Name: One Pan Stovetop Ground Meat and Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, pork, or chicken); 3 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite); 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for extra flavor); 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup bell peppers, diced (optional); ¼ cup chopped parsley, for garnish; Splash of Worcestershire sauce (optional)

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to whip up, this One Pan Stovetop Ground Meat and Potato Skillet is just what you need. Juicy ground meat, crispy golden potatoes, and melted cheese come together in a single pan for a dish that’s both satisfying and effortless. The combination of rich flavors and textures makes this skillet meal a favorite for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

What makes this dish even better is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers bold, delicious flavors in every bite while keeping cleanup to a minimum.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Stovetop Ground Meat and Potato Skillet

Easy Cleanup: Only one pan is needed, meaning fewer dishes and less hassle.
Quick and Simple: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you probably already have.
Customizable: Swap the ground meat, add veggies, or experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste.
Comforting & Filling: A satisfying meal packed with protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this One Pan Stovetop Ground Meat and Potato Skillet, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process:

Large Skillet or Frying Pan: A nonstick or cast-iron skillet is ideal for evenly browning the potatoes and meat while preventing sticking.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: These are necessary for dicing the potatoes and chopping any additional ingredients.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps in stirring and flipping the ingredients while cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Lid for the Skillet (Optional): Covering the pan can help steam the potatoes slightly, making them tender faster.

Having everything prepped before starting ensures a hassle-free cooking experience and prevents delays while cooking.

Preparation Tips

Dice the Potatoes Evenly: Cutting the potatoes into similar-sized cubes helps them cook evenly and crisp up properly.
Use a Hot Pan: Preheating your skillet before adding the potatoes helps get that golden-brown sear.
Drain Excess Grease: If using a fattier ground meat, draining excess grease prevents the dish from becoming too oily.
Season in Layers: Add seasonings while cooking the meat and again after mixing with the potatoes for a well-balanced flavor.
Melt the Cheese at the End: Covering the skillet for a minute or two after adding cheese helps it melt perfectly into the dish.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure the best texture and taste for your skillet meal!

Ingredients for This One Pan Stovetop Ground Meat and Potato Skillet

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious and comforting dish:

Main Ingredients:

1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, pork, or chicken)
3 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for extra flavor)

Seasonings & Spices:

1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (for extra depth of flavor)
½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup bell peppers, diced (adds sweetness and color)
¼ cup chopped parsley, for garnish
Splash of Worcestershire sauce, for a deeper umami flavor

With these simple ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create a hearty and flavorful meal in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash, peel (if desired), and dice the potatoes into small, even-sized cubes.
Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
If using any optional vegetables, chop them now.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced potatoes, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender.
Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Meat

In the same skillet, add the ground meat and break it apart with a spatula.
Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, or until fully browned and no longer pink.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring well, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 4: Season and Combine

Add paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. Stir well.
Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and mix everything together.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet mixture.
Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for about 1-2 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

You can use any type of ground meat for this recipe, including beef, turkey, chicken, or pork. Adjust seasonings accordingly to match the meat’s flavor.
If you prefer crispier potatoes, cook them a bit longer before removing them from the pan. You can also use parboiled potatoes to speed up the process.
Adding a splash of broth or water while cooking the meat can help deglaze the pan and enhance flavor.
Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and variety.
If you like a creamier texture, stir in a small amount of sour cream or heavy cream at the end.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Cutting Potatoes Too Large

Larger potato cubes take longer to cook and may stay hard in the center. Keep them small and even for the best texture.

2. Not Draining Excess Grease

If your meat releases too much fat, drain it before adding the seasonings to prevent an overly oily dish.

3. Skipping the Preheating Step

A hot skillet is crucial for getting the perfect golden-brown sear on the potatoes. Adding them to a cold pan may result in soggy, unevenly cooked pieces.

4. Overcrowding the Pan

Cooking too many potatoes at once can cause them to steam instead of crisp up. If needed, cook in batches for better results.

5. Adding Cheese Too Early

If the cheese is added too soon, it can become overly greasy. Always sprinkle it on at the end and let it melt gently.

6. Using the Wrong Pan

A nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet works best for this recipe. Stainless steel can work too, but you may need extra oil to prevent sticking.

Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal every time!

What to Serve With One Pan Stovetop Ground Meat and Potato Skillet

This hearty skillet meal pairs well with a variety of sides to round out the meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Green Salad

A simple side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

2. Steamed or Roasted Vegetables

Try steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed green beans for added nutrition and color.

3. Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls

Warm, buttery bread is perfect for scooping up any extra cheese and flavorful bits from the skillet.

4. Fried or Poached Eggs

Topping the dish with a fried or poached egg adds extra protein and a delicious, creamy texture.

5. Avocado Slices or Guacamole

Creamy avocado adds a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the savory skillet meal.

6. Coleslaw

A tangy, crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing complements the dish beautifully.

7. Rice or Quinoa

For an extra filling meal, serve the skillet mixture over cooked rice or quinoa to soak up all the flavors.

8. Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, cheesy skillet.

These sides help balance the dish and offer a variety of textures and flavors to enhance your meal!

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Allow the skillet meal to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing:

For longer storage, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a skillet or microwave.

Reheating Tips:

Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to prevent the dish from drying out.
If using the oven, cover with foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

(Based on 4 servings, using ground beef and cheddar cheese. Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Calories: ~450-500 kcal
Protein: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Fat: ~22g
Fiber: ~4g
Sodium: ~600mg

This dish is packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes! Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter flavor and extra nutrients. Just note that they may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

2. What’s the best ground meat to use for this recipe?

Ground beef (80/20) gives the dish a rich flavor, but ground turkey, chicken, or pork also work well. Leaner meats may require a little extra oil to prevent dryness.

3. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce while cooking to give it some heat.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also add a creamy element like mashed avocado for richness.

5. Can I cook this in the oven instead of on the stovetop?

Yes, you can transfer the cooked meat and potatoes to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until bubbly.

6. How can I make this a complete one-pan meal?

Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase fiber and nutrients, making it a well-balanced meal.

7. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can pre-cook the potatoes and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days, making the final cooking process quicker.

8. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat. If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to keep the dish from drying out.

Conclusion

This One Pan Stovetop Ground Meat and Potato Skillet is a perfect go-to meal for busy days. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Plus, you can easily customize it by swapping ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it fresh or as leftovers, it’s sure to be a hit in your household. Try it tonight and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free dinner!