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!
1. 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.
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!
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.
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.
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. 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!
8. 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!
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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!
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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…
16. 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!
17. 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!
18. 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!
19. 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!
20. 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.
21. 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!
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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!
27. 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!
28. 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?
29. Shakshuka
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 @ thegirlwiththeironcast
30. Crispy Hash Breakfast Skillet
Hash browns, bacon, peppers, eggs, cheese… I really don’t have to say much more, do I?
Get the Recipe @ sallysbakingaddiction
31. Frittata
Frittatas are a great breakfast, lunch or dinner. They can seem a little intimidating, but this great post will make sure you get them right every time!
Get the Recipe @ cookieandkate
32. Skillet Steak
Psst. Little secret. The best steaks are not made on the grill, but in cast iron. That’s how the fancy, super expensive, restaurants do them. Try it on your own in cast and you’ll learn…
Get the Recipe @ playwellwithbutter
33. 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!
34. Thai Chicken Thighs and Noodles
Looking for a new one pan dinner? Try these Thai chicken thighs with noodles for an exotic twist to your easy weeknight dinners.
35. Smothered Pork Chops
These smothered pork chops just may be Southern food at it’s finest. I mean, just look at the picture. If that doesn’t say “comfort food” I don’t know what does.
Get the Recipe @ therecipecritic
36. 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.
37. 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 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
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.
40. 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…
The 40 BEST Cast Iron Skillet Recipes
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
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add onions, bell peppers, zucchini and mushrooms and sauté 3-4 minutes.
- 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.
- Add tomatoes and taco seasoning ingredients. Stir well and cook 2 minutes.
- Mix in tomato paste and cook 8-10 minutes.
- Spread cheese on top of mixture. Cover and cook until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Let me know which recipes you try, I love hearing from you!
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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I love cast iron skillet recipes! These are some of my favorites.