27 skillet meals that go from stovetop to table in under 30 minutes

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Skillet meals are a lifesaver when time is short, and patience is even shorter. With these quick, one-pan recipes, you can go from stove to table in 30 minutes or less—no juggling multiple pots, no endless cleanup. These aren’t just your average meals, either; they’re packed with flavor and bring just enough variety to keep things interesting.

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. 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.

Spicy udon noodles come together in under 30 minutes with a ginger-garlic sriracha sauce and tender ground beef. A great choice for a weeknight stir fry that beats any takeout.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

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.

This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is a grown-up take on a classic favorite, with spinach, peppers, and cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great way to keep dinner simple and fast.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Butternut squash noodles with spinach, ricotta and garlic in a cast iron skillet.
Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These garlicky butternut squash noodles bring together spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and creamy ricotta in one skillet. A comforting vegetarian option that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Gochujang chicken delivers a sticky, spicy-sweet flavor that’s ready to serve over rice in just 30 minutes. This takeout-inspired meal is a quick win on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

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 only four ingredients, this buffalo turkey cauliflower skillet comes together fast, making it perfect for a quick, healthy dinner or easy meal-prep.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Turmeric chicken with chickpeas over rice.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy turmeric chicken with chickpeas brings hearty flavors together in one skillet and cooks up in under 30 minutes. Serve over rice for a complete, easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

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

This spring-inspired lamb ragu uses harissa and pasta to create a hearty, flavorful dish in a single skillet. Ready in 30 minutes for a satisfying meal.
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.

Thai basil cashew chicken combines fresh basil and a savory-sweet sauce, making it a quick, flavorful dish to enjoy over rice. A perfect choice when you need a fast meal.
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.

This turkey sweet potato skillet is a nutritious way to use up leftover turkey, with sweet potatoes, beans, peppers, and greens. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a filling option without the grains.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Pork ramen stir fry in a blue cast iron skillet with chop sticks.
Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A quick pork ramen stir fry that combines sweet and spicy flavors with vegetables for a healthier option than takeout. Done in 20 minutes for an easy weeknight fix.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

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 and broccoli make this stir fry a breeze to cook up in minutes. Topped with a crave-worthy sauce that’s as good as any takeout.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Zucchini noodles with shredded chicken in a stir fry sauce in cast iron skillet.
Chinese Chicken Zoodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chinese chicken zoodles bring all the flavors of takeout but with zucchini noodles, done in 15 minutes. A lighter option that’s quick and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Zoodles

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cream cheese chicken spices up weeknight dinners with a creamy texture and savory spices, ready in just 30 minutes in one skillet.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

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

Garlic chicken bites with mushrooms, onions, and red peppers come together in just 20 minutes for a one-pan meal bursting with fresh herbs and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

General Tso Shrimp

Homemade general tso shrimp with broccoli and rice in a bowl with chopsticks.
General Tso Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

General Tso shrimp is a 10-minute copycat takeout recipe that delivers the sweet, sticky sauce everyone loves, without waiting on delivery.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp

Greek Shrimp Skillet

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

Greek shrimp skillet packs tomatoes, spinach, olives, and feta for a punchy meal done in 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
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 a one-pan meal with tons of flavor and perfect for meal-prepping. The leftovers are even better the next day!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

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

A quick ground beef stir fry with fresh vegetables and a garlic-ginger sauce that’s faster and healthier than any takeout option. Perfect for a quick dinner in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Healthier Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joe sandwiches on an English muffin.
Healthier Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Healthier Sloppy Joes made with lean ground beef and a lighter sauce for a guilt-free version of the classic. Done in 30 minutes, it’s an easy choice for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes

Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Honey orange chicken with sesame seeds and green beans in a white bowl.
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Honey orange sesame chicken is a sweet, sticky takeout alternative that comes together fast in one skillet. A great fake-out takeout option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

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

Taco-seasoned ground beef turns this one-pan Mexican skillet into an easy, flavorful dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for taco night without the extra mess.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef 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.

Pork and cabbage stir fry is quick to make with ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms in a savory sauce. A simple meal with big flavor in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

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

Mango and jalapeño come together in this spicy chicken skillet, ready in under 30 minutes. Serve over rice for a sweet and spicy meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet and sour tofu in a bowl with rice and chopsticks on the side.
Sweet & Sour Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet and sour tofu gives a crispy, saucy finish that’s just like classic Chinese takeout, done in 30 minutes. A vegetarian-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp

Mango shrimp served with white rice on a white plate with spoon.
Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet and spicy mango shrimp delivers a kick of spice balanced by fresh mango, ready in 20 minutes for a quick, tropical-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp

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 a quick, one-skillet dinner with lots of texture and a savory sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s an easy go-to for a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Kung Pao Shrimp

Kung Pao Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Kung Pao shrimp brings the flavor of takeout right to your kitchen in minutes. Quick, easy, and perfect over rice with a side of veggies.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Shrimp

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