70 Quick Skillet Meals You Can Make on the Fly
Updated: Mar. 18, 2024
Have family dinner on the table in a flash with these 30-minute skillet meals.
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Asparagus Beef Teriyaki
This simple, savory creation is made in the time it takes to steam a pot of rice. About 20 minutes and—boom!—you’re dishing dinner. —Kari Shifflett, Lake Mills, Iowa
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Skillet Mac & Cheese
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids always go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
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Bacon Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes
Turkey and bacon give the classic sloppy joe a tasty new spin. —Janine Smith, Columbia, South Carolina
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Shrimp Orzo with Feta
Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. —Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
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Easy Salisbury Steak
This easy Salisbury steak recipe can be made in 25 minutes or made ahead and reheated with the gravy in the microwave. I often double the recipe and freeze a batch for busy nights. —Carol Callahan, Rome, Georgia
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Pork Fried Rice
My husband anxiously awaits the nights we have pork because he knows I’ll make this special leftover pork fried rice recipe. Add a few fortune cookies to make the meal special. —Norma Reynolds, Overland Park, Kansas
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Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
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Grilled Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches
Rich and creamy pimiento cheese is a southern favorite. It makes this grilled pimiento cheese sandwich shine, especially when sweet hot pepper jelly is added. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida
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Pepper Steak with Potatoes
I added sliced red potatoes to one of my favorite recipes for Asian-style pepper steak. Now this hearty supper satisfies everyone at home, including hungry guys with big appetites. —Kristine Marra, Clifton Park, New York
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Mahi Mahi & Veggie Skillet
Cooking mahi mahi with a mix of vegetables may seem complex, but I developed this skillet recipe to bring out the wow factor without the hassle and fuss. —Solomon Wang, Arlington, Texas
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Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet
We love Italian sausage sandwiches, but because the bread isn't diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. —Tina Howells, Salem, Ohio
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Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles
My husband loves the spicy flavors in these Thai chicken noodles and often breaks out the chopsticks for a more immersive experience. — Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
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Smoked Sausage Dinner
I treat my wife to this well-seasoned, nourishing meal when she comes home from work. The V-8 gives it a really unique flavor. —Raymond Bell, Thornton, Colorado
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Maple Bourbon Salmon
This flavorful salmon feels fancy for a holiday but it is so simple to make! —Diane Higgins, Tampa, Florida
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Curried Chicken Skillet
This protein-packed skillet dish is loaded with bright flavor. A little curry and fresh ginger make the veggies, chicken and quinoa pop. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut
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Easy Meatball Stroganoff
This recipe has fed not only my own family, but many neighborhood kids! They come running when I make this supper. It's one of those things you throw together after work on a busy day because you know it works. —Julie May, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
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Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet
My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! —Ericka Barber, Eureka, California
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Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps
This is a lighter version of a restaurant favorite. I also recommend trying these wraps with ground chicken or turkey.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
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Chicken Parmesan Burgers
A restaurant-quality burger that’s topped with marinara and loaded with cheese—what’s not to love? Fresh basil adds even more flavor if you'd like. —Brooke Petras, Alpine, California
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Skillet Shepherd's Pie
This is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
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Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet
I'm the proud mother of wonderful and active children. Simple, delicious and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for us to enjoy together after school activities, especially if I have leftover pulled pork. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
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Feta Shrimp Skillet
My husband and I tried a dish similar to this on our honeymoon in Greece. I re-created the flavors in this recipe when we got home. When I make it now, it brings back wonderful memories. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York
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Jiffy Ground Pork Skillet
Some people call it dinner hour, but many of us call it rush hour. Slow down the pace with this so-simple mouthwatering ground pork meal. The only thing you'll have left over is time to share with your family at the table. —Brigitte Schaller, Flemington, Missouri
