Potato Skillet with Meatballs

Potato Skillet with Meatballs. A fuss-free, flavor-loaded dish that will surely become a new family favorite. This one-pot dinner combines tender potatoes, meatballs, bell peppers and chickpeas, all simmered in a tomatoey broth. It’s so hearty, delicious and super versatile, too.

For more one pot family dinners, check out my orzo with Swedish meatballs, fried potatoes skillet with kielbasa or one-pan creamy rice with chicken. 

Why you should try this skillet potato recipe

If you’re looking for a surefire dinner win that’s as easy as it is satisfying, a simple potato skillet is always the answer. You can lean on these skillets any night of the week because they can be made with anything you’ve got on hand. It’s sure to become your new go-to for a simple, flavorful family favorite.

I love the addition of meatballs in this potato recipe because it makes it that much heartier and more satisfying. And the bell peppers and chickpeas? They just seal the deal!

It’s so delicious, you’ll want to eat it straight out of the skillet! Cooking potatoes this way takes your weeknight dinner rotation to the next level. It’s also quite versatile, so feel free to add your favorite veggies, like zucchini , spinach or eggplant. You can also switch up the protein, from pork to beef or chicken. No time to roll meatballs? You can also easily prepare this dish with ground meat.
Let me guide you through the recipe with this step-by-step VIDEO or follow along on YouTube.

What potatoes are best to use in a skillet recipe?

Waxy potatoes are known for their low starch content and high moisture, which give them a firm, waxy texture that holds up well during cooking. Some common varieties of waxy potatoes include new potatoes, yellow or gold, and fingerlings. However red potatoes would work great too!

Which ground meat is best for tender meatballs?

In this recipe, you can use pork, chicken or turkey. Alternatively, a mix of pork and beef, or pork and veal, works well, too. The secret to tender meatballs, however, lies in using your hands to gently and carefully incorporate the herbs, egg, and breadcrumbs into the meat mixture. Handle the meat as little as possible to avoid over-mixing.

Do you need to brown meatballs before cooking?

Yes! Browning meatballs before further cooking is important because it creates a rich, caramelized crust that enhances the overall flavor. This step also helps to seal in the juices, ensuring the meatballs are succulent and delicious.

Potatoes and meatballs ingredients and substitutions

Meatballs

• Ground Pork: You can also use ground turkey or chicken, or a mix of pork and beef, or pork and veal.
• Seasoning: A delicious blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried onion, and sweet paprika.
• Breadcrumbs: Help to absorb the meat juices during cooking, ensuring moist and flavorful meatballs.
• Egg: Binds the meat mixture with breadcrumbs and spices for springy meatballs.

Potatoes

• Potatoes: Opt for waxy varieties, as they maintain a firm, smooth texture when cooked and hold their shape well.
• Bell Peppers: Add sweetness and color. Feel free to include more veggies like zucchini, spinach, or eggplant.
• Garlic and Onion: Chopped yellow onion and lots of garlic flavor this dish. If you’re a garlic lover, use as much as you like.
• Chickpeas: Not recommended to leave out, as they add a mildly nutty flavor and great texture. If not a fan, try substituting with white beans or green peas.
• Tomato Paste: Creates a tomatoey base for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds flavor. You can also substitute it with vegetable broth, but avoid using only water.
• Seasoning: A flavorful blend of sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, ground turmeric, and ground cumin.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh finishing touch.

Make ahead

There are two ways to prepare this dish ahead of time:

1. You can prepare this recipe fully up to 1 day ahead. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to eat, simply add a splash of water and cook until heated through over medium heat.
2. Alternatively, you can chop the vegetables and roll the meatballs in the morning or up to 1 day ahead. Store them in airtight containers and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the recipe from step 3.

How to store potatoes and meatballs skillet

• Fridge: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge, then reheat over medium with a splash of water until heated through.