15 skillet dinners that are so easy, they practically make themselves

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Cutting down on after-dinner cleanup just got easier with these 15 one-skillet meals. Perfect for busy weeknights, this collection offers everything from quick stir-fries to cozy comfort foods. Each recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor, ensuring minimal dishwashing and maximum enjoyment.

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

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.

Whip up this turkey skillet mac and cheese for a healthier twist on a classic comfort dish. With spinach, peppers, and cheddar, it’s both nutritious and comforting, ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen for a warm, hearty meal. Plus, the single skillet means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Spicy udon noodle stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turn the heat up with this spicy udon noodle stir fry, a quick meal that packs a flavorful punch. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s loaded with umami and a ginger-garlic sriracha sauce, making weeknights exciting. This dish is a testament to how easy it is to enjoy bold flavors without the hassle of a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Steak peppers and potato skillet with a metal serving spoon.
Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into this smoky steak potato and pepper skillet for a meal that’s effortlessly impressive. Toss everything into one pan and let the magic happen. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a smoky, satisfying dish that makes dinner stress-free. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and bold flavors, transforming your weeknight dinner routine into something special with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy a speedy dinner with this shaved beef and broccoli stir fry, boasting a sauce that’ll make you forget about takeout. It’s fast, packed with flavor, and ready in a snap, making it ideal for those crunch-time meals. This recipe is all about bringing a punch of taste to your table without the wait, showcasing the efficiency of stir frying.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

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

Get a delicious dinner on the table in no time with this garlic chicken bite skillet. It’s a 20-minute meal that combines chicken, mushrooms, onions, and peppers, all cooked in one pan. This dish is perfect for those seeking a quick, easy, and flavorful option, proving that fresh herbs can really enhance a simple meal. It’s weeknight cooking made easy and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco night gets an upgrade with this Mexican ground beef skillet. In just 30 minutes and one pan, you get a flavorful, fuss-free meal perfect for any day of the week. It’s a crowd-pleaser that simplifies cooking and cleanup, embodying the essence of quick and enjoyable meal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef pasta skillet is a weeknight lifesaver, bringing comfort to the table in under 30 minutes. It’s easy, quick, and uses pantry staples to create a meal that tastes like it took all day to make. Perfect for those evenings when time is tight but you’re craving something hearty. This dish demonstrates the beauty of skillet meals: minimal effort for maximum flavor and satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pork and cabbage stir fry brings quick, delicious flavors to your dinner table. Combining ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms with an Asian-inspired sauce, it’s a flavorful meal that’s easy to whip up. It’s the ideal mix of convenience and taste, proving that speedy cooking doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.
Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Greek shrimp skillet brings a Mediterranean flair to your dinner table in 30 minutes. Featuring tomatoes, spinach, olives, feta, and a splash of lemon, it’s a light yet flavorful dish that simplifies cleanup. It’s ideal for those nights when you’re looking to mix things up with something quick, flavorful, and easy. This skillet meal is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a feast for the senses.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Thai basil cashew chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Add a touch of Thai to your dinner lineup with this basil cashew chicken skillet. Packed with fresh basil and a savory-sweet sauce, this one-pan meal is all about big flavors with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect over rice and can be made quickly, making your weeknight cooking an adventure. This dish highlights the ease of bringing global flavors to your kitchen in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shake up your week with this ground beef and sweet potato skillet, a one-pan meal that’s as simple to make as it is enjoyable. Infused with southwestern flavors, it’s great for meal prep or a spontaneous dinner, offering a flavorful solution to the weeknight dinner puzzle. Plus, it’s a family favorite, often leading to requests for seconds. This recipe showcases how skillet meals can effortlessly cater to varied tastes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato 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.

Explore new flavors with this ground beef and cabbage skillet, inspired by Asian cuisine and bursting with aromatic spices. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a textured, savory meal that simplifies weeknight cooking. Easy to prepare and even easier to clean up, it’s a true winner for those seeking something different yet straightforward. This dish is proof that skillet meals can be both light and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

White skillet with buffalo ground turkey and cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This buffalo turkey cauliflower skillet is a minimal-effort, maximum-flavor meal that’s both easy to make and healthful. Perfect for quick dinners or meal prep, it’s spicy, fulfilling, and ready before you know it, making weeknights smoother. This dish exemplifies how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful impact.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

Vegetable Bean Skillet

Cast iron skillet with beans and vegetables.
Vegetable Bean Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

When you need a meatless option, this vegetable bean skillet is your go-to. Loaded with veggies and beans, it’s a quick, one-pan meal that doesn’t compromise on heartiness or taste. Ready in a snap, it demonstrates that quick dinners can be both nourishing and flavorful, making it perfect for busy nights. This skillet meal is a celebration of simplicity and wholesomeness.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Keep it simple and flavorful with this ground beef stir fry. With veggies and a homemade garlic ginger sauce, it outshines takeout any day and is ready quickly. It’s healthy, straightforward, and a sure hit, turning dinner into the highlight of your day. This one-pan meal showcases the joy of stir frying for an easy, tasty weeknight solution.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

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