30 Easy One-Skillet Meals

Let’s face it, we all get busy with work, taking the kids back and forth to school, appointments, and sports practice. Where does that leave us at dinner time? Scrambling to put something together in a hurry that the family will like and that you can feel good about serving. Skillet recipes are the answer!

Forget frozen meals and store-bought dinners. We’ve come up with a list of quick and delicious one-skillet meals that the whole family can enjoy.

Many of these are stovetop recipes that are fun and simple to prepare, often with what you already have on hand. Take a look!

1. One Skillet Fiesta Chicken

Fiesta Chicken is one of those easy skillet meals that checks all the boxes for a delicious comforting meal that uses chicken breast, rice, beans, and Southwest spices.

The addition of fire-roasted tomatoes and onion gives a bit of sweetness to the dish and a few simple ingredients together is the easy way to produce a quick and tasty meal that your family is sure to love.

The secret ingredient in this dish is the Cayenne Pepper. Use your personal taste for a bit of a spicy kick to this Chicken Fiesta One Skillet Meal.

2. Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

This Mexican Ground Beef Skillet is one of our favorite stovetop dinner ideas.

This skillet meal is like a taco in a pan and still manages to be a healthy ground beef meal.

This is a great recipe to use when you have a crowd. It goes a long way and stretches your grocery dollar farther than you might expect.

Make your own homemade taco seasoning and serve with chips or tortillas on the side for a tasty and comforting meal whenever you need one.

3. Easy Loaded Breakfast Skillet

This Easy Loaded Breakfast Skillet has everything you need for a working person’s breakfast all in one skillet. Put it all together and bake in the oven. The result? A filling and protein-rich meal that is part of a great start to your day.

Diced frozen hash browns are the foundation of this dish. Your bacon and sausage come next, then break some eggs and top with cheese.

This dish comes out of the oven looking so melty and cheesy and with the creaminess of the eggs and potatoes, you can’t miss this one-skillet wonder.

4. Easy Smoked Sausage Skillet

This Easy Smoked Sausage Skillet is one of those easy one-pan meals you want to keep in reserve for the nights when you get home late and everyone is expecting dinner as soon as possible.

It’s simple enough to put together with pre-packaged smoked sausage onions and peppers.

Cook the rice separately and then combine for a delicious one-skillet meal that the whole family will love.

The secret ingredient in this recipe is garlic. Fresh and aromatic, garlic gives this dish a definite savory Italian flavor.

5. One Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

Who doesn’t love pot pie? It’s the perfect comfort food meal. There’s nothing better than chicken, veggies, and that warm gravy, especially on a cold day.

This version of the traditional pot pie is a one-dish meal that you make in a heavy skillet, top with your pastry crust, then bake to perfection.

The secret ingredient in this recipe is the chicken stock. Use homemade if you have it, or use the low sodium type if you’re using canned broth or stock.

6. Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini

This one-skillet dinner has a distinctly Southwest flavor profile. It’s made with ground turkey so it’s a healthy and quick meal that your family will love.

This dish is a perfect fit for those who love to prepare their meals in advance. You can chop your zucchini and tomatoes and have everything ready to go.

If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced or stewed tomatoes as a substitute.

This dish cooks very fast so it’s great when you’re in a hurry and want something tasty and healthy to serve for dinner.

7. One Skillet Hamburger Casserole

Of all the skillet dinners out there, this Hamburger Casserole is one of our very favorites. This is a recipe that can help you stretch your grocery dollar to feed a lot of people in a quick and easy way.

Simply cook your ground beef and onions while the pasta is boiling. We recommend elbow macaroni, but any hearty pasta will do.

Be sure to undercook it just a bit because it will continue to cook when you mix it with the other ingredients.

The secret ingredient in this dish is Worcestershire. This ingredient can be omitted or substituted with a dash of soy or liquid smoke for more depth of flavor.

8. Skillet Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

This tasty one-skillet meal begins with seasoned bone-in chicken thighs. First, sear the chicken in olive oil or butter to keep it moist then set it aside.

Saute your vegetables in the same heavy skillet then add your chicken back into the pan and bake until the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature and the potatoes are fully cooked.

You can substitute any kind of potato for the baby potato halves. Simply cut your potatoes into bite-sized pieces for the best result.

The Italian seasoning gives this dish a wonderful savory flavor that is always a favorite.

9. One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

This One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta dish is accomplished with just a few simple steps. The pasta is simmered in the same gravy made from the drippings of the cooked beef.

Add broth and tomato sauce to your gravy and let that pasta cook until tender. The shredded cheese is added once the pasta is cooked. Let it melt into the sauce.

The secret ingredient in this dish is the hot dog relish. You may not think that it would work, but it gives the dish just a hint

of vinegary sweetness. Garnish with green onions and serve.

10. One-Pan Pasta

This One-Pan Pasta is not your ordinary skillet dinner. This recipe is versatile enough to serve on short notice for lunch, or for a fancy dinner.

You make this uniquely Italian meal in one heavy skillet. The linguine pasta cooks in the same pan.

