Many people enjoy cooking, and almost everyone enjoys eating. However, cleaning up after a big family meal isn’t usually a chore that anyone looks forward to. When you cook a big dinner, there are usually going to be tons of dishes. That’s why we love the simplicity of one-pot meals.
That’s when you have to muster up all the energy you have left to clean all the pots and pans you just used.
One-skillet meals have become increasingly popular for their convenience and ease of preparation. These dishes offer a variety of flavors and textures, and are perfect for those days when time is limited, but a satisfying meal is still desired. A one-skillet meal simplifies the cooking process and minimizes clean-up, allowing more time to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Not only do one-skillet meals save time in the kitchen, they can also provide a well-balanced, nutritious meal. By combining protein, vegetables, and grains or starches in a single pan, these dishes offer a complete meal in one serving. Additionally, cooking everything together promotes the blending of flavors and allows for creative culinary experimentation.
One-skillet meals are also versatile and adaptable to personal preferences. There are countless recipes and variations to suit any palate and dietary requirements. Whether it’s a vegetarian stir-fry, a hearty meat and potato dish, or a decadent pasta with a rich tomato sauce, there is a one-skillet recipe waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.
One skillet meals are the perfect way to cut down on all the cleaning time.
Put all your ingredients into one dish and then you have minimal cleanup after it’s all done.
When you want easy skillet meals that are quick to clean but still taste great, you need these skillet recipes below.
This isn’t the right dish when you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas for one.
This sausage parmesan pasta is so good you’ll be getting up to get seconds.
This doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare and when you start cooking the garlic and pasta with the creamy sauce and parmesan, it will bring everyone to the table.
You can’t go wrong serving up a side of toasted garlic bread on the side to soak up all that juice.
You’ll want to give the steak pieces a nice sear at first, so make sure the pan is extra hot. You can turn down the heat once everything has a nice crust to it.
Pair it with some fresh veggies to balance out the flavors or go full tilt and get a portion of mashed potatoes with some melted butter.
This mix of flavors is so unique you probably haven’t tried them before, but you’re missing out!
You could honestly have this dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and it would work at any time of the day.
The crisp and refreshing flavors of the apple pair perfectly with the savory and dense sausage.
This dish is as simple and it is delicious, so it won’t take you much time which will allow you to focus on other errands you have to get done for the day.
It won’t take you much time to make, because all you have to do is put your rice, seasonings, meat, and other ingredients into the skillet and cover the whole thing with cheese.
Top it off with your favorite Mexican additions like sour cream, salsa, jalapenos, and even olives.
We all know the classic meatballs that can be huge in size and take up an entire sandwich, but these small meatballs take less time and are even better.
Instead of making huge meatballs, you’ll make little ones instead and cover the entire skillet with marinara sauce and cheese. Who can say no?
If you need some pasta, you’ll have to bust out one more dish but this meal is just as good by itself.
Give yourself a little garlic bread treat on the side to soak up all that great sauce.
If you want to make this dish a little healthier you can sub in ground turkey for your ground beef.
The secret to this Italian chicken skillet meal is letting all the flavorful juices of your tomatoes explode into the skillet and soak into all the other ingredients.
This is one of those skillet meals where you’ll need to cook your chicken until it browns and then remove it to cook the rest of your ingredients.
You’ll add the chicken back in later before you serve, but don’t forget to layer it with a generous amount of parmesan cheese.
On a cold day, there aren’t many people who can deny the delicious flavors of a shepherd’s pie.
This classic has been filling up the bellies of families for generations and now you can make an easy version right at home in only one skillet.
You’ll have all the classic ingredients like ground beef, tomato paste, onions, carrots, and other veggies.
The veggies can be frozen to quicken things up.
Throw a hefty amount of mashed potatoes on top to finish it up and you can even broil it for a few minutes to get a nice golden brown crust on your potatoes.
Our BEST 25+ Easy One Skillet Meals (+Garlic Butter Steak)
These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
