40 Best Cast Iron Skillet Recipes for Easy One-Pan Meals
These recipes are so good, you'll want to eat them right out of the pan.
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Cast iron skillets may be heavy, but they're worth breaking out for any of these delicious cast iron skillet recipes. Not only are they great for sautéing, pan-frying, searing, baking, braising and more, but there are full dishes you can make using only a cast iron skillet for super easy cleanup.
The best cast iron skillet is a classic piece of cookware that should be tough as nails, so it's possible that you inherited one from your mom or have been using the same sturdy skillet for decades. In fact, cast iron skillets can get better with age if they're properly seasoned. Seasoning is a thin layer of polymerized oil that helps form a natural, easy-release cooking surface and prevents your pan from rusting. That means no need for nonstick cooking spray or scrubbing away stubborn debris. You can buy them pre-seasoned or allow the seasoning to build up over time. As long as you know how to clean cast iron without removing the seasoning, your skillet could last you a lifetime.
Now that you understand why you should have one around, these mouthwatering cast iron skillet recipes will make you want to use it more and more. From decadent desserts to complete one-pan meals, many of them may rival the breezy cleanup you get from sheet pan dinners. Everything you want in a hearty breakfast or flavorful side can be cooked in a cast-iron skillet, from the stovetop into the oven and back again.
Easy Seafood Paella
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that looks and tastes quite impressive, so your guests will never guess you threw everything into one skillet.
Skillet Roasted Chicken and Tomatoes
Healthy and hearty, this skillet dinner is full of fresh herbs for a flavorful meal all in one pan.
Dutch Baby
A Dutch Baby is a giant puffed pancake that's perfect for brunch, and there's no flipping required.
Roasted Squash Panzanella
Using a cast iron skillet allows you to bake, roast, toss and fold all in one pan for this warm, wintery take on a panzanella.
Doubly Cheesy Meatball Bake
Like a meatball parm, but with mediterranean flavors and cooked completely in one cast iron skillet.
Skillet Turkey Pot Pie
What could be better than a filling, cozy meal made in one pan in less than 30 minutes?
No-Flip French Toast
Another cast iron recipe for a dreamy brunch, this no-flip french toast is perfect to feed the whole family.
Skillet Meatballs
Sure, air fryer meatballs are great, but you're missing out if you haven't tried these classic skillet meatballs with a medley of greens.
Sausage Cauliflower Skillet Casserole
You may be skeptical about a casserole in a skillet, but you'll be convinced after you taste this filling and flavorful dish.
Get the recipe for Sausage Cauliflower Skillet Casserole »
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Skillet Cookie Sundaes
This decadent dessert idea can be made in mini cast iron skillets so everyone can choose their own tasty toppings.
Double Pumpkin Cornbread with Red Onion
The pumpkin, red onions and pepitas set this cast iron skillet cornbread recipe apart.
Get the recipe for Double Pumpkin Cornbread with Red Onion »
Spaghetti Carbonara Skillet Pie
This baked twist on the traditional carbonara gives it a crispy crust for a unique texture with all of the same creamy goodness.
Get the recipe for Spaghetti Carbonara Skillet Pie »
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Molten Chocolate Skillet Brownies
You'll never believe that these rich, chocolatey skillet brownies are completely gluten-free.
Get the recipe for Molten Chocolate Skillet Brownies »
RELATED: 25 Gluten-Free Desserts That Will Be the Hit of Any Party
Beef and Stout Skillet Pie
Yes, there's actually beer in this simple and hearty skillet pie.
Skillet Pesto Chicken and Beans
Store-bought pesto helps make this filling dish with chicken, veggies and beans a surprisingly easy dinner recipe.
Tunisian Skillet Chicken
If you're looking to mix up your chicken recipe rotation, try the bold citrusy flavors in this Tunisian-inspired dish.
Get the recipe for Tunisian Skillet Chicken »
RELATED: 60 Healthy Chicken Dinners for the Best Weeknights Ever
Skillet Pizza
Pizza is the ultimate crowd pleaser, and this deep dish skillet recipe with homemade dough will not disappoint.
Carrot Cake Skillet Blondie
This unique skillet version is quicker and easier than your traditional carrot cake.
Picadillo Meatballs
These aren't your grandma's meatballs — pimiento-stuffed olives and raisins give this recipe even more flavor and texture.
Mushroom Chicken Skillet with Herbed Cream Sauce
White miso is the secret ingredient in this creamy chicken thigh recipe, perfect to warm you up on chilly nights.
Get the recipe for Mushroom Chicken Skillet with Herbed Cream Sauce »
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