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    The 40 BEST Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

    Perhaps nothing in your kitchen is as trusty as your ol’ cast iron. I mean, unlike some of these fancy new non-stick things, you really can’t hurt it. Sink it to the bottom of the ocean for 100 years and with a little elbow grease it’s back in prime condition. That’s why we have decided to give honor to that indestructible kitchen friend with our collection of the best Cast Iron Skillet Recipes.

    Yes, some people are kind of touchy about their cast iron. You have to treat it just so. Don’t use soap or it will explode. Don’t use hot water or it will vanish into thin air.

    The truth is a good, well seasoned, piece of cast iron can take just about any abuse you can give it. And if worse comes to worse and you accidentally dip it in molten lava, it can always be re-seasoned.

    So without further ado, let’s show some appreciation to our most reliable kitchen friend with this list of 40 amazing recipes that only cast iron can achieve!

    Best cast iron skillet recipes.

    1. Garlic Butter Steak Bites

    Garlic butter steak bites.

    And then there’s this option. If you want to add a ton TON of flavor to your steak, try steak bites. These tender, delectable little nuggets are absolutely drenched in a garlicky butter sauce.

    Get the Recipe


    2. Spanish Clams with Chorizo

    These Spanish Clams are simmered with cannellini beans, chorizo sausage and great flavor enhancers. It’s an amazing tapas dish perfect for guests or special occasions!

    Get the Recipe


    3. Steak Pizzaiola

    Juicy and tender, your favorite steak cooked a little different. If you think salt and pepper, cooked in flash is only way to treat that piece of meat, try this once and I won’t be surprised if you come back to this rustic dish every now and then.

    Get the Recipe


    4. Surf and Turf Nachos

    Seriously, is there anything that screams party appetizer more than a gigantic pile of heavily loaded nachos? In this case, just load up your biggest cast and watch your guests chow down!

    These Surf and Turf Nachos will be a huge hit at your next get together. Perfectly marinated steak, succulent shrimp and all your favorite fixings atop a bed of crispy tortilla chips.

    Get the Recipe


    5. Cast Iron Ribeye

    Cast Iron Ribeye

    This easy Cast Iron Ribeye recipe is just perfect. Tender and juicy inside with the perfect sear outside, it rivals any expensive steakhouse.

    Top it off with our Red Wine Mushroom Sauceand you’ll be in carnivore heaven.

    Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Ribeye


    6. Easy Creamy Chicken Skillet

    Easy Creamy Chicken Skillet.

    Weeknight dinner idea alert! This creamy chicken skillet takes about a half hour to whip up and is loaded with lean protein and veggies. Have it with a side of bread or pasta, or keep it low carb with zoodles or cauliflower rice.

    Get the Recipe


    7. Flank Steak Fajitas

    Flank Steak Fajitas.

    Enjoy a great night of Mexican flavors with these quick and easy flank steak fajitas. In under 30 minutes you’ll be ready to load up those tortillas and chow down!

    Get the Recipe


    8. Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

    Have you ever thought how roast chicken will look in a Mediterranean avatar? Here it is… One skillet Mediterranean Chicken Roast. Fresh, healthy and jam packed with amazing flavors!

    Get the Recipe


    9. Johnny Marzetti

    Johnny Marzetti? I know, many of you were scrolling along an came to a halt at that name. Well, this casserole goes by many names, including American Goulash and American Chop Suey. It’s a classic comfort food consisting of a meaty tomato sauce, noodles and cheese. Why, that sounds just like what grandma used to make!

    Get the Recipe


    10. Tex-Mex Migas

    Tex-Mex Migas

    These easy and delicious Tex-Mex Migas feature crispy fried tortillas mixed with soft scrambled eggs and topped with plenty of fixings. They’re a great breakfast or brunch to feed a crowd!

    Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Migas


    11. Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

    Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.

    Pot pie without the pie? Yes, if you are like me craving those comfy, cozy flavors without the extra work. This one is for those lazy days.

    Get the Recipe


    12. Panda Express Beijing Beef

    This Beijing Beef is based off of the hugely popular Panda Express dish. Crispy beef strips with onion and red bell pepper in a tangy and sweet sticky sauce with just a touch of heat.

    Get the Recipe


    13. Bistec Encebollado

    Bistec encebollado.

    Bistec Encebollado, simply meaning steak and onions in Spanish. If you don’t know Bistec Encebollado… well, it’s about time you learn this Latin flavor bomb!

    Get the Recipe


    14. Skillet Pork Chops

    Skillet Pork Chops

    These easy Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops are marinated in a beautiful herb marinade, then seared to juicy and tender perfection. 

