Easy Ground Meat Meal

This one-pan dinner has become our trusty fix for crazy weeknights when we want something filling without any hassle. With just a single skillet, you'll whip up a filling meal that brings together tasty ground meat, soft potatoes, and a smooth sauce that ties everything together nicely.

I tried this recipe with my kid when he was starting to cook on his own. Seeing how proud he was serving this to everyone turned it into a regular at our dinner table right away.

Ingredients

• Ground meat: one pound. Go with beef for rich taste or turkey for something lighter. The 80/20 beef mix gives you the tastiest results
• Small potatoes: about twelve cut into chunks. Pick Yukon golds for their creamy feel that works great in this meal
• Cream soup: one can. Mushroom adds woodsy flavors while chicken keeps things simple for fussy eaters
• Milk: three quarters cup. Nothing beats whole milk for richness but any kind will do
• Cheese: shredded as much as you want. Sharp cheddar gets all gooey and makes the perfect topping
• Seasonings: whatever tastes good to you. Some black pepper, garlic powder and a bit of thyme really bring out all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat:

Heat up your large skillet to medium and cook the ground meat until you don't see any pink, usually 5 to 7 minutes. Smash any big lumps with your wooden spoon so it cooks evenly. This gives your whole dish its yummy base.

Add the Potatoes:

After the meat browns, toss in those diced potatoes right in the same pan, mixing them around in the meat juices. Put the lid on and let them cook about 15 minutes, stirring now and then until you can easily poke them with a fork. The potatoes soak up all that meaty taste while they cook.

Create the Creamy Sauce:

Mix in the cream soup and milk, stirring so everything gets nicely coated. Turn the heat down to medium low and let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce gets a bit thicker and starts bubbling at the edges.

Season and Finish:

Sprinkle in your favorite seasonings, tasting as you go. Throw a bunch of shredded cheese on top and cover it just long enough for the cheese to melt, around 2 minutes. The heat from the food will melt that cheese perfectly without making anything mushy.

Potatoes are the real star here. My grandma always told me potatoes soak up whatever tastes you put with them, making them perfect for simple comfort food. This meal brings back her practical kitchen wisdom every time I make it.

Smart Swaps

One night when I ran out of milk, I found that mixing water with sour cream actually makes an even creamier sauce with a nice zip to it. You can also use Greek yogurt if you want something with more protein. What makes this recipe so great is how easy it is to change things up.

Storing Leftovers

This skillet dish gets even tastier overnight as all the flavors blend together. Keep it in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. When you warm it up, add a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to life, either in the microwave or on the stove. You'll be surprised how well the potatoes hold their shape.

Make It Your Own

Think of this recipe as a starting point you can play with. Throw in some frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes for color and nutrition. Adding cooked mushrooms gives it amazing depth, while chopped bell peppers bring sweetness and some crunch. My family goes crazy when I add a little smoked paprika and serve it with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

Teaching Moment

This meal gives you a perfect chance to show kids about building flavors, adding ingredients in the right order, and seasoning food properly. My son picked up important tricks like checking if potatoes are done and adjusting spices to get the taste just right. Start them off with easy jobs and work up to harder stuff as they learn.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap the ground meat for something else?

Totally! Use turkey, pork, chicken, or try plant-based options for variety.

→ What kind of potatoes should I pick?

Baby reds or gold potatoes are great, but any will do—just chop them evenly so they cook at the same pace.

→ What should I use if I don't have milk?

No problem! Replace milk with broth, water, or even a dairy-free milk. Mix in sour cream for an extra creamy touch.

→ How do I change up the flavors?

Season it your way! Try paprika, Italian herbs, garlic powder, or a splash of hot sauce if you're feeling adventurous.

→ What's the best cheese for this dish?

Cheddar is a go-to, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or anything that melts nicely will work perfectly.