One Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet

Imagine tender chunks of meat and golden potatoes sizzling in a rich, velvety sauce, all prepared in just one pan. This One Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal without the fuss of multiple dishes. The savory aroma of herbs mingling with the creamy sauce creates an irresistible dinner that your family will request again and again. You’ll learn how to create this hearty, satisfying skillet meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The One Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something substantial but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just one pan means easy preparation and quick cleanup, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.

The contrasting textures are what make this dish truly special. Crispy-edged potatoes complement the tender, juicy meat, while the creamy sauce brings everything together in perfect harmony. Each bite delivers a balance of comforting starch, protein, and velvety richness.

What’s more, this creamy potato and meat skillet is incredibly versatile. You can use whatever meat you have on hand – beef, chicken, or pork all work beautifully. The recipe is forgiving and adaptable, making it a reliable go-to when you need a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs beef chuck or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes (or substitute chicken thighs or pork tenderloin)
• 1½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into ¾-inch cubes (about 4-5 medium potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend), optional

The Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this skillet dinner because they hold their shape while becoming creamy inside. Heavy cream creates the luscious sauce, while Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness perfectly.

Pro Tips

Properly Brown the Meat: The secret to developing deep flavor in your One Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is to brown the meat properly. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which causes the meat to steam rather than sear. Allow each piece to develop a golden-brown crust before turning. This caramelization creates rich, complex flavors that form the foundation of the entire dish.

Par-cook the Potatoes: For the perfect texture in your meat and potato skillet, microwave the diced potatoes for 4-5 minutes before adding them to the pan. This head start ensures they’ll cook through completely while still developing a nice golden exterior in the skillet. Nobody wants crunchy potatoes in a creamy comfort dish!

Sauce Consistency Control: The key to a perfectly creamy sauce is patience and temperature control. After adding the cream, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a boil to prevent curdling. If your sauce becomes too thick, add broth a tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it reduce a few minutes longer or create a slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Season
Pat the meat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This crucial first step ensures proper browning and flavor development. Meanwhile, if using the par-cooking method, place your diced potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of water, cover with a plate, and microwave for 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Meat
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (12-inch preferably) over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the meat in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and let it develop a deep brown crust on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re not trying to cook it through at this point – just developing flavor. Transfer the browned meat to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds – be careful not to burn it or you’ll add bitterness to your One Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet.

Step 4: Add Potatoes
Add the potatoes to the pan with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn golden on multiple sides. If they’re sticking, add a splash of broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom.

Step 5: Create the Sauce
Pour in the broth, then add the dried herbs, paprika, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine, then return the browned meat to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the meat is nearly cooked through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Stir in the heavy cream and bring back to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the meat is completely tender. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top and cover until melted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your One Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet hot, garnished with additional parsley.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform your One Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet with Mediterranean flavors by adding 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano during the final 5 minutes of cooking. Finish with 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil instead of parsley for a sunny, herb-infused variation that brings brightness to the creamy base.

Mushroom and Herb Upgrade: For an earthy, umami-rich version of this creamy meat and potato dish, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or button) when sautéing the onions. Include a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan, and finish the dish with 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves. This variation creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile that’s perfect for mushroom lovers.

Dairy-Free Option: Make this comforting skillet meal dairy-free by substituting full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream and omitting the cheese. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness that works surprisingly well with the savory elements. To enhance the flavor profile, add an extra teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to balance the richness.

Storage and Serving

The One Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. While technically freezable for up to 2 months, the texture of the potatoes and cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing.

For serving, this hearty skillet meal is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more substantial meal, add crusty bread for sopping up the delicious sauce – warm baguette or garlic bread works beautifully.

For an elevated presentation, serve directly from the skillet at the table, garnished with fresh herbs and an extra crack of black pepper. This creates a rustic, inviting dinner experience that encourages sharing and conversation.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! The One Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet works wonderfully with beef, chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even lamb. Just adjust cooking times accordingly – chicken thighs need about 5-7 minutes less, while pork may cook slightly faster than beef.

My sauce curdled. What happened?
Curdling usually occurs when cream is added to a very hot liquid or boiled vigorously. To prevent this, remove the pan from heat for a minute before adding the cream, then return to a gentle simmer rather than a boil.

Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
Yes, you can prepare it up to the point of adding the cream, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add the cream just before serving.

What’s the best potato variety to use?
Yukon Golds are ideal because they hold their shape while becoming creamy inside. Russets tend to fall apart, while red potatoes can sometimes remain too firm.

How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. You might also use lean meat like sirloin or chicken breast, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Conclusion

This One Pan Creamy Meat & Potato Skillet is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender meat, golden potatoes, and a velvety sauce that comes together with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a cozy dining experience, bringing everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and satisfying flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a simple yet impressive meal for guests, this skillet dinner delivers on all fronts. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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