    They’re an easy weeknight dinner that can also impress guests, plus they go with a huge variety of different sides.

    Get the Recipe


    15. Sausage Pasta

    This Creamy Sausage Pasta is a perfect example of creating an absolutely delicious dish out of simple, ordinary ingredients. 

    Using Italian sausage in pasta is real game changer. Try your favorite Italian sausage drenched in a garlic parmesan cream sauce with the pasta shape of your choice.

    Get the Recipe


    16. Smothered Chicken

    Smothered Chicken… Classic Soul Food that will warm up your body and soul. This is a comfort food that generations have grown up on. 

    Perfectly seasoned chicken gets a little bit of beautiful golden brown color first. Then it gets smothered till fall of the bone tender in the most delicious, luscious creamy and rich gravy. A gravy which is brimming with flavors. 

    Get the Recipe


    17. Dutch Baby (German Pancakes)

    Dutch Baby (German Pancakes)

    WOW your family this weekend with this dramatic yet super simple breakfast idea… Dutch Baby!! They are not your regular pancakes. 

    Very similar to German pancakes, this skillet pancake puffs tall with crispy rims, and has small mounds and valleys and a soft, custardy center. All sound good? Sprinkle some powder sugar and top it with your favorite berries…

    Get the Recipe


    18. Gorgonzola Portobello Steak Skillet

    This Gorgonzola Portobello Steak Skillet is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s a super easy restaurant quality meal that is an absolute flavor bomb!

    Get the Recipe


    19. Cheesy Taco Skillet

    It’s meaty, it’s cheesy, and it’s oh-so-easy! This taco skillet is a low carb bomb of an appetizer that goes great with just about anything you can think to dip in it!

    Get the Recipe


    20. Cherry Tomato Gratin

    This Cherry Tomato gratin is the newest star on your party spread. It’s the perfect combination of easy, tasty and pretty. You’ll want to gobble it up before the guests arrive!

    Get the Recipe


    21. Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

    Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

    This Southern style Cabbage and Sausage Skillet is a total breeze to make. It’s full of flavor from smoked sausage and other flavor enhancers, plus it’s very budget friendly.

    Great as a one-skillet meal that’s low carb and keto friendly, it can also be served with a variety of starchy sides. Anyone can dig into it with equal gusto!

    Get the Recipe


    22. Tortellini al Forno

    Tortellini al Forno

    This Tortellini al Forno is a deliciously creamy and cheesy dish inspired by Olive Garden, with some added veggie power from spinach and mushrooms.

    Get the Recipe


    23. Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Cornbread

    It’s cast iron cornbread with a little bit more… a lot more, actually. Bacon, Jalapeño, Cheddar. Try it, you’ll never go back to your Jiffy mix!

    Get the Recipe


    24. Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef)

    Bulgogi (Korean BBQ Beef)

    If you love grilled meats with bold flavors, this Korean BBQ Beef, aka Bulgogi, is a MUST try. Tender, juicy, slightly caramelized beef strips with savory soy, garlicky flavors and a hint of sweetness.

    Get the Recipe


    25. Jamaican Style Pepper Steak

    This Jamaican Pepper Steak is a spin off of the popular Chinese dish, this time featuring tender beef and peppers braised in a flavorful and tangy sauce.

    Get the Recipe


    26. Greek Moussaka

    Moussaka is an iconic layered eggplant casserole eaten in the eastern Mediterranean region. The most famous version, which we are cooking today, comes from Greece.

    Though many westerners may have tried eating it, cooking it seems a bit intimidating. Today we’re going to show you that it’s not that hard to make in your own kitchen.

    Get the Recipe


    27. Firecracker Salmon

    This Firecracker Salmon is a super easy and super delish meal that must become part of your rotation. It has an amazing Asian sauce and whips up in about 20 minutes.

    Get the Recipe


    28. Creamy Pesto Chicken Skillet

    This creamy pesto chicken skillet is a great weeknight dinner recipe. It happens super fast, 3O minutes fast! Tender chicken and loads of veggies in a delicious creamy pesto sauce. YUM!

    Get the Recipe


    29. Creamy Parmesan Chicken Meatballs

    Creamy Parmesan Chicken Meatballs.

    If a dish starts with the word “creamy” it has to be good, right? These super easy chicken meatballs are no exception. They’re packed with flavor and are super versatile!

    Get the Recipe


    30. Biscuits and Gravy

    There just may be no more satisfying and hearty start to your day than biscuits and sausage gravy, right? Biscuits and Gravy are the South’s ultimate stick to your ribs breakfast. They’re also about as “comfort foody” as you can get. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to fresh, hot buttermilk biscuits loaded up with a creamy gravy full of flavorful pork sausage?

