19 1-skillet wonders that’ll make cleanup a breeze

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If you’re looking for easy, no-fuss meals, these 19 one-skillet recipes are exactly what you need. They’re designed to minimize effort in both preparation and cleanup, making them perfect for when time is tight. You’ll love how these dishes come together in one pan while still delivering all the flavor you crave, leaving you with just one skillet to wash.

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Garlic Steak & Mushrooms

A white plate with garlic steak bites and mushrooms on it.
Garlic Steak & Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re looking for a quick but luxurious dinner option, Garlic Steak & Mushrooms might just be the ticket. This dish combines the heartiness of steak with the earthy tones of mushrooms, all cooked up in a single skillet. It’s an ideal recipe for those evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Cleanup is minimal, so you can enjoy more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Steak & Mushrooms

Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Two pulled pork eggs benedict on a plate with sauce.
Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Reimagining breakfast with a twist has never been easier with Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict. It layers rich flavor upon flavor, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a brunch that aims to impress, it keeps your kitchen tidy with just one skillet used. This dish proves that an elegant breakfast does not require a sink full of pots and pans.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a meal that’s as simple to clean up as it is delicious to eat, try Chicken Fried Rice. This recipe brings together all the beloved flavors of classic fried rice with the bonus of tender chicken. It’s a go-to for a quick weeknight dinner that leaves no fuss for cleaning up afterward. Plus, it’s a clever way to repurpose leftover rice into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When comfort food calls but you don’t want to be left with a mountain of washing up, Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms answers perfectly. This dish brings a homely feel onto your plate, being both rich in flavor and easy on the eyes. It’s a nostalgic meal that doesn’t compromise on taste and allows for more relaxation after dining. The entire feast comes together in one pan, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Garlic Chicken Skillet

Garlic Chicken Skillet with peppers and asparagus on a white plate.
Garlic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ignite your weeknight dinner routine with a simple yet irresistible Garlic Chicken Skillet. This recipe is a testament to how minimal ingredients can create something utterly flavorful. It’s a wonderful choice for a busy evening when time is of the essence, both for cooking and cleaning. You’ll spend more time enjoying your meal and less time worrying about cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Skillet

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a taste of Southern comfort to your table with Texas Corn Succotash. This colorful dish is not only easy on the eyes but also leaves your kitchen practically as clean as it started. It epitomizes the essence of simplicity and flavor, all while keeping the cleanup to a bare minimum. Whether as a side or a light main, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Fried Tomatillos

Fried Tomatillos in a black cast iron pan.
Fried Tomatillos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

No need to reserve Fried Tomatillos for dining out when they can be perfectly prepared in the comfort of your kitchen. This dish offers a unique taste experience, melding the slightly tart flavor of tomatillos with a crispy exterior. Ideal for a snack or a side, it’s a conversation starter that also makes kitchen cleanup a non-issue. Relishing these will take you on a flavorful adventure that’s both memorable and mess-free.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform taco night with Tacos Dorados, a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. This crispy take on the taco is a crowd-pleaser that encapsulates the essence of simplicity and flavor. Enjoy the crunch and the burst of flavors knowing that your kitchen will remain nearly as clean as when you started. It’s the perfect dish for those nights when you’re craving something unique without the lengthy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Mexican Black Beans

Mexican black beans in a white bowl with parsley and garlic.
Mexican Black Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Introduce a side of Mexican Black Beans to your dinner for a robust and hearty addition to any meal. This versatile dish can complement a wide variety of main courses, all while keeping your cleanup routine simple. It’s a staple recipe that showcases the richness of Mexican cuisine without overwhelming your evening with a messy kitchen. Healthy, hearty, and hassle-free, it checks all the boxes for an ideal weeknight companion.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties in a black dish.
Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties bring the genius of leftovers front and center. This inventive dish transforms holiday leftover staples into crispy, golden patties that are impossible to resist. It offers a fulfilling solution to excess food while ensuring your post-meal cleanup is quick and easy. Not only does this recipe save time and reduce waste, but it also brings a delicious new flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your dinner plans with Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef, a dish that encapsulates bold flavors without the hassle of a complicated cleanup. This meal proves that you can achieve deep and fulfilling flavors without needing to wash a pile of dishes afterward. It’s versatile enough to serve as the centerpiece for a variety of meals, promising a delicious dinner experience every time.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe makes dinner an occasion to look forward to. This dish has it all – texture, flavor, and the richness of sausage paired with the fresh bite of broccoli rabe. It’s a standout meal that doesn’t strand you with a sink full of dishes, blending convenience with culinary enjoyment. This skillet meal invites you to treat in the flavors without dreading the aftermath.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

Steakhouse Creamed Spinach in a black dish on a cloth.
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Bring the luxury of a steakhouse side to your dining table with Steakhouse Creamed Spinach. This one-pan wonder offers a lush and creamy texture that pairs excellently with a variety of mains. It’s a straightforward way to add a touch of indulgence to any meal while maintaining a light cleanup. This dish demonstrates that you can bring restaurant-quality sides home without complicating your evening.
Get the Recipe: Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Warm up your dinner routine with Chicken Stir Fry, a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken and crisp vegetables. This stir fry is a testament to the power of one-pan cooking, offering a delicious meal that doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes. It’s perfect for those who love a meal that’s both quick to prepare and to clean up. Healthy, hearty, and hassle-free, it delivers on every level.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Recreate a restaurant favorite with Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. This dish captures the essence of the beloved Italian eatery’s classic, allowing you to enjoy the flavors at home. It’s a breeze to prepare and even easier to clean up, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight Italian feast. The simplicity of this meal doesn’t sacrifice taste, ensuring a dining experience that’s as enjoyable as it is convenient.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings the comfort and familiarity of your favorite diner dish straight to your kitchen. This classic meal, beloved for its savory richness, doesn’t disappoint when it comes to flavor or convenience. Ideal for when you’re craving something fulfilling but don’t want to deal with a messy kitchen. You’ll find that this single-skillet recipe is a smart solution for a hassle-free dinner that fulfills and comforts.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoy a fantastic way to infuse a classic dish with new life with Ground Beef Fried Rice. Perfect for utilizing leftover rice, it mixes the heartiness of ground beef with the simplicity of fried rice. This skillet meal stands out for its ease and quick cleanup, making it an optimal choice for busy weeknights. It invites a delicious break from the usual with minimal effort and maximum reward.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Texas BLT

Texas BLT on a black slate plate.
Texas BLT. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Redefine lunchtime with a Texas BLT, a twist on the classic sandwich that’s both fulfilling and easy to make. This version brings a touch of Texas flair to the table, all within the confines of a single skillet. Not only does it promise a delicious outcome, but it also keeps the cleanup process straightforward. It’s an ideal pick for a hassle-free lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bacon Fried Corn is a side dish that makes every bite count, combining the sweetness of corn with the savory depth of bacon. This concoction not only serves as the perfect complement to a variety of main dishes but also shines as a standalone treat. It’s the go-to recipe when you’re looking for something easy yet immensely satisfying. Enjoy the complexities of its flavors, all while basking in the simplicity of its preparation and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

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