There’s something deeply satisfying about making a full dinner in one skillet. One pan on the stove (or sliding into the oven), one round of dishes, and a meal the whole family is happy about. These easy one-skillet dinners cover everything from quick stir-fries and saucy pasta skillets to cast iron classics that have been in rotation for years. Whether you’re cooking chicken, beef, pork, sausage, or seafood, there’s something here for every night of the week.
Chicken Skillets
From quick weeknight stir-fries to Southern-inspired skillet dishes, chicken is one of the most versatile proteins for one-pan cooking. These recipes keep things simple with bold flavors and easy cleanup.
This quick chicken bell pepper stir fry is ready in under 30 minutes and tastes better than takeout. Tender chicken and crisp-tender peppers in a savory homemade sauce, perfect served over rice or stuffed in rolls for sandwiches.
Ground beef, steaks, and saucy skillet suppers! These beef recipes range from comfort food classics to Asian-inspired stir-fries, and they all come together in one pan.
This classic New England-style American chop suey is a cozy one-pot dinner made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. With just 10 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes total, it's a weeknight winner the whole family will love.
Total comfort food! This one pot creamy beef and shells recipe is an easy dinner made from scratch with ground beef and shell pasta in a cheesy tomato sauce.
Pork chops, Italian sausage, kielbasa, and smoked sausage. These hearty skillet dinners are full of flavor and perfect for feeding a hungry crew without a sink full of dishes!
This delicious one-skillet pierogies and sausage recipe is the quickest, easiest dinner recipe! With just five minutes of prep time and less than 15 minutes of cook time, the whole family will love this dinner.
A 12-inch cast iron skillet is the most versatile option for one-skillet dinners. It holds heat well, goes from stovetop to oven easily, and is perfect for searing, sauteing, and building saucy dishes. A large stainless steel or oven-safe nonstick skillet works well too, especially for lighter dishes or recipes with acidic sauces. The key is having a pan that’s large enough to hold everything without overcrowding.
Can I use a regular pan instead of cast iron?
Yes, most of these recipes work in any large, oven-safe skillet. Cast iron is ideal for recipes that involve searing or high heat (like pork chops or blackened salmon), but a 12-inch nonstick or stainless steel pan will work for stir-fries, pasta skillets, and saucy dishes. If the recipe calls for transferring the skillet to the oven, just make sure your pan is oven-safe.
How do I keep food from sticking to my cast iron skillet?
Make sure the skillet is properly preheated before adding food, and use enough oil or butter to coat the surface. Don’t move the food too early. Let it develop a sear before flipping. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet naturally becomes more nonstick over time. If you’re having trouble, a quick re-seasoning can help.
What’s the best way to clean a cast iron skillet?
Rinse with hot water while the skillet is still warm (not hot) and scrub with a brush or scraper. Avoid soap if possible, though a small amount won’t ruin the seasoning. Dry thoroughly, then rub with a thin layer of oil before storing. The goal is to keep moisture off the surface to prevent rust.
One skillet, one great dinner, and a whole lot less time at the sink. Bookmark this page for the next time you need a simple, satisfying weeknight meal, and don’t forget to check back. We’re always adding new favorites to the collection.
Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!
