Home » Recipes » 35 Best Easy Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

35 Best Easy Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

These incredibly easy Cast Iron Skillet recipes feature a selection of mouthwatering delectable appetizers and hearty main courses that will put that timeless cast iron skillet to good use.

Cast iron skillet meals in a collage.

If you’ve been intimidated to try your hand at cooking in cast iron, these recipes are here to show you just how easy it can be.

If you’re looking for a side dish, you’ve got to try this freshened up green bean casserole without mushroom soup. It’s so good!

Why You’ll Love These Cast Iron Recipes

The wonderful thing about cast iron cooking is that it creates dishes with the most delicious flavors and textures.

There are four easy reasons why cast iron skillets are better:

  • Heats up and stays hot.
  • Unbeatable heat distribution.
  • Allows meats and vegetables to get the perfect sear.
  • All ingredients cook evenly all over.

How to Choose a Cast Iron Skillet

You can do your own due diligence by looking at reviews, but there are only a handful of really good cast iron skillet companies.

Go with a manufacturer that is trusted. You can’t go wrong with a Lodge cast iron skillet or Le Creuset brand.

These scrumptious recipes showcase the incredible versatility of cast iron skillets.

With a few simple instructions, you’ll be creating mouthwatering dishes with that trusty cast iron skillet.

Don’t be surprised when everyone starts asking for your secret cooking tips!

From perfectly seared chicken and gooey mac and cheese to flavorful veggies, these recipes offer a wide range of options that will satisfy everyone.

And just wait until you try the shrimp tacos with these easy homemade flour tortillas. Too good for words!

If you love cooking traditional German food, the easy bratwurst skillet recipe is a complete meal in one. After one bite, it will change the way you cook brats forever.

No matter which dishes you decide to try, one thing is for certain, these cast iron skillet recipes will add a cozy charm to any delicious meal.

Bonus: Serving right from the skillet means fewer serving dishes! Remember to place a trivet under the skillet.

