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32 One Skillet Recipes That’ll Make Your Life Easier

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There are times when you want to cook something yummy and tasty, but the thought of the stressful cleanup that’ll follow shortly afterwards often deters you.

Trust me, I feel you. Preparing and enjoying tasty meals shouldn’t be such a stress-inducing task. And that’s why we absolutely adore one skillet meals.

Simple recipes that come together in one cast iron skillet, which not only reduce cleanup, but also helps you put food on the table a lot quicker.

If that’s the kind of thing you’re looking for, then grab a seat, because I’ve got a couple of yummy delights in store for you.

In this post, you’ll discover 32 incredible one skillet recipes for you to make today. These skillet meals are quick and easy to make, full of good flavor, and super satisfying too.

And it’s not just about the main dishes. This list covers everything from breakfast to dinner, and even desserts. Lots of amazing recipes to make with your cast iron skillet.

Let’s get right into it.

Useful Cast Iron Skillet Cooking Tips

Cooking with a cast iron skillet is like wielding a culinary powerhouse that can elevate your dishes to new heights.

Whether you’re searing steaks, baking cornbread, or frying chicken, these timeless cooking vessels offer unparalleled versatility and flavor.

To help you become a cast iron skillet maestro, here are seven essential tips to consider:

1. Seasoning for Success

Properly seasoning your cast iron skillet is the foundation of its non-stick prowess. Seasoning involves coating the skillet with a thin layer of oil or fat and then heating it to create a natural, slick surface.

To maintain this seasoning, avoid using soap, which can strip the skillet of its protective layer. Instead, clean it with hot water, a stiff brush, and a gentle touch. After each use, lightly oil the skillet to prevent rust and maintain its seasoning.

2. Preheating Matters

Cast iron skillets retain and distribute heat exceptionally well, but they require adequate preheating.

To ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, heat your skillet slowly over medium-low to medium heat before adding oil or ingredients. Allow it to come to temperature gradually to avoid hot spots that can lead to uneven cooking.

3. Use the Right Oils

When cooking with cast iron, choose oils with high smoke points to prevent burning and the development of a bitter taste.

Suitable options include vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, and clarified butter (ghee). Avoid using butter or extra virgin olive oil for high-heat cooking, as they have lower smoke points and can become rancid.

4. Monitor Temperature

Cast iron skillets can become extremely hot, so it’s essential to control the cooking temperature.

When searing meats or frying, maintaining a consistent medium-high heat is usually ideal. To gauge the temperature, drop a few water droplets onto the skillet’s surface. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, it’s ready for cooking.

5. Gentle Cleaning:

To preserve the seasoning and longevity of your cast iron skillet, adopt a gentle cleaning routine.

After cooking, allow the skillet to cool slightly, then rinse it with hot water. Use a stiff brush or scraper to remove any food particles or residue.

Avoid abrasive scouring pads or steel wool, which can damage the seasoning. Once clean, wipe the skillet dry and lightly coat it with oil before storing.

6. Patience is Key

Cast iron skillet cooking rewards patience. When searing, let the food develop a proper crust before attempting to flip it.

This will prevent sticking and enhance the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for that delicious browned exterior. When baking, preheat the skillet before adding the dough or batter for optimal results.

7. Tackle Sticky Situations

If food sticks to the skillet, don’t panic. Gently loosen it with a spatula, and it will often release as it continues to cook. To prevent sticking in the first place, ensure the skillet is adequately preheated and generously oiled.


Mastering cast iron skillet cooking is a journey that combines tradition with innovation.

With these six tips, you’ll harness the full potential of this culinary tool, creating dishes that boast incredible flavor and texture.

Whether you’re a seasoned cast iron chef or just beginning your skillet adventure, these fundamentals will help you achieve exceptional results in the kitchen.