This is a vegetarian meal that is sure to please everyone. The cherry or grape tomatoes and basil give this dish freshness and flavor that can’t be beaten. Tip:

Use quality olive oil and freshly grated parmesan cheese with fresh basil for a perfect presentation.

11. Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet

If you’ve ever made stuffed cabbage leaves you know that it’s a labor-intensive process but worth it for the flavor.

What if you could attain that same great taste without all the trouble?

Here’s an idea whose time has come. This Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet is prepared in one heavy skillet, there’s no boiling of the cabbage leaves, or wrapping required.

Simply cook your ground beef or turkey with garlic, drain the grease, set aside and add oil and chopped or shredded cabbage, and cook until tender.

Add your meat back in along with your spices and can of crushed tomatoes. It’s super easy and the result is a tasty treat.

12. Easy One Skillet Lasagna

This dish is an easy one-pan dinner that is going to amaze and astound. It has all the flavor, cheesy goodness, and pasta of traditional lasagna without the layering and baking.

All the ingredients are combined in one heavy skillet and the noodles are broken and cooked in the sauce. Use homemade marinara or substitute jar sauce if you must.

The three-cheese blend gives an authentic taste, and a beautiful presentation.

The secret ingredient in this dish is the sausage. Use mild or hot Italian sausage for a flavor boost that puts this delightful lasagna over the top.

13. Easy Beef Burrito Skillet

This Easy Beef Burrito Skillet is one of the one-pan meals you want to keep in your back pocket for those occasions when you have to throw something together quickly or feed a crowd.

Cook up taco seasoned ground beef, add salsa and black beans and simmer until combined. Add sliced flour tortillas, stir, and top with shredded cheese. Cover and let stand until the cheese is melted.

Top with a spoon of sour cream and garnish with green onion and serve. It’s as simple and utterly delicious as that.

14. Cajun Shrimp and Rice

Head down South for some Cajun flavor with this Shrimp and Rice Skillet. It’s a quick and easy stovetop meal that is sure to please.

Saute your rice in butter and Cajun spices then add the broth. While the rice is cooking, peel and pop your shrimp into a baggie with more melted butter and Cajun seasoning.

Add the shrimp in the last 15 minutes and keep an eye on it. It’s important you don’t overcook the shrimp.

The rice should be tender and the shrimp pink when the dish is ready. Enjoy!

15. Beef Taco Skillet

Here’s a Mexican favorite one-skillet dinner that your family will want on repeat. This versatile dish can be a one-bowl meal served with chips or tortillas or make it your filling for tacos, burritos, or even a Mexican omelet.

You can use any kind of beans you prefer, black, pinto, or refried and any of a few different kinds of cheese or cheese blends. Pepper jack, Mexican blend, or Monterey jack are recommended.

This easy skillet meal is a great way to make your grocery dollar count or to feed a hungry group.

16. Easy Italian Chicken Skillet

This Easy Italian Chicken Skillet boasts a few basic ingredients, a healthy combination of chicken and vegetables, and a delicious Italian flavor profile.

Start with boneless, skinless chicken pieces, either breasts or thighs, cut into small pieces. Cook in your heavy skillet with high-quality olive oil until done.

Remove the meat and saute your onion and garlic in the same pan.

Add back the chicken and add the tomatoes, spinach, and basil. Cook until the spinach is wilted, stir in the parmesan cheese, and cook until the spinach wilts and the cheese is melted. Salt and pepper to taste. This one’s a winner!

17. One Pan Chicken Enchilada

This One Pan Chicken Enchilada is a Mexican favorite that gives you a classic enchilada taste without all the prep work and hassle of rolling and baking. Where the traditional enchilada takes hours, this stovetop version can be ready in a mere 10 minutes.

This is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, and turn it into something exciting that your family is going to love.

The trick to this dish is slicing up those small flour tortillas and mixing them into the meat and sauce.

They turn into little Mexican dumplings that add a creamy texture to the dish.

18. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus are a perfect one-skillet meal that will taste like you spent hours, instead of a mere 30 minutes.

Cut your chicken breast pieces into bite-sized chunks and season. Blanch the asparagus so that it can fully cook in the skillet.

Stir fry your chicken then add garlic and spices and combine until garlic is fragrant. Remove chicken and set aside.

Add in your chicken broth, hot sauce, butter, and lemon juice, toss the asparagus to combine, and cook until the asparagus is fully cooked, then add the chicken back into the pan, reheat, and serve.

19. Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet

You can’t go wrong with pan-seared steak and potatoes. When your recipe can be cooked all in one skillet, you’re even farther ahead in your cooking game.

Garlic, herbs, and a rich butter sauce combine to make this one-pan meal an instant classic.

You’re going to want to have this one on standby for those nights you can’t decide just what to make for dinner.

The secret to making this dish so memorable is the marinade. You can substitute your favorite hot sauce for the Sriracha if it’s too spicy for you.

20. Ground Turkey and Potato Skillet

This easy and quick one-pan meal is sure to become a family favorite. You can substitute ground beef or pork to change it up.

