling water with a splash of lemon for a refreshing contrast.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of potato?

• While russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that different types of potatoes may cook at different rates.

Can I freeze leftovers?

• Yes! You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to the point of adding the cheese. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days and then add the cheese and heat it up before serving.

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