21 1-Skillet Recipes That’ll Save Your Weeknights and Your Sanity (Because Who Has Time for Cleanup?)

Weeknights can feel like a race against the clock, and dinner should be the least of your worries. Instead of juggling multiple pots and pans, a single-skillet meal keeps things simple without sacrificing a great meal. With fewer dishes to clean, there’s more time to enjoy a meal and less time spent in the kitchen. These recipes help make dinner stress-free while still delivering on flavor.

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

Spicy Pork Stir Fry

A white plate with meat, vegetables and chopsticks.
Spicy Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re looking for a quick meal after a long day, Spicy Pork Stir Fry is a hassle-free solution. Whip this up in one skillet for a flavor-packed dinner that cuts down on dishes. It’s an easy way to bring a bit of spice to your weeknight routine, proving that busy evenings don’t mean you have to compromise on a fulfilling meal. Not only is it convenient, but it also brings a vibrant touch to your dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pork Stir Fry

Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

Steakhouse Creamed Spinach in a black dish on a cloth.
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Bring the taste of a steakhouse to your home with Steakhouse Creamed Spinach without the need for a reservation or a slew of pans. This recipe transforms a handful of simple ingredients into a side dish that feels indulgent. It pairs wonderfully with almost any main, making your dinner feel a bit more special. It’s a straight path to bringing a bit of luxury to your meal without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Steakhouse Creamed Spinach

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Tinga Tostadas are your go-to for a lively dinner that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. This dish wraps up taste and convenience in one skillet, offering a explosion of flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s ideal for those evenings when you’re craving something different but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This dish will brighten your dinner table and keep the evening stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Fried Tomatillos

Fried Tomatillos in a black cast iron pan.
Fried Tomatillos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy a refreshing twist to your usual side dishes with Fried Tomatillos. They’re effortlessly prepared in one skillet, allowing you to add something unique to your meal with minimal effort. Perfect for when you want to try something new without committing to a complicated recipe. This dish promises to add a fresh spark to your dining experience, blending simplicity with a punch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken brings the beloved restaurant flavor right to your kitchen, minus the wait and additional dishes. It’s comforting, straightforward, and cooks in a single skillet, making it the perfect addition to your weekly meal plan. Ideal for those nights when you’re looking to recreate a dining-out experience at home. This recipe ensures a cozy and relaxed dinner with very little cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a touch of comfort food, Diner Style Salisbury Steak is a satisfying choice. This recipe makes it easy to whip up a diner classic without needing the diner itself. Served straight from the skillet, it turns an ordinary evening into something nostalgically delicious. It’s a hearty choice for anyone looking to bring a bit of comfort to their table with ease.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Easy Skillet Lasagna

Two cast-iron skillets filled with skillet lasagna, topped with melted cheese.
Easy Skillet Lasagna. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

No need to spend hours assembling a lasagna when Easy Skillet Lasagna offers all the comforting flavors in a fraction of the time. This recipe simplifies a family favorite, making it accessible any night of the week. It’s the perfect shortcut to a beloved dish, ensuring a comforting meal without the long preparation. Ideal for busy households looking to enjoy homemade comforts without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Easy Skillet Lasagna

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

A plate with New Orleans BBQ Shrimp and lemon wedges, with serving utensils to the side.
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Infuse your dinner with a little Southern charm courtesy of New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. This one-skillet wonder delivers all the flavor you’d expect with none of the lengthy cleanup. It’s a fuss-free way to spice up your dinner routine while keeping things straightforward and delicious. This dish offers a taste of the South that’s both accessible and irresistible.
Get the Recipe: New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

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

Light and vibrant, Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a simple pleasure. With everything cooked in one skillet, it allows you to bring a bit of spring to your table any day of the week. The dish balances simplicity with fresh flavors, making it a sure hit for anyone looking for an uncomplicated yet satisfying meal. It’s a straightforward pathway to a meal that feels both wholesome and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Two pulled pork eggs benedict on a plate with sauce.
Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Level up your brunch game with Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict, a delicious twist on a classic that’s surprisingly simple to pull off. This single-skillet wonder combines savory and hearty in one go, proving that sophisticated flavors don’t require complex recipes. It’s ideal for lazy mornings when you want to impress without the stress. Making brunch an indulgent affair has never been so effortless.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

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.

If you’re tired after a long day, Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish offers a quick, flavorful solution. It’s easy to cook and leaves you with minimal dishes to wash afterward. This dish brings a refreshing touch to your dinner routine and can be whipped up in no time. You’ll end the day on a high note without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms could be the comforting, fuss-free meal you need. This recipe simplifies your evening cooking without compromising on flavor. It’s made in just one skillet, so you can enjoy your night without dreading the clean-up. Perfect for those nights when you need a warm hug from your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Sausage Parmigiana

Two sausages topped with cheese and herbs on tomato sauce, served on a white plate over a red striped napkin, next to a glass of red wine.
Sausage Parmigiana. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a twist on a classic, try Sausage Parmigiana in your skillet tonight. It’s as easy to make as it is delicious, ensuring your evenings are both relaxed and rewarding. What’s better is that it lets you skip the lengthy cleanup, giving you more time to unwind. A delicious meal that promises a stress-free kitchen experience is always a winner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Parmigiana

Beef & Broccoli

Beef and broccoli stir-fry with sesame seeds served on a white plate with chopsticks.
Beef & Broccoli. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Turn a takeout favorite into a homemade masterpiece with Beef & Broccoli. This recipe not only saves you money but also keeps your kitchen mess-free. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights. You’ll have a delicious and healthy meal on the table before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Beef & Broccoli

Blueberry Grunt

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

For a sweet end to your day, Blueberry Grunt comes together easily in one skillet. This dessert is a no-fuss way to treat yourself without a pile of dishes afterward. It’s simple, sweet, and sure to become a favorite. An effortlessly prepared dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Grunt

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Discover the joy of making Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe on a busy weeknight. This one-skillet meal is proof that you can enjoy gourmet flavors without the complex cleanup. It’s straightforward, hearty, and a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe and watch how a simple dish can jazz up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Sweet Potato Pancakes

A stack of Sweet Potato Pancakes with a berry.
Sweet Potato Pancakes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet Potato Pancakes are here to transform your breakfast game. This dish is as nutritious as it is easy to make, proving that a hearty morning meal doesn’t have to be a hassle. Perfect for a cozy morning, these pancakes promise a stress-free start to your day. And they’re bound to get everyone out of bed in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pancakes

Texas BLT

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

Spice up your lunch with a Texas BLT. It’s a quick, easy recipe that packs a punch and brightens up your mealtime. Enjoy the classic flavors with a twist, all while keeping your kitchen clean and tidy. It’s a guaranteed hit for those days when you crave something both familiar and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Brisket Fried Rice

A cast-iron pan filled with Brisket Fried Rice, garnished with sliced avocado, lime wedges, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brisket Fried Rice transforms your dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s the perfect way to use leftover brisket, making it a smart and delicious choice. This dish not only saves on dishes but also turns leftovers into a gourmet meal. Ideal for a relaxing evening at home, where you can enjoy great food without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce

Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce on a plate.
Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Make your breakfast feel like a treat with Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce. It’s easy to whip up and even easier to clean up. This dish is perfect for slow, lazy mornings when you want something special without too much effort. A stress-free breakfast option that’s sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce

Parisian Potatoes

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

Whip up some Parisian Potatoes for a side dish that’s both chic and easy. Cooking these in one skillet minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any main course, adding a touch of elegance without any hassle. Enjoy the sophisticated flavor that’ll make your meal feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes

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