If you’re craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It combines the satisfying heartiness of seasoned ground meat with tender golden potatoes and a colorful medley of veggies, all cooked together in one pan to lock in flavor and save you from dishes piling up. Whether you choose beef, turkey, or chicken, this skillet comes together quickly and delivers a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and homestyle goodness that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building those layered flavors and textures that make this dish shine. From the mellow sweetness of onions and peppers to the comforting starchiness of potatoes, every element is essential to crafting this simple but irresistible meal.
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken: Choose your favorite to suit your taste or dietary needs; it’s the hearty protein base of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds just enough richness to help crisp the potatoes and brown the meat beautifully.
- 1 small onion (diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and savory depth once softened.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses fragrant warmth that brings all the flavors together.
- 3 medium potatoes (diced into ½-inch cubes): These golden cubes give the dish its satisfying, tender texture and a bit of rustic charm.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a smoky, slightly spicy note that wakes up the palate.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: A fragrant herb that complements both meat and veggies perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and balance to the seasoning.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For a melty, creamy layer of indulgence that makes the dish extra special.
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish: Adds freshness and a bright finish to the skillet.
How to Make One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes to Golden Perfection
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the diced potatoes. It’s key to stir occasionally here so they get beautifully golden and tender without sticking, which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. This step builds the foundation of the dish with those crispy, soft potatoes that everybody loves.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat
Next, push the cooked potatoes to one side of the skillet and add your ground meat. Cook it for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns evenly. This part releases those mouthwatering meaty juices that combine with the potatoes later for unbeatable flavor.
Step 3: Soften the Aromatics and Vegetables
When the meat is nearly cooked through, stir in the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook everything together for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften and mingle nicely with the meat, creating an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Season and Simmer for Flavor Fusion
This is the magic moment when you add the smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the seasonings coat every bite. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so all those wonderful flavors get a chance to blend perfectly.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish
If you’re all about that savory melt, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top and cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese turns gooey and irresistible. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the whole dish before serving.
How to Serve One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes turn a good dish into a great one. Chopped parsley or sliced green onions add a burst of color and lift the flavors with their mild, fresh notes. For an extra cozy twist, try topping with a fried egg – the runny yolk makes every bite dreamy and decadent.
Side Dishes
While this skillet can stand alone, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies complements the richness and adds a refreshing contrast. Something simple like roasted asparagus or a tangy coleslaw works beautifully alongside the hearty meat and potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing meal, serve the skillet family style in the pan right at the table to keep it warm and inviting. Alternatively, portion it into bowls for a casual, rustic vibe ideal for lunch or dinner. You can even stuff it into warm pita bread with a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a handheld twist on the One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This skillet keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container once cooled to preserve the flavors and textures. Simply reheat when needed, and you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in minutes.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before placing in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave for best results without losing the skillet’s fresh-cooked charm.
Reheating
For reheating, warming the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth helps restore moisture and prevents it from drying out. If using a microwave, cover the dish to keep it from becoming tough. Add fresh herbs after warming to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully for a lighter version, and even mixing different meats can add depth to the flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
What potatoes are best for this skillet?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well while becoming tender and slightly crispy. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets if you want to keep the cubes firm and not too mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or even extra hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils. Just keep an eye on seasoning and texture to make sure the skillet stays flavorful and satisfying.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! This One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe is very flexible. Feel free to toss in spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or any leftover veggies you have on hand to boost nutrition and add variety.
How do I make it spicier?
Simple adjustments like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce while seasoning will bring heat to the dish. You can also include diced jalapeño or chili flakes during the vegetable sauté stage for a lively kick.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy satisfaction of a homemade One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe that’s easy enough to whip up any night of the week but bursting with layers of flavor and texture. It’s a recipe that invites you in with its welcoming simplicity and keeps you coming back for more with every hearty, comforting bite. Trust me, once you try it, this skillet will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy one-pan skillet meal featuring ground meat, potatoes, and vegetables, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This American-style dish combines tender potatoes with savory ground beef, turkey, or chicken, lightly seasoned with smoked paprika and oregano, and optionally topped with melted cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Seasonings and Extras
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender.
- Brown the Meat: Push the cooked potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the ground meat to the empty side and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns and cooks through.
- Sauté Vegetables: When the meat is nearly cooked, stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Continue cooking for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Season the Skillet: Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the entire skillet. Stir all ingredients together to blend the flavors, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Melt Cheese (Optional): If using shredded cheddar, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the skillet contents. Cover the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile and allows for swapping proteins like ground turkey or chicken.
- Add extra vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost nutrition.
- Serve with a fried egg on top for a hearty breakfast-for-dinner meal.
- Great for using leftover veggies or ingredients you have on hand.