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Smash Burgers
Now is not the time to cut calories or skimp on salt. Go for ground chuck that is at least 80/20. If you can find a blend with ground brisket or short rib, all the better. The best burger comes with being liberal with kosher salt—it is beef’s best friend. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles
This tangy shrimp dish is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
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Saucy Pork Chop Skillet
Skillet pork chops make easy comfort food. We have them with a salad and fruit. If you've got fresh green beans or steamed broccoli, go for it. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
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Beefy Tortellini Skillet
This tortellini dish is a one-skillet-wonder the family craves. From browning beef to cooking the pasta and melting the cheese, everything happens in one pan. You can add basil or chives for a touch of freshness. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
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Spicy Veggie Pasta Bake
My dad cooked with cast-iron skillets, so when I do, I remember his amazing culinary skills. I keep the tradition going with my veggie pasta. —Sonya Goergen, Moorhead, Minnesota
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Turkey Biscuit Skillet
My mother always made this while I was growing up. Now I make it for my husband and kids. I cut the biscuits into smaller pieces so they will brown nicely on top. I also sometimes add mushrooms to this recipe because my family likes them so much. —Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa
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Greek Beef Pitas
A local restaurant that's famous for pitas inspired me to make my own Greek-style sandwiches at home. Feel free to add olives if you'd like. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
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Beef Skillet Supper
Sometimes I'll make extra of this comforting, noodle-y supper to guarantee leftovers. It's a great take-along dish for work or school. Trim calories from the entree by substituting ground turkey for the beef and low-fat cheese for the full-fat cheddar. —Tabitha Allen, Cypress, Texas
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Sausage-Tomato Coconut Curry
Made in one pan, this easy and tasty recipe can be altered to fit vegetarian diets. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California
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Skillet Sausage Stuffing
To make this sausage stuffing, I dressed up a package of stuffing mix with pork sausage, mushrooms, celery and onion. It impressed my in-laws at a family gathering and has since become a popular side dish with my husband and children. —Jennifer Lynn Cullen, Taylor, Michigan
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Creamy Skillet Noodles with Peas
I’ve made this creamy noodle side for years. Since kids and adults go for it, I keep the ingredients on hand at all times. —Anita Groff, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania
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Easy Beef Taco Skillet
Busy day? Save time and money with this stovetop supper the whole family will love. It calls for handy convenience products, so it can be on the table in minutes. —Kelly Roder, Fairfax, Virginia
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Ginger-Curry Chicken Tacos
I love tacos (who doesn't?), but I wanted to put my own unique twist on them by incorporating some Indian flavors. These ginger-curry versions hit the spot! —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California
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Weeknight Pasta Squiggles
This zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It contains just a few ingredients, is easy to prep, and tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes this healthy pasta recipe a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas
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Mediterranean Turkey Skillet
I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. —Nicole Ehlert, Burlington, WisconsinEditor’s Tip: Mediterranean food is always a good idea. From light orzo salads to sweet baklava, these Mediterranean recipes will transport you to the seaside.
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Israeli Couscous & Chicken Sausage Skillet
Our comfort food is a big plate of sausage with couscous. Add some onion, celery, a little heat and a sprinkle of feta. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
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Hamburger Stir-Fry
Here’s a quick, easy hamburger stir-fry that uses ground meat instead of the traditional beef strips. It has a nice sauce and is different enough to feel like a treat for the taste buds! —Kathi and John Horst, Westfield, New York
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Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner
This skillet dinner is doubly quick. The leftovers-if there are any-can be reheated to make a second meal as tasty as the first. —Karen Grimes, Stephens City, Virginia
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Skillet Pork Chops with Apples & Onion
Simple recipes that land on the table fast are lifesavers. I serve skillet pork chops with veggies and, when my husband lobbies, cornbread stuffing. —Tracey Karst, Ponderay, Idaho
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Skillet Ham & Rice
Ham, rice and mushrooms make a tasty combination in this homey stovetop dish. It goes from start to finish in just 25 minutes. —Susan Zivec, Regina, Saskatchewan
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Chicken Veggie Skillet
I invented this chicken and veggie dish to use up extra mushrooms and asparagus. My husband suggested I write it down because it's a keeper. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