1
Mandarin chicken over rice in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Chinese Mandarin Chicken
This Chinese Mandarin Chicken recipe creates juicy and tender chicken thighs with mandarin and chili. It's a delicious sweet and sour weeknight dinner for the ones who like it spicy, but you can eliminate the heat by leaving it out.
Chinese Mandarin Chicken
2
Root vegetables in a black pan with cheese on top.
Roasted Root Vegetable Recipe
This Roasted Root Vegetables recipe with parsnips, sweet potatoes and beets is topped with cheese and baked to perfection.
Roasted Root Vegetable Recipe
3
Chicken thighs in lemon sauce with lemons on side in case iron skillet.
Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs
A delicious oven baked chicken recipe with wonderful Greek flavors, this will be your new family favorite.
Oven Baked Greek Chicken Thighs
4
Chicken thighs over mashed potatoes with spoon dripping gravy over dish.
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Pan Sauce Gravy
These tender and juicy skillet chicken thighs are pan-seared until golden brown, then smothered in an irresistible lager and honey-infused sauce.
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Pan Sauce Gravy
5
Guinness braised short ribs in a cast iron skillet with onion, gravy, celery seed, thyme, and carrots.
Guinness Braised Short Ribs
These short ribs make with Guinness Draught are so tender and delicious, this will be your new favorite recipe for dinner.
Guinness Braised Short Ribs
6
chicken in cast iron skillet with rice
Easy One Pan Chicken and Rice
This one pan chicken and rice dinner will be a new favorite. My family loves it, and an easy clean up is always a win for me!
One Pan Chicken and Rice
7
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this bratwurst skillet recipe. Roasting these ingredients together melds the flavors into a pan of pure deliciousness.
Bratwurst Skillet Recipe
This delicious bratwurst skillet is so easy to make. Add this to your list of simple recipes for any night of the week.
Bratwurst Skillet Recipe
8
Chicken in a cast iron skillet with cilantro and lemons.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs
If you're looking for your family's new favorite recipe, Cast Iron Chicken Thighs is it! Made with thighs that turn out juicy inside with a hint of crispness on the outside, everyone will want the recipe for this one! Easy enough for a family dinner, but elegant enough for company, this easy recipe will be one you'll want to make over and over again.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs
9
Grilled shrimp tacos on a wood board.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
We make tacos at least a couple of times every month. Shrimp is our favorite filling and what we eat the most, but we also fill our shells with ground beef on occasion. Both are delicious!
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
10
Skillet Gnocchi with Roasted Tomatoes
Skillet Gnocchi with Roasted Tomatoes
Pan-frying gnocchi in a cast-iron skillet is an easy way to add a crispy texture to this simple but delicious summer meal.
Skillet Gnocchi with Roasted Tomatoes
11
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast
This cast iron skillet chicken breast is easy, healthy and so flavorful! This recipe takes under 30 minutes and is great for dinner.
Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast
12
Baked Brie with Apricot Jam
Baked Brie with Apricot Jam
The best entertaining recipes are made in a cast iron pan! This bake brie with apricot jam is the best appetizer to serve at any party.
Baked Brie with Apricot Jam
13
Spinach Bacon Frittata with Asparagus
Spinach Bacon Frittata with Asparagus
Try this fluffy frittata with fresh asparagus and spinach for brunch or a tasty dinner!
Spinach Bacon Frittata with Asparagus
14
Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Skillet Chicken Fajitas are a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner! The marinated chicken, sweet peppers, and onion are seared in a cast iron skillet and can be ready in 30 minutes.
Skillet Chicken Fajitas
15
Cheesy Tomato Gnocchi
Cheesy Tomato Gnocchi
This easy cheesy tomato gnocchi bake recipe checks all the boxes for a cozy weeknight meal! Made with fire-roasted tomatoes, red bell peppers and spinach, this easy gnocchi bake is topped with lots of gooey cheese! It's a one-pan skillet meal, ready in about 30 minutes.
Cheesy Tomato Gnocchi
16
Chicken au Champagne
Chicken au Champagne
Chicken au Champagne is an elegant, delicious, and simple to prepare meal that is sure to impress everyone around the dinner table. It’s perfect for date night and easy enough for casual weeknight meal.
Chicken au Champagne
17
Spicy Cajun Sausage and Chicken Skillet Recipe
Spicy Cajun Sausage and Chicken Skillet Recipe
Bursting with mouthwatering cajun spice and flavor, this easy Cajun Sausage and Chicken Skillet Recipe cooks entirely in one skillet and is made with andouille sausage, chicken, and red beans. A perfect quick and easy weeknight meal.
Spicy Cajun Sausage and Chicken Skillet Recipe
18
Baked Eggs and Tortillas in Spicy Tomato Sauce
Baked Eggs and Tortillas in Spicy Tomato Sauce
Take breakfast to the next level with these baked eggs and tortillas in spicy tomato sauce. It is simple, satisfying, and the best part, a budget friendly meal for the entire family. 
Baked Eggs and Tortillas in Spicy Tomato Sauce
19
Zucchini Pesto Pizza
Zucchini Pesto Pizza
This skillet zucchini pesto pizza has a crispy yet chewy crust. With layers of tangy basil pesto, mozzarella, zucchini and ricotta it’s perfect for summer!
Zucchini Pesto Pizza
20
Cheesy Italian Meatball Sub Dip
Cheesy Italian Meatball Sub Dip
Homemade Italian mini meatballs are surrounded by a ricotta and rich tomato sauce in this cheesy meatball sub dip. A fun twist on a classic meatball sub, this dip is easy to make and perfect for the big game!
Cheesy Italian Meatball Sub Dip
21
Potato Bacon Skillet Casserole
Potato Bacon Skillet Casserole
Potatoes covered with a layer of bacon and onions, topped with cheese and baked for a savory dish that is sure to satisfy! Based on the French recipe tartiflette popular in the Savoie alpine region
Potato Bacon Skillet Casserole
22
Easy Homemade Stuffed Crust Cast Iron Pizza
Easy Homemade Stuffed Crust Cast Iron Pizza
This stuffed crust cast iron pizza is super easy to make for family dinner nights. This easy cast iron skillet pizza is some of the best homemade pizza you will ever have!
Easy Homemade Stuffed Crust Cast Iron Pizza
23
Healthy Breakfast Skillet
Healthy Breakfast Skillet
A quick and delicious breakfast featuring eggs, potatoes, veggies and a sprinkle of cheese. It's a great way to serve a healthy comfort food breakfast in under 30 minutes!
Healthy Breakfast Skillet
24
Roasted Cast Iron Chicken Breasts and Potatoes
Roasted Cast Iron Chicken Breasts and Potatoes
This tasty cast iron chicken breasts and potatoes recipe features juicy bone-in chicken breasts roasted in a cast iron skillet with baby gold potatoes,and it's all topped with a rich and flavorful pan sauce. It's a complete one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Roasted Cast Iron Chicken Breasts and Potatoes
25
Smothered Chicken In A Skillet
Smothered Chicken In A Skillet
Smothered chicken is one of my favorite comfort foods. Tender moist chicken smothered in onions, carrots, celery, peppers and spinach and a yummy sauce – all in one skillet.
Smothered Chicken In A Skillet
26
Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet
Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet
Quick and easy Mediterranean Shrimp made in a skillet with just 8 fresh, basic ingredients. A deliciously flavorful dinner recipe that happens to be low-carb, keto, whole30, and paleo.
Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet
27
Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus
Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus
This low carb keto-friendly one pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus is so easy to make and full of flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, it will become a family favorite recipe that is requested time and time again!
Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus
28
Ground Beef Fajitas
Ground Beef Fajitas
Looking for a quick, easy and satisfying skillet dinner idea? Try these sizzling ground beef fajitas with fresh veggies – from stovetop to table in just 30 minutes!
Ground Beef Fajitas
29
Alice Springs Chicken (Copycat Outback Steakhouse)
Alice Springs Chicken (Copycat Outback Steakhouse)
This Alice Springs Chicken recipe is an easy one-skillet meal the whole family will love. Chicken breasts topped with honey mustard, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and gooey, melty cheese.
Alice Springs Chicken
30
Skillet Bacon Mac & Cheese
Skillet Bacon Mac & Cheese
Homemade mac and cheese is one of my favorite side dishes. You can make this skillet bacon mac and cheese in no time at all with this simple recipe.
Skillet Bacon Mac & Cheese
31
Pull Apart Sloppy Joe Sliders
Pull Apart Sloppy Joe Sliders
This Pull-Apart Sloppy Joe Sliders recipe is a simple and delicious way to feed the family! With nothing more than King's Hawaiian Rolls and a homemade Sloppy Joe sauce to pair with it. All is cooked, baked, and served in your Cast Iron Skillet.
Pull Apart Sloppy Joe Sliders
32
Philly Steak and Cheese Fries
Philly Steak and Cheese Fries
This Philly steak and cheese French fries appetizer is simple to make and one that the family will love. Made with just a few ingredients it’s made in a cast iron skillet for easy cleanup and serving.
Philly Steak and Cheese Fries
33
Italian Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
Italian Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
Italian Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes is an easy 25 minute dinner, loaded with fresh garden veggies and amazing Italian flavor! It all comes together in a skillet with bell peppers, pine nuts and crumbled goat cheese for a delicious creamy coating!
Italian Sausage Gnocchi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
34
One Pan Skillet Lasagna
One Pan Skillet Lasagna
Wishing you could make homemade lasagna as an easy weeknight dinner? Now you can with this One Pan Skillet Lasagna! Everything is cooked in one pan, including the noodles.
One Pan Skillet Lasagna
35
One-Skillet Greek Orzo and Chickpeas
One-Skillet Greek Orzo and Chickpeas
This easy cast iron skillet recipe is Greek inspired – orzo pasta, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and healthy veggies cooked all in one pan. Satisfying and nutritious, this meatless meal or easy side dish is ready in as little as 15 minutes!
One-Skillet Greek Orzo and Chickpeas

