21 Skillet Recipes for Lazy Evenings

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After a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner. That’s why I’ve gathered a selection of skillet recipes perfect for those lazy evenings when you want something easy and satisfying. These dishes are quick to whip up, requiring minimal cleanup, so you can relax and enjoy a delicious meal without any fuss.

Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Aloo gobi masala is a one-pan vegetarian dish that’s perfect for nights when you need a quick, satisfying meal. With tender potatoes and cauliflower simmered in spices, it’s comforting yet requires minimal effort. The dish comes together in just one skillet, making it an ideal choice for lazy evenings when you want something homemade without a lot of prep. Enjoy it with rice or flatbread for a complete dinner. An easy, flavorful go-to for when you want something warm and fuss-free.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Pork chops on a plate with rosemary sprigs.
Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pan-fried pork chops are a great option for a quick, hearty dinner on lazy evenings. Everything is done in a single skillet, giving you a simple yet satisfying meal in less time. The pork chops cook up with a deliciously golden crust, making it easy to feel like you’ve prepared something special without the extra work. Pair them with simple sides for a complete meal. It’s a reliable dish when you want minimal effort but full flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks.
Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chinese black pepper chicken is an easy stir-fry that’s perfect for evenings when you don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking. The chicken and peppers cook quickly in one skillet, soaking up the bold, peppery sauce that makes the dish shine. Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, giving you a flavorful meal without the hassle. Serve over rice for a simple, well-rounded dinner. An ideal recipe for nights when you want takeout flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A skillet containing a stir-fried mix of ground meat, sliced bell peppers, leafy greens, and white sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting on the side. Plates with flatbreads are in the background.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground beef and cabbage skillet is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want a quick, hearty dinner. With ground beef and tender cabbage cooked together, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient option. The ingredients are simple, and the cooking process is straightforward, so you’ll spend less time in the kitchen. Pair with rice or crusty bread for a complete, low-effort meal. A practical choice for when you need something filling without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Chicken Chop Suey

Stir-fried chicken chop suey in a skillet.
Chicken Chop Suey. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken chop suey is an all-in-one skillet recipe that’s perfect for quick dinners on lazy evenings. The mix of chicken, veggies, and a savory sauce comes together easily, giving you a well-balanced meal in one pan. It’s a great way to get dinner on the table without juggling multiple steps. Serve it over rice or noodles for a simple, complete meal. An easy choice for when you need something flavorful without much time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice.
Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Korean beef and broccoli is a quick stir-fry that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want bold flavors without a lot of effort. The beef and broccoli cook in one skillet, absorbing a sweet and savory sauce that ties the dish together. Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal is ideal for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast. Serve it over rice for a complete, no-fuss dish. A practical option for when you want a balanced, tasty meal without spending much time.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Broccoli Tofu Stir-Fry

Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon.
Broccoli Tofu Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli tofu stir-fry is an easy, one-skillet meal that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want something quick and nutritious. The tofu and broccoli cook together in a flavorful sauce, giving you a well-balanced dinner in no time. Everything is prepared in one pan, making both cooking and cleanup hassle-free. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal. An ideal choice for nights when you want something healthy but easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir-Fry

Creamy Chicken Curry

Chicken curry with rice.
Creamy Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy chicken curry is an easy, one-skillet meal that’s perfect for evenings when you want something flavorful with minimal effort. The chicken simmers in a rich, spiced sauce that comes together quickly, making it a comforting dish that doesn’t require a lot of prep. Serve with rice or naan for a complete, no-fuss dinner. The one-pan cooking method keeps both the process and cleanup simple. A great option for when you need a warm, satisfying meal without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Curry

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate.
Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green beans with garlic butter are an easy, one-skillet side dish that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want to add some greens without much fuss. The green beans cook quickly in a garlicky butter sauce, making them a versatile addition to any meal. This simple side is ready in no time and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. The one-pan preparation keeps things easy and cleanup quick. A reliable choice when you want a quick, no-hassle side.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Ground Pork Burgers

