17 skillet dinners that prove one pan is all you need for a feast

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One pan to rule them all, making dinner faster than you can locate that elusive matching lid. These skillet meals don’t just save you from the dreaded dish pile-up; they deliver big, hearty flavors without requiring you to turn the kitchen into a battleground. From timeless comfort dishes to meals that feel like they belong in a restaurant, this collection proves that one pan is more than enough to create a feast everyone will rave about.

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Parisian Potatoes

A spoon lifts several Parisian potatoes from a black skillet filled with more Parisian potatoes.
Parisian Potatoes. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When a side dish takes center stage, you know it’s something special. Parisian Potatoes turn humble ingredients into a skillet masterpiece that’s hard to ignore. Every bite is perfectly cooked and so full of flavor, you’ll wonder why you ever considered them just a side. This is one skillet recipe that could easily steal the whole meal.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes

Texas Corn Succotash

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

With a single skillet, this dish brings a mix of textures and bold flavors straight to your table. Texas Corn Succotash transforms a few simple ingredients into something hearty and rewarding. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but feels substantial enough to share at a gathering. One pan, one meal, and plenty of reasons to make it again.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Ground Beef Fried Rice

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

Takeout cravings have nothing on this one-pan wonder that’s ready in no time. Ground Beef Fried Rice delivers a comforting and flavorful dinner without the extra mess of multiple pots and pans. Everything cooks together perfectly, letting the flavors mix in just the right way. You’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste so rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Pasta With Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of pasta with cherry tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Pasta With Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget the boiling pot—this skillet pasta proves that you don’t need extra steps for a great meal. Pasta With Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce blends simple ingredients into a dish that feels upgraded but requires minimal effort. The freshness of each bite will have you enjoying the flavors as if it came from a fancy kitchen. All of this, and only one pan to clean afterward? That’s a win.
Get the Recipe: Pasta With Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Texas BLT

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

Who needs a sandwich when you can have a skillet full of hearty goodness? Texas BLT reimagines the classic with flavors that are every bit as rewarding in a one-pan version. It’s the kind of dish that feels comforting while still being easy enough to whip up after a busy day. Plus, it leaves you with just one dish to clean—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

A white plate with Montreal smoked meat hash on it.
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Breakfast for dinner never looked so good—or tasted so hearty. Montreal Smoked Meat Hash brings together bold flavors in a skillet that does all the heavy lifting for you. Perfect as a main meal or even as a brunch centerpiece, it’s versatile and rewarding in every way. With just one pan, you’ve got everything you need for a complete and comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)

Greek Green Beans served in a white bowl.
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans). Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

One skillet, endless flavor—this dish proves how easy it is to make something remarkable with less effort. Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans) showcases how a simple, traditional approach can become the star of your dinner table. It’s versatile enough to be served as a main or a side, making it a perfect addition to any meal plan. With minimal cleanup, this one-pan option is as practical as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Turn last night’s leftovers into tonight’s star with just one pan. Leftover Steak Quesadilla brings everything together in a way that feels new and exciting without any extra effort. It’s proof that a skillet can breathe life into just about anything hiding in your fridge. Quick, rewarding, and made with ease, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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.

A skillet full of comfort food is hard to resist, especially when it comes together this easily. Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage & Broccoli Rabe delivers on flavor and convenience in every bite. With a balance of hearty and fresh, this one-pan meal feels like it came from a high-end kitchen. The best part? You’re left with a rewarding dish and only one pan to clean.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sandwiches take on a whole new meaning with this skillet recipe that packs in the flavor. Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches are a fresh and hearty take on a classic that feels effortless to pull off. Everything comes together in one pan, saving you time without sacrificing taste. It’s a quick and delicious way to upgrade your meal game with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A skillet turns this classic dinner into an easy and elegant weeknight solution. Chicken Piccata blends bold flavors with simplicity, giving you a dish that feels fancy without the effort. The way everything cooks together in one pan makes it a time-saver and a flavor-booster all at once. With no extra cleanup to worry about, this recipe is as practical as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Double halves of Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A skillet makes this classic sandwich-inspired dish easier than ever while keeping all the flavors you love. Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak brings hearty bites together in one pan for a dinner that’s as fulfilling as it is simple. It’s perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without the hassle of multiple dishes. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever made it any other way.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Leftover Cottage Roll Hash

A bowl of leftover cottage roll hash on a white tablecloth.
Leftover Cottage Roll Hash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Give your leftovers a fresh start with this hearty skillet meal that feels anything but ordinary. Leftover Cottage Roll Hash transforms yesterday’s dinner into something you’ll want to make again and again. Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup as effortless as the cooking process. It’s proof that great meals can come from simple beginnings.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Cottage Roll Hash

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.

Restaurant-quality meals don’t have to mean hours in the kitchen, and this skillet dish proves it. Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers brings bold and rewarding flavors to your table without the extra work. A single pan is all it takes to create a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. This is one recipe you’ll keep in your back pocket for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Blueberry Grunt

Blueberry Grunt on a blue plate with ice cream.
Blueberry Grunt. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dessert in a skillet? Absolutely, and it’s as good as it sounds. Blueberry Grunt brings warm, fruity goodness to your table in a way that feels effortless and comforting. The combination of flavors and textures makes it the perfect way to end a meal—or even steal the spotlight entirely. With just one pan to clean, you can spend more time enjoying it and less time washing up.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Grunt

Corn Fritters

Corn fritters in a black cast iron pan.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A skillet turns these humble bites into something you’ll crave again and again. Corn Fritters are a quick and simple way to make snack time or dinner sides a little more exciting. Their light texture and hearty flavor make them versatile enough for any occasion. Plus, they’re proof that great recipes don’t need complicated steps or a pile of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Pork Chops With Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops With Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When dinner needs to be fast but still feel special, a skillet comes to the rescue. Pork Chops With Tomato & Green Onion Relish combines bold, hearty flavors with an easy, one-pan preparation. It’s the kind of meal that works for both a casual weeknight and a last-minute gathering. With no mess to worry about afterward, it’s a win-win for any busy cook.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops With Tomato & Green Onion Relish

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