12 Delicious One-Pan Meals You Can Make in Your Cast-Iron Skillet

Cooking with a cast-iron skillet can be a game-changer, bringing rich flavors and even cooking to every meal. One-dish meals are perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, hearty, and satisfying. Not only do they save time and reduce cleanup, but they also allow you to get creative with ingredients. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about serving a delicious meal straight from the skillet to the table.

Skillet Lasagna

Skillet lasagna offers all the rich flavors of the classic dish without the fuss. Start by layering noodles with a hearty meat sauce and plenty of cheese right in your cast-iron skillet. The skillet helps the lasagna cook evenly, ensuring that every bite is filled with melted cheese and perfectly tender pasta. Bake until bubbly and golden on top, then serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, comforting dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Chicken Pot Pie

This skillet chicken pot pie is a cozy, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. Begin by sautéing chicken and vegetables in the skillet, creating a savory filling that’s both hearty and delicious. Top it with a flaky pastry crust and bake until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. The result is a warm, comforting dish that’s ideal for a chilly evening, bringing everyone together around the table.

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits are a Southern classic that becomes even easier to make in a cast-iron skillet. Start by cooking the grits until they’re creamy and smooth, then set them aside. In the same skillet, sauté shrimp with garlic, butter, and spices until they’re just cooked through. Serve the shrimp over the grits for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s quick to make but tastes like a gourmet meal, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This beef and broccoli stir-fry is quick and packed with flavor, perfect for a busy weeknight. Sear thin slices of beef in the hot skillet to develop a rich, caramelized crust. Add broccoli and a savory sauce, cooking until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened. Serve over rice for an easy, satisfying dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes, combining fresh ingredients and bold flavors in every bite.

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food that’s even better when made in a cast-iron skillet. Start by browning ground meat with onions, carrots, and peas, creating a savory base for the dish. Top with creamy mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly over the meat mixture. Bake until the top is golden and crisp, resulting in a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table with its rich, hearty flavors.

Skillet Pizza

Making pizza in a cast-iron skillet gives you a crispy crust with minimal effort. Press your dough into the skillet, then top with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Cook on the stovetop for a few minutes to start the crust, then transfer to the oven to finish baking. The result is a homemade pizza with a perfectly crisp bottom and melty toppings, ready to enjoy in no time.

Pasta Primavera

Pasta primavera is a fresh and colorful dish that’s easy to make in one skillet. Start by sautéing a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in the skillet. Toss with cooked pasta and a light, flavorful sauce made with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is light, healthy, and perfect for showcasing seasonal produce, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a nutritious and filling one-dish meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Cook a mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, then stuff it into halved bell peppers. Place the peppers in your skillet, cover with foil, and bake until they’re tender. The result is a visually appealing dish that’s as tasty as it is healthy, offering a complete meal in every bite.

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a family favorite that’s easy to prepare in a cast-iron skillet. Start by breading and frying chicken breasts until they’re golden and crispy. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve over pasta or with a side of garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal that everyone will love.

Skillet Mac and Cheese

Skillet mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, made even better when prepared in a cast-iron skillet. Start by making a creamy cheese sauce, then stir in cooked pasta. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly. The result is a rich, decadent dish that’s sure to satisfy kids and adults alike, perfect for a cozy night in.

Spanish Paella

Paella is a Spanish rice dish that’s perfect for showcasing your cast-iron skillet. Sauté seafood, chicken, and vegetables with rice and saffron, letting it cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the flavors. The cast-iron skillet helps create the perfect socarrat, the crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pan. This impressive dish is surprisingly easy to make and is perfect for serving at a dinner party or family gathering.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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