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A cast iron skillet is one of the toughest, most durable cookware. You can use it on the stove, in the oven, or on a grill. It’s strong, not too hard to season, and easy to take care of.
And if yours is a hand-me-down from your grandma, it probably feels extra special. You can cook almost anything in it, from simple weekday dinners to fancy steak nights and hearty casseroles.
These 22 recipes will show you just how special your cast iron skillet is.
Easy Lentil Bolognese Pasta Recipe
Made with pasta, lentils, onion, carrot, and celery, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce in a cast iron pot, this vegetarian Bolognese packs a flavorful punch. It captures the warmth and depth of traditional Bolognese without using meat, providing a delicious and hearty alternative to a beloved classic.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lentil Bolognese Pasta Recipe
Beefy Taco Skillet
The best thing about this cheesy, meaty taco skillet is that it works for any occasion, from an appetizer to share before dinner to a snack to dive into during the big game. You can also load it up with all your favorite taco toppings and make a meal if you like.
Get the Recipe: Beefy Taco Skillet
Cast Iron Hobo Casserole
Don’t let the name discourage you. This casserole is so good when cooked in cast iron! It has ground beef, potatoes, and plenty of cheese to make a filling meal for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Hobo Casserole
Tomato Basil Meatballs
This is such an easy yet tasty dinner idea. Grab some meatballs and cook them with basil and tomato sauce for a comfort food dinner straight from your cast iron skillet. Serve with pasta or bread.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Meatballs
Veggie Fajitas
This cast iron dinner idea is so delicious that you might want to lick your fingers as you devour these veggie fajitas! Use peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini to make a meatless meal with the best flavor!
Get the Recipe: Veggie Fajitas
Marry Me Chicken
This is one of the best chicken recipes! The creamy sauce is perfect paired with tender chicken. Just one bite has been known to inspire marriage proposals, making it perfect for romantic dinners. The recipe is so good and easy that you can make it on a weeknight to share with the family too.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken
Bourbon Smoked Turkey Legs
This smoked turkey leg recipe is absolutely delicious! With a smoky bourbon sauce and the perfect sear everytime, you are going to want to make these asap and grab a runner for yourself as soon as they are done!
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Smoked Turkey Legs
Cast Iron Sirloin Steak
No need to fire up the grill to get the perfect steak! This recipe uses a cast iron skillet to make a melt-in-your-mouth sirloin steak inside. You are going to love this recipe for good food at home.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Sirloin Steak
Cheesy Baja Chicken and Bell Pepper Skillet
This cheesy chicken skillet is succulent, loaded with southwestern flavors, and, best of all, easy! Make this for dinner on a weeknight with southwestern-style rice for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Baja Chicken and Bell Pepper Skillet
Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers
Make this cast iron skillet dinner to get stuffed pepper flavors on the table without the fuss of stuffing! Your family will love this easy and filling dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers
Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops and Mushrooms
Mushrooms and pork chops make for a great comfort food combination. Serve this cast iron skillet recipe with mashed potatoes and green beans for a great family-style meal.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops and Mushrooms
Cranberry Leek Chicken
Make chicken breasts anything but boring with this seasonal recipe. It uses cranberries and leeks to add both color and flavor. This will surely be a favorite fall meal to share with your loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Leek Chicken
Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Skillet
This skillet dinner is so savory and delicious! With meaty brats and tangy kraut, you will want to serve this with mashed potatoes or a hoagie bun for a filling family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Skillet
Blackened Salmon
Make this blackened salmon in your cast iron skillet for a light yet flavorful dinner. You will love this dish’s lime juice kick in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Salmon
Banza Chickpea Lasagna Skillet
Lasagna gets a unique twist with this recipe! It is loaded with sausage and chickpea pasta to make a protein-packed meal that everyone will love. Serve with a salad or bread.
Get the Recipe: Banza Chickpea Lasagna Skillet
Tri Tip Roast
Make a tri-tip roast by baking it in the oven, in cast iron. This recipe is easy to follow and makes the perfect family Sunday dinner option when served with potatoes, peas, and carrots.
Get the Recipe: Tri Tip Roast
Sun Dried Tomato and Cottage Cheese Frittata
This frittata is packed with protein and flavorful sun dried tomatoes. You will love the flavor this easy cast iron recipe brings to the table for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato and Cottage Cheese Frittata
Blackened Corn Skillet
Cast iron cooked corn is such a delicious side option for so many meals. Your family will love the depth of flavor added to a simple recipe by blackening the corn and adding the perfect blend of seasonings.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Corn Skillet
Cast Iron Pizza
Homemade pizza is always a welcome treat. This recipe uses a cast iron skillet to make the perfect crust for a cheesy dinner at home. Your family will love this deep dish style pie.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Pizza
Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops
Make some pork chops in cast iron and infuse them with garlic and rosemary for a fancy flavor that is so easy to cook. Save this recipe for those days you require comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops
Chicken and Dirty Rice Skillet
Chicken and rice cook just right in cast iron. This simple, budget-friendly dish is sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dirty Rice Skillet
Cast Iron Taco Gnocchi
What do you get if you add taco flavors to gnocchi? A delicious dinner that the whole family will enjoy! Make this on a weeknight to spice up your meal with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Taco Gnocchi
20 Rice Recipes You’ll Love Making Again and Again
Whether you’re making dinner for yourself or hosting a gathering, these 20 rice recipes are guaranteed to become your favorites for any occasion.
20 Rice Recipes You’ll Love Making Again and Again
Tasty Easter Brunch Recipes
Celebrate the Easter holiday with full bellies and happy hearts with family and friends! Check out these 26 sweet and savory brunch recipes to make this easter holiday.
26 Tasty Easter Brunch Recipes
24 Spring Salad Recipes That Are Anything But Boring
Whether prepping for Easter, grabbing a quick lunch, or adding a side to your meal, these 24 recipes have something for everyone. They’re a great way to enjoy what’s in season at your local market or in the garden.
24 Spring Salad Recipes That Are Anything But Boring
23 Irresistible Dutch Oven Soup Recipes
These soup recipes are simple, satisfying, and perfect for regular rotation on your dinner menu. Enjoy fuss-free comfort food with these 23 favorite Dutch oven soup recipes.