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Rosemary Pork Medallions with Peas
It's nice to have a quick meal to fix after coming home from work. It's simple to prepare and doesn't use a lot of ingredients, so it's great for beginner cooks. —Laura McAllister, Morganton, North Carolina
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Cheesy Onion Chicken Skillet
My zesty chicken with peppers and onions is so versatile, it works when you serve it over rice, potatoes, noodles, even a hoagie bun. —Kim Johnson, Sibley, Iowa
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Tortellini with Tomato Spinach Cream Sauce
I enjoy all things pasta, and tortellini is my favorite. The flavor of this dish is amazing. Even my husband, who hates pasta of any kind, loves it! It's a great recipe for non-spinach fans to try, too. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
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Skillet Steak Supper
With all the ingredients cooked in one skillet, this steak dish couldn't be quicker to prepare—or to clean up! But the wine and mushroom sauce makes it seem special. —Sandra Fisher, Missoula, Montana
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Skillet Nachos
My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
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Maple Sausage Skillet
Maple syrup adds sweetness to this yummy stir-fry. I sometimes add a little broccoli, too, for a change of pace. Add a green salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal in minutes. —Dottie Tarlton, Malvern, Arkansas
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Peppered Sole
My daughter loves this recipe—it's the only way she'll eat fish. To top it off, it's good for her! —Jeannette Baye, Agassiz, British Columbia
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Sausage and Vegetable Skillet
This hearty stovetop entree has been a family favorite for years. The variety of vegetables makes this dish attractive. Cooking time is minimal. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
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Seafood Alfredo
My guests usually can't believe I prepared this meal myself. The rich, creamy main dish features plenty of seafood flavors with a hint of garlic and lemon. Frozen peas and a jar of Alfredo sauce make it a simple supper that will be requested time and again. —Melissa Mosness, Loveland, Colorado
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Cheese & Mushroom Skillet Pizza
This Italian skillet toss is an awesome way to use up extra spaghetti sauce at the end of the week. It fits right in on Friday pizza night. —Clare Butler, Little Elm, Texas
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Chicken Artichoke Skillet
My fast chicken entree featuring artichokes and olives has real Greek flair. Seasoned with lemon juice and oregano, the stovetop chicken turns out moist and tender. —Carol Latimore, Arvada, Colorado
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Sausage & Vegetable Skillet Dinner
I threw this sausage recipe together one night to use up produce before going out of town. Who knew it was going to be such a hit! Now it’s a recipe I turn to whenever time is tight. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
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School-Night Sausage Stroganoff
I found this recipe in an old church cookbook about 25 years ago and tweaked it to fit my family's tastes. It's a savory, creamy dish that's quick to fix on a busy school night. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
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Skillet BBQ Beef Potpie
Beef potpie is a classic comfort food, but who's got time to see it through? My crowd-pleaser is not only speedy but an excellent way to use leftover stuffing. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
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Skewerless Stovetop Kabobs
My family loves this quick and easy recipe so much, we never have any leftovers. It's also great on the grill. —Jennifer Mitchell, Altoona, Pennsylvania
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Zucchini Egg Skillet
My neighbor shared more zucchini from his garden than I knew what to do with. He loved this recipe—it's great for brunch or a special breakfast. —Darcy Kennedy, Hendersonvlle, North Carolina
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One-Skillet Lasagna
This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. With classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Hearty Sausage and Rice Skillet
At the end of the day, who wants a stack of dishes to wash? That’s why we love this entree: It cooks in one skillet and everyone cleans their plates! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Mediterranean Turkey Skillet
I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. —Nicole Ehlert, Burlington, Wisconsin
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Beef & Pepper Skillet
I love Mexican-inspired food. I also enjoy experimenting with recipes like this one and making them healthier—and downright good! —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
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Confetti Kielbasa Skillet
Here's one of my husband's favorite dishes. When it's in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas
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Saucy Skillet Lasagna
Thanks to no-cook noodles, this skillet lasagna makes a fresh, filling, flavorful and fast entree for any Italian meal. —Meghan Crihfield, Ripley, West Virginia
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Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Fresh flavor with a flair describes this quick and easy recipe. Fajitas are just right for hot summer evenings when you want to serve something fun and tasty, yet keep cooking to a minimum. Try topping them with sour cream, guacamole or both. —Lindsay St. John, Plainfield, IndianaOriginally Published: February 07, 2019
