One-Pan Potato & Meat Skillet

This comforting one-pan potato and meat skillet features tender golden potatoes, savory ground meat, and flavorful vegetables all cooked together in a single skillet. It’s a hearty and balanced meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple cleanup: Everything is made in one skillet, so there’s minimal washing up.

• Hearty and filling: Loaded with protein, starch, and vegetables, this is a complete meal in one dish.

• Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite meat, spices, or seasonal vegetables.

• Family-friendly: Mild, well-balanced flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.

• Great for leftovers: Tastes just as good, if not better, the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or ground meat of choice

• Potatoes, diced

• Onion, chopped

• Bell pepper, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Tomato paste

• Worcestershire sauce

• Beef broth or water

• Olive oil

• Cheddar cheese, shredded

• Salt and pepper

• Smoked paprika

• Dried thyme

Directions

1. Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the potatoes: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Add diced potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and turn golden.

3. Add aromatics and vegetables: Stir in chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

4. Combine and season: Return the cooked meat to the skillet. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.

5. Simmer: Add beef broth and stir everything together. Cover the skillet and let it simmer over medium-low heat until the potatoes are fully tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 10–15 minutes.

6. Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top, cover, and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted.

7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot directly from the skillet.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Serves 4

• Prep Time: 10–15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.

• Add chopped spinach or kale at the end of cooking for extra greens.

• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.

• Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a different flavor and added nutrients.

• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

How do I keep the potatoes from sticking to the pan?

Make sure the pan is well-oiled and fully preheated before adding the potatoes. Stir occasionally and avoid overcrowding.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables can be used instead of fresh ones. Add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the meat with plant-based ground or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What’s the best type of potato to use?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well during cooking.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dish fully, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste?

You can use canned diced tomatoes, but the flavor will be slightly different and the texture more saucy.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and broth, the recipe is gluten-free.

What other cheeses can I use?

Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend cheese for a different flavor.

What side dishes go well with this?

A green salad, crusty bread, or steamed green beans make excellent sides.

Conclusion

The one-pan potato and meat skillet is a deliciously easy dinner solution that’s perfect for busy evenings. It delivers all the comfort of a home-cooked meal without the mess or effort of multiple dishes. With its rich flavors, simple ingredients, and satisfying results, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.