Who knew that a single pan could hold so much cheesy, saucy, weeknight magic? We are talking about maximum flavor and minimal cleanup, which is basically my love language.
1. Easy Sausage and Vegetable Skillet
You have likely noticed the wild sausage varieties at the grocery store lately. While this recipe suggests kielbasa or andouille, I highly recommend trying spicy chicken or chorizo.
You must cook the pasta and meat separately first. Sauté your veggies before combining everything with mustard and cream.
The result is a smooth sauce with a fantastic kick.
2. Chicken Enchilada Skillet
Rotisserie chicken is a flavorful shortcut that I use without shame. Store-bought birds always taste better than what I roast at home.
Just add enchilada sauce and taco seasoning for a quick family meal. You nestle tortilla strips right into the pan.
It delivers all the taste with half the work.
3. Easy Beef Burrito Skillet
This dish incorporates tortillas directly into the sauce. Simply brown your beef before dumping in beans, taco seasoning, and salsa.
I usually toss in jalapenos and corn as well. Finish it by tucking tortilla strips into the mixture and topping it with cheese.
4. Sante Fe Chicken Skillet
This colorful meal is a fantastic option for avoiding carbs. Sear the chicken until it turns golden brown.
Remove the meat so you can sauté the vegetables. The chicken finishes cooking under a layer of melted cheese.
Spicy sweet potato fries make an excellent side dish.
5. Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
A classic version of this pie includes tomato paste, ground beef, onion, and Worcestershire sauce. I prefer thickening the gravy before adding the frozen vegetable medley since they release water as they thaw.
Pile as much mashed potato on top as the pan will hold. You should place a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips.
6. Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Chicken is versatile enough to pair with almost any ingredient. This recipe calls for sautéing the bird with mushrooms and onions.
You then smother the meat in a rich sauce made from broth and cream cheese. I suggest making extra sauce because it is incredibly easy.
7. 30-Minute Skillet Beef Pot Pie
This wonderfully fast pie features savory beef with mushrooms and onions. It swaps the usual Worcestershire sauce for balsamic vinegar.
You can bake the store-bought dough separately for a pretty lid. I prefer the rustic route of laying the crust over the filling and baking until golden brown.
8. Sweet Potato Dinner Skillet
This actually makes a fantastic breakfast despite the title. Shredded sweet potatoes cook quickly and develop a lovely crust.
You can easily swap the chard for tomatoes and spinach. I recommend broiling the dish for five minutes to set the egg whites while keeping the yolks runny.
9. Skillet Beef and Broccoli Ramen
Asian-inspired ingredient lists often look intimidating. You likely already have most items in your pantry.
It is essential to marinate the steak strips for at least six hours. Cook the meat in batches to ensure a perfect sear.
The cornstarch residue thickens the sauce before you toss everything together.
10. Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
These tender meatballs swim in a delicious cheesy tomato sauce. You will need a second pot if you want pasta.
I love grabbing crusty bread to make subs instead. Ground turkey works well since it is leaner and tastes identical.
Encase the cheese carefully inside the meat so it oozes out when you bite.
11. Cheese Beef Tortellini Skillet
Pasta is even better when stuffed with ham, spinach, and cheese. Stuffed tortellini adds incredible flavor and texture to any meal.
This recipe calls for ground beef. I think sliced steak would be a luxurious upgrade.
You can easily hide spinach in the sauce without anyone noticing.
12. Chicken Pot Pie
Making this classic comfort food in a single pan is totally possible. Start by softening celery, carrots, and onions with thyme.
Add the garlic a few minutes later to prevent burning. You build the creamy sauce directly in the skillet before baking the chicken and biscuit topping.
13. Easy Chili Faux Mac Skillet
This carb-free chili is loaded with vegetables and ground meat. You can skip the cheese and sour cream for a dairy-free version.
Cauliflower bulks up the dish without overpowering the flavor. I personally love adding sweet potato to my chili.
14. Italian Chicken Skillet
This recipe has been a favorite of mine for years. I enjoy using various tomato types to flavor the meat.
Remove the browned chicken while you sauté the garlic and onions. Return the meat to the pan with spinach, basil, and tomatoes.
Stir in the parmesan cheese right before serving.
15. Garlic Butter Steak
A quality skillet and a good cut of meat remove all fear from cooking steak. Ask your butcher for sirloin or rib-eye cut two inches thick.
Look for meat with nice marbling. You should oil the steak rather than the pan.
Sear on high heat for a few minutes per side. Add the garlic butter after removing the meat from the stove.
16. Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Skillet
Recreating this childhood classic is surprisingly simple. Brown the meat and drain the excess liquid before adding the dry spices.
Cornstarch thickens the mixture once you pour in the milk and hot water. The pasta cooks directly in the flavorful meat juices.
I like to garnish mine with a few chilis.
17. Easy Breakfast Skillet
This massive feast will keep you full until dinner time. You must cook the potatoes first to ensure they brown properly.
The fat from the bacon and sausage creates a golden crust on the spuds. Bake the eggs for about ten minutes.
Tater tots make a fun alternative to hash browns.
18. Quick and Easy Mexican Shrimp Skillet
You can easily cook a batch of Mexican rice in the pan before starting the seafood. Simply add your favorite spices to the grain.
The rice stays hot while the shrimp cooks in just a few minutes. Serving everything together makes a complete meal.
19. Easy 15-Minute Ranch Chicken and Vegetable Skillet
This fifteen-minute meal is incredibly fast. I am someone who puts ranch dressing on absolutely everything.
The seasoning powder infuses flavor throughout the entire dish. It is packed with zucchini, spinach, broccoli, and chicken.
You can enjoy dessert guilt-free after clearing your plate.
20. Skillet Chicken with Couscous
A heavy pan helps the chicken skin develop a deep flavor and crust. Remove the meat once it is seared.
Toast the couscous briefly before adding the broth. Return the bird to the dish and bake for fifteen minutes until tender.
21. Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Getting a filling meal on the table in under thirty minutes is a real victory. Combine cooked ground beef with beans, corn, salsa, and rice.
Cover the mixture with cheese and bake until melted. I serve this with plenty of guacamole and crispy fried jalapenos.
22. Skillet Lasagna
This recipe is a fantastic shortcut for lasagna lovers. It combines Italian sausage and tomato sauce with broken noodles that cook right in the pot.
You can mix an egg with ricotta and cheese to create a traditional topping. Bake it in the oven to let that cheesy layer set.
23. Parmesan Pasta
Nothing beats a large bowl of noodles for comfort. This dish requires only five minutes of prep work.
Melt the butter and garlic before adding the cream, milk, and broth. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce before you stir in the parmesan.
I highly recommend serving this with homemade garlic bread.