32 Easy Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

1) Italian Chicken, Farro and Vegetable Skillet

Italian Chicken, Farro and Vegetable Skillet
Via: Sweet Savory And Steph

Get the recipe at – Sweet Savory And Steph

2) Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
Via: Diet Hood

Get the recipe at – Diet Hood

3) Easy Cast Iron Pizza

Easy Cast Iron Pizza
Via: A Couple Cooks

Get the recipe at – A Couple Cooks

4) Bacon, Egg, and Potato Breakfast Skillet

Bacon, Egg, and Potato Breakfast Skillet
Via: The Girl Who Ate Everything

Get the recipe at – The Girl Who Ate Everything

5) Turkey and Vegetable Skillet

Turkey and Vegetable Skillet
Via: Recipe Runner

Get the recipe at – Recipe Runner

Also See: 36 Stress-free One Pot Dinners You Need In Your Life

6) Easy Mediterranean Chicken

Easy Mediterranean Chicken
Via: Healthy Fitness Meals

Get the recipe at – Healthy Fitness Meals

7) Thai Red Coconut Chicken

Thai Red Coconut Chicken
Via: A Saucy Kitchen

Get the recipe at – A Saucy Kitchen

8) Skillet Sausage Pasta

Skillet Sausage Pasta
Via: From Valerie’s Kitchen

Get the recipe at – From Valerie’s Kitchen

9) Vegetarian Enchilada Skillet Casserole

Vegetarian Enchilada Skillet Casserole
Via: Kitchen Confidante

Get the recipe at – Kitchen Confidante

10) Creamy Skillet Chicken Noodle Casserole

Creamy Skillet Chicken Noodle Casserole
Via: Real Housemoms

Get the recipe at – Real Housemoms

Also See: 32 Healthy Casserole Recipes That’ll Make Your Mouth Water

11) Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Herb Butter Biscuits

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Herb Butter Biscuits
Via: Plays Well With Butter

Get the recipe at – Plays Well With Butter

12) Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna
Via: The Cozy Cook

Get the recipe at – The Cozy Cook

13) Steak Bites and Potatoes

Steak Bites and Potatoes
Via: Tournadough Alli

Get the recipe at – Tournadough Alli

14) Spicy Salmon Sweet Potato Skillet

Spicy Salmon Sweet Potato Skillet
Via: Primavera Kitchen

Get the recipe at – Primavera Kitchen

15) One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo

One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo
Via: Dishing Out Health

Get the recipe at – Dishing Out Health

Also See: 25 Healthy Shrimp Recipes You’ve Got To Try Today

16) Paleo Chicken Tikka Masala

Paleo Chicken Tikka Masala
Via: Belly Full

Get the recipe at – Belly Full

17) Pan-Fried Pork Chops With Honey Garlic Herb Butter

Pan-Fried Pork Chops With Honey Garlic Herb Butter
Via: The Endless Meal

Get the recipe at – The Endless Meal

18) Mexican Frittata with Pico de Gallo

Mexican Frittata with Pico de Gallo
Via: Cast Iron Recipes

Get the recipe at – Cast Iron Recipes

19) Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole

Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole
Via: Simply Whisked

Get the recipe at – Simply Whisked

20) One Pan Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo

One Pan Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo
Via: Spices In My DNA

Get the recipe at – Spices In My DNA

Also See: 30 Quick 15-Minute Dinner Recipes For Those Busy Weeknights

21) Southwestern Chicken Quinoa Skillet

Southwestern Chicken Quinoa Skillet
Via: Eat The Gains

Get the recipe at – Eat The Gains

22) One Skillet Louisiana Style Chicken and Rice

One Skillet Louisiana Style Chicken and Rice
Via: Half Baked Harvest

Get the recipe at – Half Baked Harvest

23) One Skillet Salmon with Creamy Spinach Artichoke Sauce

One Skillet Salmon with Creamy Spinach Artichoke Sauce
Via: Paleo Running Momma

Get the recipe at – Paleo Running Momma

24) Salisbury Steak Meatball Noodle Skillet

Salisbury Steak Meatball Noodle Skillet
Via: Grandbaby Cakes

Get the recipe at – Grandbaby Cakes

25) Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

Skillet Shepherd's Pie
Via: Ahead Of Thyme

Get the recipe at – Ahead Of Thyme

Also See: 30 Super Simple Ground Beef Recipes To Make Today

26) Easy Skillet Carrot Cake

Easy Skillet Carrot Cake
Via: Butter Be Ready

Get the recipe at – Butter Be Ready

27) Blueberry Cobbler

Blueberry Cobbler
Via: Confetti and Bliss

Get the recipe at – Confetti and Bliss

28) Peanut Butter-Chocolate Skillet Cookie

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Skillet Cookie
Via: Girl vs Dough

Get the recipe at – Girl vs Dough

29) Homemade Apple Crisp

Homemade Apple Crisp
Via: Midwest Foodie

Get the recipe at – Midwest Foodie

30) Crowd-Pleasing Dairy Free Cinnamon Rolls

Crowd-Pleasing Dairy Free Cinnamon Rolls
Via: A Simple Palate

Get the recipe at – A Simple Palate

31) Shakshuka

Shakshuka
Via: Coco And Camelia

Get the recipe at – Coco And Camelia

32) Skillet Chicken Parmesan

Skillet Chicken Parmesan
Via: Cookies And Cups

Get the recipe at – Cookies And Cups

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