The thing that makes this dish so tasty is the spice combination that you use to flavor it.

Italian spices with a dash of chili powder give this dish a depth of flavor that is sure to please.

You can substitute any kind of potatoes in this dish but we recommend Yukon Golds for the creaminess and flavor they add to the dish.

21. Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet

This quick and easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet with Rice recipe is sure to be a hit with the family. The sweet Vidalia onion gives it a sweet and savory flavor that’s sure to please.

You can use hot or mild Italian sausage in this recipe, depending on your taste. Just be sure to adjust your other spices if you do use the hot sausage.

With chicken broth and instant rice, this dish cooks up in a mere 30 minutes which surely comes in handy on those nights when you’re not quite sure how you’re going to pull off dinner in a hurry.

22. Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is the very definition of comfort food. If you don’t like bell peppers and tomato, you can substitute peas and carrots but we recommend you keep the beef broth or bouillon in place of plain water to cook the rice.

Don’t omit the onions and garlic. They give the recipe the savory flavor that will keep them coming back for seconds.

The secret ingredient in this recipe is the Worcestershire sauce and a dollop of tomato paste for a bit more depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness.

23. Chicken and Vegetables Skillet

This one-pan dinner is perfect for a low-carb meal anytime. If you’re not counting carbs, go ahead and put this chicken and vegetable recipe over rice or pasta for a delicious and comforting meal.

Start with cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces, toss in the seasonings and stir-fry them in oil. Remove from the pan.

Add the rest of the vegetables and oil into the pan and stir fry them until tender.

Add the chicken broth and chicken pieces back into the pan and combine with the rest of the ingredients. Reheat and serve.

24. Skillet Chicken and Rice

This Skillet Chicken and Rice is sure to become a classic in your kitchen.

Once you see how quick and easy it is to prepare, and the gigantic flavor with the Italian seasonings and fresh basil, you’ll want to put it into regular rotation. The kids will love it too.

Tired of Chicken? You can substitute any lean meat or leftovers that you have in the fridge.

You can also omit the peas and serve another vegetable or salad on the side for variety.

The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to making this delightful skillet meal. Try out some variations just for fun and keep what works best.

25. Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

This Shepherd’s Pie is a one-pan dinner that will rival any other shepherds or cottage pie you’ve ever made. It’s simple and easy to get all your ingredients into the skillet, then top with your mashed potatoes and bake.

The secret ingredient to this recipe is the dry onion soup mix. This particular spice blend flavors the pie perfectly.

This is also a great recipe when you need to use up vegetables that are sitting around in your fridge. Substitute anything you have, but keep the spices the same, and you can’t miss them.

26. Meatball and Pasta Skillet

This dish combines your favorite meatball recipe with a one-pan pasta dish that is sure to please. You can substitute other meats or a combination of beef and pork, or turkey for a lighter, healthier meatball.

The pasta cooks in the same pan that you brown your meatballs in and you can simmer it all together in the sauce for the perfect skillet dinner.

Top with cheese and garnish with pasta and serve with salad or garlic bread for a classic Italian meal that everyone will love.

27.  30 Minute Tuscan Tortellini Skillet

Use homemade marinara or a combination of canned tomatoes and sauce all doctored up with sausage, peppers, and sauce to make this delightful one pan tortellini dish.

Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this skillet dinner. You can substitute any vegetables and omit the meat for a perfect vegetarian option as well.

Start with your aromatics and add your sausage. Once it’s cooked, add your sauce ingredients and simmer your tortellini until tender. Serve with salad and garlic bread for a perfect Italian meal any time.

28. One Skillet Beef Tacos

This One Skillet Beef Taco recipe uses everything but the kitchen sink. It’s a perfect way to use leftovers and you can make a variety of meals with the same basic recipe.

Who doesn’t have a bag of stale tortillas or chips on hand? Crunch them up into your taco seasoned beef for an added texture and a little crunch.

Everything you might put on a taco, you can top this skillet meal with. Add sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or other toppings you may have on hand.

You can substitute pintos for the black beans, and change out the ground meat as well. This versatile and easy one-skillet dinner is a crowd-pleaser.

29. One-Skillet Italian Sausage Pasta

This Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet uses mild or spicy Italian sausage and hearty Penne pasta combined in a robust and flavorful sauce that is sure to be a hit at your table.

Three simple steps and about 20 minutes are all that’s needed to make a delicious dinner that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing it.

Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a balanced and delicious meal that will soon be on rotation in your kitchen.

30. Sausage and Rice One Skillet Meal

This Sausage and Rice One Skillet Meal allows you to use just about any kind of sausage; Italian, Polish, or regular beef smoked sausage.

You can also use ground beef or turkey to change it up and add some variety as well as any combination of the above.

Add veggies and seasonings. Broccoli, onion, peppers or peas, and carrots pair perfectly with the sausage.

Tip: Use instant rice for faster cooking so that your vegetables will not be overcooked. Garnish with some parsley and serve with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.