    Get the Recipe


    31. Chicken Vesuvio

    Chicken Vesuvio

    This classic Middle Eastern egg dish is starting to grow in popularity in the west. Imagine eggs poached in a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce and then topped with feta cheese. Add a big chunk of crusty bread and this can also serve as a great meatless lunch or dinner!

    Get the Recipe: Chicken Vesuvio


    32. Shrimp Fajitas

    Shrimp Fajitas

    These Shrimp Fajitas are a restaurant quality dinner that you can have on the table in about 25 minutes! This is a great skillet recipe for your Mexican fajita night.

    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fajitas


    33. Gigantes Plaki

    Gigantes Plaki

    This comforting and delicious Gigantes Plaki recipe features “giant” butter beans baked in a delightful tomato sauce with plenty of olive oil and seasonings.

    Served with crusty bread and garnished with feta cheese, this meatless dish is a total treat for the taste buds.

    Get the Recipe: Gigantes Plaki


    34. Braised Pork Steaks

    Braised Pork Steaks

    These Italian-style Braised Pork Steaks are slow simmered with plenty of veggies in a well seasoned tomato sauce. They’re prefect served over mashed potatoes or polenta, or alongside crusty bread.

    Get the Recipe: Braised Pork Steaks


    35. Skillet Lasagna

    Skillet lasagna.

    Really… is there anything better than lasagna? That perfect combination of meat, cheese, sauce and pasta… Well, now it’s even easier! This recipe uses the magic of cast iron to make that ultimate Italian casserole into a one pot dish!

    Get the Recipe @ saltandbaker


    36. Cast Iron Pizza

    Cast iron pizza.

    Yes, you can make pizza in your cast iron! Check out this recipe and you’ll be making deep dish like the best Chicago restaurants.

    Get the Recipe @ acouplecooks


    37. Salisbury Steak Meatballs

    Salisbury steak meatballs.

    Here’s a little twist on an old classic… Salisbury steak in meatball form! Those simple, yet nostalgic, flavors have never been so easy.

    Get the Recipe @ littlespicejar


    38. Scallops with Lemon Caper Sauce

    Scallops with Lemon Caper Sauce

    Scallops are such a delicacy that sometimes it’s hard to find something new to do with them. I recommend this great lemon caper sauce, the flavors blend perfectly.

    Get the Recipe @ therecipecritic


    39. Sundried Tomato Cheesy Meatballs

    Sundried Tomato Cheesy Meatbals.

    These sundried tomato cheesy meatballs are so packed with flavor that you my never make another meatball. They can make a great keto option on their own, but also go so great with bread or pasta.

    Get the Recipe @ cafedelites


    40. New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

    New Orleans BBQ Shrimp.

    If you love shrimp and tons of flavor, here’s your new favorite. These New Orleans BBQ Shrimp style have just the right amount of punch.

    Get the Recipe @ girlcarnivore


    We hope you’ve enjoyed this tasty collection of Cast Iron Skillet Recipes as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Now grab that favorite skillet and get cooking. Which one will you try first?

    Be sure to bookmark or pin this post, so you can always come back for more ideas. Enjoy…

    Cast iron skillet recipes.

    The 40 BEST Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

    Yield: 6 servings
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes

    This great collection of Cast Iron Skillet Recipes includes everything from breakfast to dessert and everything in between! For an easy start, try this yummy taco skillet:

    Ingredients

    • 1.5 lbs ground beef
    • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
    • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
    • 1 zucchini, chopped
    • 8 oz mushrooms, chopped
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
    • 1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
    • 1.5 Tbsp chili powder
    • 2 tsp onion powder
    • 2 tsp cumin powder
    • 2 tsp paprika
    • 2 tsp dried oregano
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper
    • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
    • 1.5 Tbsp tomato paste
    • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    • Salt to taste

    Instructions

      1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add onions, bell peppers, zucchini and mushrooms and sauté 3-4 minutes.
      2. Add in garlic, jalapeño, ground beef and salt and combine well, breaking the meat as you go along. Cook until the beef is no longer pink.
      3. Add tomatoes and taco seasoning ingredients. Stir well and cook 2 minutes.
      4. Mix in tomato paste and cook 8-10 minutes.
      5. Spread cheese on top of mixture. Cover and cook until cheese is melted.

    Notes

    1. Let me know which recipes you try, I love hearing from you!

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    Picture of Alpana, blogger and recipe developer at GypsyPlate

    Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

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