15 one skillet meals so easy, it’s almost cheating

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When it comes to dinner, we all love something that’s quick, easy, and doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes. That’s where one-skillet meals come to the rescue. These recipes are perfect for busy nights when you want a great meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here is a great list of one-skillet meals that are so simple, they’ll almost make you feel guilt about it!

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

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.

This steak, potato, and pepper dish is a breeze to prepare in one skillet and is ready in just 40 minutes. Simply toss everything together, place it in the oven, and let it cook. It’s so easy, it feels like cheating!
Get the Recipe: Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper 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.

Featuring fresh basil and a quick savory-sweet sauce, this cashew chicken skillet is a one-pan meal that comes together effortlessly. Serve over rice for a dish that’s so simple, it’s like taking a shortcut.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Shredded turkey with sweet potatoes and black beans in a skillet.
Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Repurpose leftover turkey (or chicken) with sweet potatoes, black beans, peppers, greens, and onions in this nutritious skillet meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy, one-pan wonder that makes cooking feel effortless.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Vegetable Bean Skillet

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

Packed with fresh vegetables and a protein boost from two types of beans, this meatless skillet meal is both hearty and simple to prepare. One skillet means less cleanup, making it feel like cheating!
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

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. Quick and easy, this meal feels like a culinary hack.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

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 is ready in 30 minutes and packed with tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, feta, and fresh oregano. One skillet makes it simple and quick, perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp 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.

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

Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

Lamb ragu with cavatappi pasta in a white skillet.
Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This lamb ragu is a spicy, spring-inspired one-skillet dinner. Cavatappi pasta, crushed tomatoes, and harissa paste make it flavorful and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

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

Taco seasoning makes this Mexican ground beef recipe a quick and flavorful one-pan meal you can have on the table in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

Spicy mango chicken skillet with jalapeños.
Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This mango chicken skillet with jalapeños is ready in less than 30 minutes for a spicy-sweet dinner everyone will love. Serve it over rice for an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Mango Chicken 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

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.

Thinly sliced shaved beef is perfect for a quick stir-fry dinner you can make in minutes including a crave-worthy sauce that rivals any takeout order.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Ground Beef Stir Fry

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

This ground beef stir fry recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. Made in one pan with an assortment of fresh vegetables, it features a garlic ginger homemade stir fry sauce that’s healthier, tastier, and quicker than any takeout order!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

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.

A quick and easy stir fry recipe using ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms in a delicious Asian-inspired sauce.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

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

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