Description
A comforting and easy one-pan meal featuring ground beef and tender potatoes cooked in a creamy sauce, perfect for a quick 30-minute dinner. This skillet recipe is versatile with optional cheese, fresh herbs, and vegetables to boost flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 small potatoes, diced into ~1/2-inch pieces
- 1 can condensed cream soup (mushroom, chicken, or celery)
- 3/4 cup cold milk, plus a splash more if needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- Shredded cheese, as desired
- Fresh herbs, for garnish
- Frozen vegetables, for extra nutrition
Instructions
- Brown the meat (5–7 minutes): Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook while breaking it apart until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add potatoes (5 minutes): Stir in the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes to let them soften slightly and absorb flavors.
- Make it creamy: Add the condensed cream soup and 3/4 cup cold milk to the skillet. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and completely combined. If the mixture appears too thick, add a splash more milk to thin it.
- Simmer until tender (10–15 minutes): Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender. To prevent sticking, add a splash of milk or water and slightly reduce the heat if necessary.
- Finish & serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If using shredded cheese, sprinkle it over the top and allow it to melt. Add frozen vegetables during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking to heat through. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving hot.
Notes
- You can customize the condensed cream soup to your preference—mushroom, chicken, or celery all work well.
- Adding frozen vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans makes it a more balanced meal.
- For a richer dish, top with your favorite shredded cheese just before serving.
- Adjust seasoning as needed, especially after simmering, since condensed soup can vary in saltiness.
- If potatoes are not soft enough by the end of cooking, add a little extra liquid and cook a few minutes longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: one-pan meal, creamy skillet, ground beef recipe, potato skillet, quick dinner, 30-minute meal
