18 Skillet Recipes That Deliver Big Flavor with Less Cleanup

A good skillet can turn simple ingredients into something spectacular, all while keeping the mess to a minimum. These 18 recipes showcase everything from cheesy pastas and crispy chicken to hearty breakfasts and decadent desserts. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, each dish is proof that one pan can do it all.

Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

These Cast Iron Meatballs are so juicy and easy to make! Make homemade keto meatballs in less than 30 minutes on the stove top!
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Making this Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans is great when you want a delicious and healthy meal without all the cleanup. It only uses one skillet to make! Plus, it cooks in less than 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Honey Lemon Pepper Thighs with parsley on a white plate. — Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs is a flavorful and aromatic dish, perfect for an easy dinner recipe. It combines the sweet tanginess of honey, the bright zestiness of lemon, and the mild heat of black pepper.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Cast Iron Chicken Thigh in Creamy Tomato Sauce with a spoon in a cast iron skillet. — Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This Cast Iron Keto Chicken Thigh Recipe in Creamy Tomato Sauce will be your new favorite dinner. It's a delicious meal and is made with simple ingredients that the entire family will love! ! It's dairy and gluten free!
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

A skillet filled with beef, rice and vegetables. — Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Try try cheesy Skillet Beef and Rice diner for a quick to make meal with ground beef, fluffy rice, and rich flavor from the pepper and onion.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

Chicken Cheesey Skillet

Chicken and cheese in a skillet. — Chicken Cheesey Skillet. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This Cheesy Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, single-pan meal, perfect for weeknights or dinner parties. It features chili powder and cumin seasoned chicken, sautéed with onion, jalapeno, and garlic, mixed with cauliflower rice and cheese. The dish is easy to make and clean up, with just 5 net carbs per serving, making it an ideal choice for those following a diet.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cheesey Skillet

Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

Iron skillet cornbread filled with vegetables and cheese. — Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Try this made-from-scratch Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread that's full of veggies for an easy quick bread to pair with soups and salads.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake

Cinnamon roll pumpkin skillet cake with icing drizzled from spoon. — Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

An easy pumpkin cinnamon roll skillet cake made in a cast iron pan.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Gnocchi with ground pork, tomatoes, mozzarella and spinach in a cast iron skillet. — Baked Skillet Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

While not quite "pasta", gnocchi is as comforting as it comes. This recipe is a one skillet meal with ground pork, crushed tomatoes, spinach and melted mozzarella cheese.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot. — Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is like a grownup version of hamburger helper and a much healthier option than that boxed stuff. Filled with spinach, peppers, real cheddar cheese, on the table in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

General Tso Shrimp

General Tso shrimp is a quick and easy copycat Chinese takeout recipe that tastes just like the real deal. Made in one-skillet in just 10 minutes with that sweet and slightly spicy sticky sauce you love, there’s no need to order out anymore!
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet. — Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A 20-minute, one pan dinner featuring garlic chicken bites, mushrooms, onions and red peppers with fresh herbs.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

This ground beef pasta recipe can be made in under 30 minutes with any pasta you have and tastes like it’s been simmered all day long on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and cabbage makes an easy skillet dinner loosely inspired by an Asian stir fry. With tons of texture, aromatic spices and a light savory sauce, this 30-minute meal is a weeknight winner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This southwestern inspired ground beef and sweet potato skillet is an easy one-pan meal everyone will love. This recipe works great for meal-prepping, the leftovers are delicious!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

Cooked chicken skillet, with cheese, pepper, avocado and cilantro on it. — Easy Chicken Taco Skillet. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Juicy pieces of chicken coated in a homemade seasoning before being sauteed sticky in your favorite barbeque sauce. This chicken taco skillet hits the dinner table in just 30 minutes and makes for a delicious, simple weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

Fudgy Skillet Brownie

Skillet brownie in a cast iron pan with a spoonful showing. — Fudgy Skillet Brownie. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This fudgy paleo skillet brownie is completely decadent and chocolatey and with no added sugar!
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Skillet Brownie

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes. — Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With this easy one dish taco rice skillet dinner will be on the table in about 20 minutes! Only 8 simple ingredients for a tasty family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet