Creamy Potato and Ground Meat Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or any meat of your choice)
- 12 small potatoes, diced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup (or any cream soup you prefer)
- 3/4 cup milk (or a mixture of water and sour cream)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Your favorite seasoning blend (such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer)
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Meat:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Once the meat is browned, add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the cream soup with milk (or water and sour cream mixture) until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Once the potatoes are cooked, pour the creamy soup mixture into the skillet with the meat and potatoes. Stir well to combine.
- Season to Taste:
- Season the skillet with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning blend you prefer. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet mixture.
- Serve:
- Allow the cheese to melt slightly over the skillet. Once melted, remove the skillet from the heat and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious and easy one-pan meal! It’s a great dish to teach your 13-year-old, and they can even customize it with their favorite seasonings
Tips to enhance your Creamy Potato and Ground Meat Skillet:
- Prep Ahead: To make dinner even quicker, you can dice the potatoes ahead of time and store them in water in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will help speed up the cooking process.
- Variety of Meats: Experiment with different types of ground meat like beef, turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative like plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Each type of meat will bring its own flavor to the dish.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value of the dish by adding in some extra vegetables like diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These can be sautéed along with the ground meat for added flavor and texture.
- Customize the Sauce: Instead of using canned cream soup, you can make your own creamy sauce from scratch using ingredients like butter, flour, broth, and milk. This allows you to control the flavor and thickness of the sauce to your liking.
- Spice it Up: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings! Try adding in some dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for extra flavor. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a bit of heat and depth of flavor.
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even crumbled feta for a unique twist.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the finished dish for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess.
- Serve with Sides: This skillet meal pairs well with a variety of sides such as a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.
By incorporating these tips, you can elevate the flavors and customize the Creamy Potato and Ground Meat Skillet to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Happy cooking
FAQ about Creamy Potato and Ground Meat Skillet:
1. Can I use frozen diced potatoes instead of fresh ones?
- Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes if you prefer. However, be aware that frozen potatoes might have a slightly different texture compared to fresh ones. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?
- Absolutely! This skillet meal can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze any leftovers for future meals. Store them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. What can I serve with this dish?
- This skillet meal pairs well with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or even cooked rice or quinoa.
5. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding in extra vegetables like diced onions, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Sauté them along with the ground meat for added flavor and nutrition.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer or have on hand. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses work well in this recipe.
7. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by substituting the ground meat with plant-based crumbles or omitting it altogether. You can also use vegetable broth instead of milk for the creamy sauce.
8. Can I add herbs or spices to the creamy sauce?
- Absolutely! You can customize the flavor of the creamy sauce by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, as well as spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
9. How can I make this dish healthier?
- To make this dish healthier, you can use lean ground meat, low-fat milk or a milk alternative, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables and reduce the amount of cheese used.
10. Can I use a different type of cream soup?
- Yes, you can use any type of cream soup you prefer or have available, such as cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cream of potato. Choose one that complements the flavors of the dish
