Creamy Meat and Potato Skillet with Cheddar Cheese Recipe
This Creamy Meat Potato Skillet is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal combining ground beef, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, and vibrant bell peppers in a rich, creamy sauce made with condensed soups and sour cream. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a delicious and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Meat and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
Potatoes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
Sauces and Dairy
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Cool the Potatoes: Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and water. Drain the cooked potatoes and immediately transfer them to the ice bath until cool to the touch. Drain again and set aside to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, preferably a cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then add red and green bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup until combined. Pour in the milk and stir well. Add the sour cream and mix until fully incorporated.
- Season the Mixture: Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir thoroughly and taste to adjust seasonings as needed. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Combine Potatoes: Gently fold the cooled, cooked potatoes into the creamy beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet, ensuring an even distribution.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for later.
- Bake or Broil the Skillet: For baking, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the skillet for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the dish is heated through. For broiling, preheat the broiler and position the oven rack 6-8 inches away. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the skillet from the oven or broiler and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve the creamy meat potato skillet hot for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using Yukon Gold potatoes is ideal for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape after cooking.
- Be sure to drain excess grease from the browned beef to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially since condensed soups can be salty.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk or simmer the sauce a bit longer before adding potatoes.
- To add extra flavor, consider sprinkling some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper with the seasonings.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: creamy skillet recipe, ground beef potatoes, one pan dinner, cheesy skillet, comfort food, easy family meal, creamy potato casserole