And don’t forget dessert!

36
This Apple Tarte Tatin from Viking Cruises makes a beautiful presentation and tastes and delicious. Originally created at the Hotel Tatin in Lamotte-Beuvron, France, think of a dreamy extra caramelized apple pie. 
Apple Tarte Tatin
Enjoy this recipe straight from the Viking River Cruises Kitchen

Recipe FAQs

How do I season cast iron?

To season a cast iron skillet, coat it with a thin layer of vegetable or olive oil and heat on high until it starts smoking. Let it cool completely then wipe any remaining oil off with paper towels. For best results, repeat this process a couple of times.

Can I use soap to wash cast iron?

You may have always heard that you should avoid using soap on a cast iron skillet. I always use special cast iron soap and oil for protecting my investment. If you have to use soap, make sure to rinse the skillet really well and dry it immediately.

Can I cook acidic foods in a cast iron skillet?

It is best not to cook foods that are highly acidic, like lemon juice, for an extended time. The acid breaks down the seasoning and can give the food a metallic taste.

How do I store a cast iron skillet?

Always store your cast iron when it is completely dry to prevent rust. You can apply a light coating of oil with a paper towel to give it extra protection.

Top Tips for the Best Cast-Iron Skillet Recipes

  • Always start with a hot skillet: Whether it’s a fatty steak or lean pork chops, to prevent food from sticking, always preheat your cast iron skillet before adding any ingredients.
  • Use oil for seasoning and even cooking: Seasoning your cast iron skillet is one of the easiest ways to create a non-stick surface. Each time, before cooking, just add a little high smoke point oil to the bottom of the cast-iron pan.   
  • Don’t overheat: Cast iron conducts heat very well. So, you’ll want to use moderate heat and allow the skillet to heat gradually for best results.
  • Use the right utensils: Even though cast iron seems indestructible, you’ll want to use utensils that won’t scratch or damage your well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. Wooden, silicone, or stainless-steel utensils are ideal for stirring, flipping, and serving.
  • Watch the handles: It should go without saying, but I have made the mistake of grabbing the handle of a hot skillet. Cast iron handles get really hot, so handle them with caution.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

Collage of cast iron skillet meals.

Best Easy Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

These incredibly easy Cast Iron Skillet recipes feature a selection of mouthwatering delectable appetizers and hearty main courses that will put that timeless cast iron skillet to good use.
5 from 1 vote
Print this Recipe Pin this Recipe Rate

Ingredients

  • Chicken with Peaches and Balsamic Reduction
  • Bratwurst Skillet
  • Grilled Shrimp Tacos
  • Skillet Gnocchi with Roasted Tomatoes
  • Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast
  • Baked Brie with Apricot Jam
  • Spinach Bacon Frittata with Asparagus
  • Skillet Chicken Fajitas
  • Cheesy Tomato Gnocchi Bake
  • Chicken au Champagne
  • Easy Blackened Shrimp – Cast Iron Skillet
  • Skillet Chicken with Beans and Greens
  • Spicy Cajun Sausage and Chicken Skillet Recipe
  • Crispy Cast-Iron Chicken Thighs
  • Baked Eggs and Tortillas in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Instructions

  • Choose a cast-iron recipe.
  • Gather up the ingredients needed.
  • Make and enjoy your delicious dish.
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @kastilwell or tag #FFFP!

Similar Posts

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating