Here’s the full recipe for the quick and easy one-pan meal:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 12 small potatoes, diced
- 1 can cream soup (such as cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or cream of celery)
- 3/4 cup milk (or water and sour cream mixed together)
- Seasonings of your choice (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika)
- Shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, brown the ground meat over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Once the ground meat is browned, add the diced potatoes to the pan. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- While the potatoes are cooking, mix together the milk (or water and sour cream mixture) and the cream soup in a bowl until well combined.
- Once the potatoes are tender and cooked through, pour the milk and soup mixture over the meat and potatoes in the pan.
- Add your desired seasonings to the pan, adjusting to taste preferences. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the mixture in the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve the one-pan meal hot, straight from the skillet.
Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal cooked all in one pan on the stovetop! It’s perfect for busy weeknights and teaching your 13-year-old some cooking skills.
Certainly! Here are some popular questions and their answers related to easy one-pan meals:
- What are the benefits of making one-pan meals?
- One-pan meals offer several benefits, including simplified meal prep, reduced cleanup, and the convenience of cooking everything in a single pan. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to minimize the number of dishes to wash.
- Can I customize one-pan meals to suit my dietary preferences?
- Yes, one-pan meals are highly customizable. You can easily adapt recipes to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions by choosing ingredients that fit your needs. For example, you can use different types of protein (such as chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp) and a variety of vegetables and seasonings.
- How do I prevent ingredients from overcooking or undercooking in a one-pan meal?
- To ensure even cooking, it’s important to choose ingredients that have similar cooking times. You can also cut ingredients into smaller or thinner pieces to help them cook more quickly. Additionally, stirring or flipping the ingredients occasionally can help promote even cooking.
- Are there any tips for maximizing flavor in one-pan meals?
- Yes, there are several ways to enhance the flavor of one-pan meals. Seasoning generously with herbs, spices, and aromatics can add depth of flavor. You can also deglaze the pan with broth, wine, or citrus juice to incorporate any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Can I meal prep one-pan meals in advance?
- Yes, many one-pan meals can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days before cooking. Simply assemble the ingredients in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Alternatively, you can fully cook the meal and then reheat portions as needed throughout the week.
- What are some popular one-pan meal ideas?
- Some popular one-pan meal ideas include sheet pan dinners with roasted vegetables and protein, skillet meals like stir-fries or fajitas, and pasta dishes where the pasta cooks directly in the sauce along with other ingredients.
- Can I make one-pan meals on the grill or in the oven?
- Yes, one-pan meals can be cooked on the grill using a grill pan or aluminum foil packets, or in the oven using a sheet pan or baking dish. The cooking method may vary depending on the recipe and the desired results.
Feel free to ask if you have any more questions or need further assistance!