Are you new to cooking with cast iron skillets? Or perhaps you’re just looking for some inspiration to get out of your culinary comfort zone? Either way, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 delicious and easy cast iron skillet recipes perfect for beginners.
From savory dishes like Garlic Butter Steak Bites and One-Pan Chicken Fajitas to sweet treats like Easy Skillet Apple Crisp and Simple Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. And the best part? They’re all ridiculously easy to make, requiring minimal prep work and no fancy cooking techniques.
So grab your favorite cast iron skillet (or borrow one from a friend) and get ready to cook up a storm! Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting or light and flavorful, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dive into each of these recipes, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips along the way.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Elevate your dinner game with these tender and flavorful steak bites smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together softened butter, garlic, and salt.
3. Add the beef cubes to the bowl and toss until well coated with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the steak bites in a single layer.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the steak bites and sprinkle with pepper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Skillet Cornbread
A classic Southern staple, skillet cornbread is a warm, crumbly, and comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large skillet, combine buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the preheated skillet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Chicken Fajitas
Savor the flavors of sizzling chicken and bell peppers in this easy, one-pan recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 fajita-sized flour tortillas
– Optional: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado, salsa
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken, onion, bell peppers, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble fajitas by placing cooked chicken and vegetable mixture onto tortillas. Add desired toppings, if using.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this simple recipe that yields a crispy crust and gooey cheese, all cooked to perfection in a trusty cast iron skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Toppings of your choice (e.g. pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Place the dough in the cast iron skillet and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly across the sauce.
6. Add your desired toppings.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
A flavorful and elegant dinner option that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe combines the richness of pan-seared salmon with the brightness of a lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and swirl until melted.
4. Sear salmon for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add lemon juice, garlic, and mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute.
7. Serve salmon with lemon butter sauce spooned over top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Skillet Apple Crisp
A warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for a cozy evening with family or friends. This skillet apple crisp is quick to prepare and bakes up golden brown in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 large skillet (10-inch)
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. Top apple mixture with rolled oats, brown sugar, and melted butter.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
5. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cheesy Bacon and Egg Breakfast Skillet
A hearty, one-pan breakfast skillet packed with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large cast-iron skillet or omelette pan, cook the diced bacon over medium-high heat until crispy.
3. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Crack in the eggs and scramble them with a spatula until they’re just set.
5. Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the egg mixture and stir until melted and smooth.
7. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and fold it into the egg mixture.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the eggs are fully set.
9. Remove from the oven, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Skillet Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary
A flavorful twist on traditional roasted potatoes, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of Yukon golds with the piney aroma of rosemary. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for your next special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the potato wedges in a single layer, leaving some space between each wedge.
4. Sprinkle the chopped rosemary evenly over the potatoes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping them halfway through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cast Iron Ribeye with Herb Butter
Savor a classic American cut with the rich flavors of buttery herbs, perfectly cooked to medium-rare perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) ribeye steak
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the ribeye with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add butter and let melt.
4. Sear the ribeye for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the steak reaches desired doneness (medium-rare).
6. Remove from oven and top with herb butter: Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chives. Spread evenly over the steak.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Simple Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
In just a few minutes, you can have a warm and gooey skillet cookie fresh from the oven! This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or as a fun dessert to share with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour and mix until just combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Pour mixture into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and center is set.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
A flavorful one-pot wonder that combines succulent shrimp, spicy sausage, and crunchy vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, sliced
– 2 medium bell peppers, sliced
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Return the sausage to the skillet and stir in the smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Skillet Chicken Parmesan
This classic Italian-American dish gets a delicious twist with this skillet recipe. Crispy chicken, gooey mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce come together for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Dip chicken pieces in beaten egg and then coat with breadcrumb mixture (combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese).
3. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the preheated skillet and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Spread marinara sauce on top of cooked chicken, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Easy Cast Iron Peach Cobbler
A warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This easy-to-make peach cobbler is a classic Southern treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh peaches, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup cast iron skillet butter (or regular butter)
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/2 cup biscuit or cobbler topping (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced peaches, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour the peach mixture into a preheated cast iron skillet.
4. Dot the top of the peach mixture with butter.
5. Whisk together milk and beaten eggs in a separate bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the peaches.
6. Top with biscuit or cobbler topping.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Skillet Nachos with Homemade Queso
Get ready for a cheesy, indulgent twist on classic nachos! This recipe combines crispy tortilla chips, savory ground beef, and creamy homemade queso all in one skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 6-8 tortilla chips
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
6. Arrange tortilla chips on top of the queso mixture.
7. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until chips are crispy.
8. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory soy sauce in just one pan.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add the broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and ginger to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Return the beef to the pan and stir to combine with the broccoli mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Skillet Lasagna
A twist on the classic Italian dish, this Cast Iron Skillet Lasagna recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients:
– 1 large cast iron skillet (10-12 inches)
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 pound ground beef or sausage, cooked and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, combine marinara sauce, cooked ground beef or sausage, and chopped onion. Bring to a simmer.
4. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese.
5. Assemble the lasagna by placing 4 noodles in the skillet, followed by half of the meat sauce and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
6. Top with remaining cheese and cover with a lid or foil.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Skillet Blueberry Pancake
Start your day with a sweet and satisfying breakfast treat that combines the comfort of pancakes with the freshness of blueberries, all cooked to perfection in a skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pancake mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, and egg until smooth.
3. Add the melted butter and stir to combine.
4. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface.
5. Sprinkle blueberries over the pancake and flip. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Easy Honey Garlic Pork Chops
A sweet and savory twist on classic pork chops, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 lbs)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place pork chops in a shallow baking dish and brush the honey-garlic mixture evenly over both sides of the chops.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Frittata in Cast Iron
A flavorful and nutritious breakfast or brunch option, this Vegetable Frittata is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand. The cast iron skillet adds a nice crispy texture to the egg mixture.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
– 1/2 cup diced onions
– 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper.
3. Add diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and parsley to the egg mixture; stir to combine.
4. Spray the preheated skillet with cooking spray or brush with oil.
5. Pour in the egg mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges start to set.
6. Use a spatula to gently lift and fold the edges of the frittata towards the center, allowing uncooked egg to flow to the edges.
7. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the eggs are almost set.
8. Remove from heat and let cool for 1 minute.
9. Use a spatula to carefully slide the frittata onto a plate.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Skillet S’mores Dip
Elevate your campfire experience with this twist on the classic s’mores treat. This Skillet S’mores Dip combines gooey marshmallows, chocolatey goodness, and crunchy graham crackers in a single, delicious bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 (10-inch) cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1 cup marshmallows
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add marshmallows and stir until they start to puff up.
4. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
5. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs and vanilla extract on top.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the marshmallows are toasted and the dip is warm.
7. Serve with additional graham crackers, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Are you new to cooking with cast iron skillets? Look no further! This article presents 20 easy and delicious recipes perfect for beginners. From savory dishes like Garlic Butter Steak Bites and One-Pan Chicken Fajitas, to sweet treats like Easy Skillet Apple Crisp and Simple Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find comforting breakfast options like Cheesy Bacon and Egg Breakfast Skillet, as well as indulgent desserts like Cast Iron Peach Cobbler and Skillet S’mores Dip. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.