Mondays suck; these 19 one-skillet dinners don’t

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Mondays can be a real drag. From that first morning alarm to the last work email, it feels like a marathon of challenges. We get it. But what if, just once, the universe threw us a bone, especially when it comes to dinner? That’s where this list comes in. Instead of facing another culinary mountain, why not simplify with a one-skillet solution?

Not only are these meals fuss-free, but they’re also downright delicious. Let’s reclaim our Monday evenings, one easy, flavorful dish at a time. Dive into these 19 skillet dinners, specially curated to turn your start-of-the-week frown upside down.

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

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.

Monday blues, meet spicy udon. This flavor-packed stir-fry rivals any takeout and will have you smacking your lips in satisfaction. Hello, quick dinner win!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

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.

With just 4 ingredients, this buffalo turkey cauliflower combo brings a fiery kick to your table, reminding you that Mondays can, in fact, sizzle.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower 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.

In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a skillet bursting with garlic chicken goodness, a surefire way to power through the start of the week.
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.

Let’s give Monday a Mediterranean twist! Loaded with flavors from olives to feta, this Greek shrimp skillet is sure to be your next weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

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.

Craving some comfort? Dive into a skillet of pillowy gnocchi combined with savory pork and melted mozzarella. Talk about a mood lifter!
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

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

Spice up your Monday with a little taco magic! This skillet meal is loaded with zesty flavors, making weeknight dinners a fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Simple Skillet Pork Chops

Bone in pork chop sliced in a skillet with garlic cloves.
Simple Skillet Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

No need to be a chef to get juicy, garlic-butter pork chops right. This recipe has you covered for a fuss-free Monday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Simple Skillet Pork Chops

Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions

Skillet lamb chops with tarragon mustard sauce and cipollini onions.
Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fresh tarragon honey mustard sauce tops these skillet lamb chops, providing a refreshing burst to any mundane Monday.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions

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.

Combine steak, potatoes, and peppers for a smoky sensation that’ll make you forget it’s the start of the week.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

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

Blend spicy with sweet, and Monday suddenly gets interesting. This mango chicken skillet is the exotic escape you need.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

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

One skillet, a burst of spice, and a hint of spring – that’s what this lamb ragu promises to deliver. Mondays never tasted so good!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

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.

Looking for a Monday mood-booster? Dive into this aromatic basil-infused chicken skillet; it’s a flavor party in a pan.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet

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.

When Monday calls for comfort, answer with this creamy, cheesy turkey skillet mac. It’s the hug you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

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.

Who says healthy can’t be hearty? This skillet is proof that nutritious meals can also combat those Monday blues.
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.

Going meatless this Monday? Dive into a skillet filled with fresh veggies and beans, ensuring both flavor and fullness.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean 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.

Take a quick culinary trip to Asia with this beef and cabbage stir fry. Trust me, Mondays will start to look a little brighter.
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.

Give Monday a saucy spin with thinly sliced beef and a savory sauce that will make you forget all about that pending work email.
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.

Simple, speedy, and splendid! This beef stir fry with veggies offers a taste so fresh; you might just start looking forward to Mondays.
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.

Elevate your Monday mood with this Asian-inspired stir fry. Ground pork and cabbage come together in harmony, making dinners delightful.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

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