15 Of The Easiest One Skillet Dinners For Nights When You Can’t Even Deal

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15 Of The Easiest One Skillet Dinners For Nights When You Can’t Even Deal

Life gets hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to add to the stress. These one-skillet recipes are a lifesaver on busy nights, offering both simplicity and speed with minimal cleanup. From hearty meats to vegetarian delights, each meal is designed to get you out of the kitchen fast so you can spend more time doing what you love. Cook, eat, and relax—let these dishes handle the heavy lifting.

Cabbage and pork in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Make these white bean and kale quesadillas on those nights you need a quick fix. Loaded with cheddar and slathered in creamy BBQ sauce, they make a great simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This single skillet gochujang chicken is the perfect way to get a spicy, sweet meal on the table in just 30 minutes. It’s easy and packs a punch, ideal over a bowl of steaming white rice.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Turmeric chicken with chickpeas over rice.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cook up this creamy turmeric chicken and chickpeas in one skillet for a fuss-free meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for when you need something filling without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Steak peppers and potato skillet with a metal serving spoon.
Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This steak, potato, and pepper skillet needs just one pan and 40 minutes. It’s the perfect meal to toss together and bake while you unwind.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

Lamb ragu with cavatappi pasta in a white skillet.
Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

When you want something hearty, this spicy lamb ragu hits the spot. It’s all cooked in one skillet with pasta and tomatoes, making cleanup a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu

Vegetable Bean Skillet

Cast iron skillet with beans and vegetables.
Vegetable Bean Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

For a quick meatless meal, try this vegetable and bean skillet. It’s loaded with veggies and beans, making it both simple and nourishing on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This beef and broccoli stir fry comes together fast in one skillet. It’s just right for a speedy dinner that keeps dishwashing to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken in a white skillet.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Try this cream cheese chicken when you’re bored with the usual. Spiced up and creamy, it’s all done in one skillet for a no-stress meal.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.
Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Greek shrimp skillet brings tomatoes, spinach, olives, and feta together in 30 minutes. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef and sweet potato skillet mixes it up with a southwestern flair. It’s easy, filling, and perfect for meal-prepping or a simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grab any pasta you have and this ground beef skillet will make it taste like it simmered all day. Quick, simple, and always a hit at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Mexican ground beef skillet is your 30-minute ticket to a flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. Just toss everything in the pan, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pork and cabbage stir fry is quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. It’s the right pick for a hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp

Mango shrimp served with white rice on a white plate with spoon.
Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet mango and a spicy kick make this shrimp dish a winner for a speedy 20-minute dinner. It’s quick, easy, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef and cabbage skillet is a straightforward stir fry, great for a busy weeknight. With aromatic spices and a light sauce, it’s a satisfying quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

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