One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal but want something simple and quick, then One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect dish when you want a flavorful meal that requires minimal cleanup and less time spent in the kitchen. You’re looking at tender potatoes, savory ground meat, and a bunch of seasonings all coming together in one skillet. Trust me, this is one of those dishes you’ll keep coming back to!

The potatoes get crispy on the edges, the ground meat is packed with flavor, and with just the right amount of seasoning, this skillet is a total winner. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal, this dish will always satisfy. And the best part? You can easily customize it with whatever you’ve got on hand!

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

Quick and Easy

This meal comes together in no time. You’ll have everything cooking in just one skillet, with minimal prep involved. Perfect for busy days when you need something quick, but still want something delicious.

Flavorful

The combination of crispy potatoes, savory ground meat, and fragrant spices like garlic, paprika, and thyme creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Each bite is a little bit of comfort on a plate!

One-Pan Wonder

With just one pan to cook everything in, cleanup is a breeze. After a busy day, there’s nothing better than knowing you won’t have a ton of dishes waiting for you afterward.

Versatile

This skillet is super adaptable. You can switch up the type of ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork), add extra veggies, or change up the seasonings to match whatever you’re in the mood for. It’s basically a blank canvas for your flavor preferences.

Filling and Satisfying

With the combination of protein-packed ground meat and hearty potatoes, this dish will leave you feeling full and satisfied. It’s a comfort food meal that’s perfect for any time of the day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious one-pan meal:

For the Skillet:

• Ground Meat: Choose your favorite type—beef, turkey, chicken, or pork. Each offers a slightly different flavor, so feel free to mix things up.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Cut them into small cubes so they cook evenly.
• Onion: Adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Garlic: A few cloves of garlic, minced, for that unmistakable, aromatic kick.
• Bell Pepper: This is optional, but it adds a nice crunch and sweetness to the mix.
• Olive Oil: To cook the ingredients and give the potatoes a crispy edge.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and a pinch of chili flakes (if you like a little heat). Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
• Cheese: Optional, but a little shredded cheese on top can add a creamy finish to the dish (cheddar or mozzarella works great).

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Potassium: 900mg
• Calcium: 8% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Instructions

Ready to get started? This one-pan wonder is easy to make and packs in tons of flavor!

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Slice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. If you’re using cheese, shred it now so it’s ready to go at the end.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to get crispy and golden brown.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Meat

While the potatoes are cooking, in a separate pan, brown the ground meat over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess fat, then season the meat with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and chili flakes.

Step 4: Add the Veggies

Once the potatoes are golden, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the potatoes. Stir everything together and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Meat and Potatoes

Add the cooked ground meat to the skillet with the potatoes and veggies. Stir everything together until well combined, and cook for another 3-4 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the skillet and cover the pan. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet warm, topped with fresh herbs if you’d like (parsley or cilantro works great), and enjoy!

How to Serve One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet

With a Side Salad

Pair this hearty dish with a simple green salad to add a bit of freshness and crunch to your meal. A light vinaigrette or creamy dressing would complement the skillet perfectly.

With a Fried Egg

For an extra protein boost and a little indulgence, top each serving with a fried egg. The creamy yolk will add richness to the dish!

In a Wrap

For a fun twist, you can also spoon the ground meat and potato mixture into a large tortilla to make a wrap. Add a little hot sauce or salsa for extra flavor!

With Avocado

Serve with some sliced avocado on the side, or mash it up and spread it over the skillet for added creaminess.

Additional Tips

Customize the Veggies

Don’t hesitate to throw in any other veggies you love! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are all great options that’ll cook quickly and add flavor.

Make it Spicy

If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the skillet while cooking the veggies. A dash of hot sauce on top will also give it a nice kick.

Swap the Meat

Feel free to use whatever ground meat you prefer. Ground turkey or chicken are lighter options, while beef or pork will give it a richer flavor. You can even use plant-based ground meat if you prefer a vegetarian version.

Meal Prep Friendly

This skillet is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch, portion it out into containers, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it quickly for an easy lunch or dinner!

Make It Cheesy

For a cheesy version, stir in some shredded cheese as soon as the dish is cooked, or sprinkle cheese over the top and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until it’s melty and golden.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A1: Yes! Sweet potatoes would add a slightly sweeter flavor and work perfectly in this skillet. Just dice them into small cubes and cook them the same way.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This skillet makes great leftovers. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q3: Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?
A3: While fresh potatoes work best for crispiness, you can use frozen hashbrowns or diced frozen potatoes as a shortcut. Just cook them according to the package directions before adding them to the skillet.

Q4: How can I make this spicier?
A4: To kick up the heat, add some diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes! This dish freezes well. Just cool it completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q6: Can I use ground sausage instead of ground beef?
A6: Absolutely! Ground sausage will add a bit more flavor and spice. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Q7: Can I add beans to this dish?
A7: Yes, black beans or pinto beans would be a great addition for extra protein and fiber. Add them toward the end of cooking to heat them through.

Q8: Can I make this dish spicy without adding chili flakes?
A8: Yes, you can use hot salsa, fresh chilies, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for heat instead of chili flakes.

Q9: Can I serve this as a breakfast dish?
A9: Yes, it’s great for breakfast! Top it with a fried egg or serve with avocado on the side for a satisfying start to the day.

Q10: What side dishes go well with this skillet?
A10: Serve it with a side of steamed veggies, a simple green salad, or some crusty bread to mop up all the delicious flavors!

Conclusion

This One-Pan Ground Meat and Potato Skillet is a true winner for busy nights or any time you need a filling, comforting meal. The crispy potatoes and savory meat come together perfectly with just the right balance of seasonings. Plus, it’s all cooked in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze! Whether you’re making it for yourself or feeding a family, this dish is sure to satisfy every time. Give it a try and enjoy!

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