Close-up of  grilled pork burger patties stacked on a white plate.
Ground Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork burgers are a quick, one-pan meal that’s ideal for lazy evenings when you want something filling without a lot of effort. The pork patties cook up quickly in a skillet, offering a flavorful alternative to traditional burgers. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a customizable, simple dinner. With everything done in one pan, it’s an easy way to enjoy burger night without much cleanup. A practical option for when you want a satisfying meal with minimal steps.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and tomato pasta is a light, easy dish that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want something quick and flavorful. The shrimp and tomatoes cook together in one skillet, creating a simple sauce that coats the pasta without much effort. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast. The one-pan preparation keeps both cooking and cleanup straightforward. A great choice for when you want something light yet satisfying with minimal steps.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Steak Pizzaiola

Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate.
Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Steak pizzaiola is a flavorful skillet dish that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want something hearty without much effort. The steak simmers in a rich tomato sauce, absorbing all the flavors while staying tender. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to pair with pasta or crusty bread for a complete dinner. With everything cooked in one pan, it keeps things simple and straightforward. A practical choice for when you need a quick but satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice.
Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork stir fry is a quick, one-pan dish that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you need a balanced meal with minimal effort. The pork and veggies cook together in a savory sauce, giving you a satisfying dinner without multiple pots and pans. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights. Serve over rice for a simple, complete meal. A go-to recipe for when you want something filling with little cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a hearty, one-skillet dish that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want a warm, comforting meal with minimal steps. The cabbage and bacon cook together in a single pan, delivering a savory side or main dish that’s ready in no time. It’s an easy way to enjoy big flavors without a lot of effort. Pair with cornbread or your favorite protein for a complete dinner. A simple, satisfying choice when you need a quick, fuss-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic butter steak bites are a quick, one-skillet recipe that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want something hearty without much effort. The steak cooks quickly in a garlicky butter sauce, making it a flavorful meal that’s ready in minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes or veggies for a complete dinner. The one-pan approach keeps everything simple and cleanup easy. A great choice for nights when you need something quick but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry in a bowl.
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is a quick, one-skillet dish that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want a balanced meal with minimal effort. The shrimp and broccoli cook together in a savory sauce, giving you a healthy, satisfying dinner in no time. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy nights when you need something fast. Serve over rice for a complete, no-fuss meal. A reliable choice for when you want something light yet filling without the extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat.
Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab fried rice is a simple, one-skillet dish that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort. The rice and crab cook together quickly, absorbing the flavors while keeping the dish straightforward. It’s ready in no time and feels like a treat without requiring much work. Serve it with a squeeze of lime for extra freshness. A go-to recipe for when you need a quick, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Alfredo steak pasta is a creamy, one-pan dish that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want something rich without a lot of effort. The steak and pasta cook together, absorbing the creamy Alfredo sauce for a comforting, hearty meal. With everything done in one skillet, it’s easy to prepare and clean up afterward. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great choice for when you need a filling dinner fast. A practical option for when you want a quick yet comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork tacos are a quick, one-skillet recipe that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you need dinner in a hurry. The pork cooks up fast with spices, making it easy to create a flavorful taco filling without much effort. Serve with your favorite toppings for a customizable, no-fuss meal. The one-pan cooking method keeps things simple and cleanup quick. A reliable choice for when you want something filling without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream cheese chicken is a rich, one-pan dish that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want a comforting meal without a lot of work. The chicken cooks in a creamy sauce, making it easy to have a flavorful dinner ready in no time. Serve with pasta, rice, or veggies for a complete meal. The one-skillet preparation keeps everything straightforward and cleanup easy. A practical choice for when you need something quick and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Ratatouille

Close-up of a wooden spoon holding ratatouille, featuring chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, garnished with parsley.
Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ratatouille is a simple, one-skillet vegetable dish that’s perfect for lazy evenings when you want something light yet flavorful. The mix of zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes cooks together in one pan, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without much effort. Serve it with crusty bread or as a side dish for a complete meal. The one-pan approach keeps both prep and cleanup easy. An ideal choice for when you want a healthy, comforting dinner without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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