Getting dinner on the table quickly doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or resorting to takeout. With these one-skillet meals, you can serve up a hearty and delicious dinner in about the same time it takes to watch your favorite TV show’s episode. From savory stir-fries to simple sautés, each recipe is designed for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
Baked Skillet Gnocchi
Imagine tossing together gnocchi, ground pork, tomatoes, spinach, and ooey-gooey mozzarella – all in one skillet. That’s what you get with baked skillet gnocchi. It’s the kind of meal that turns a hectic weeknight into a cozy, comforting evening, and it’s all ready in just 30 minutes. Who knew quick cooking could be this heartwarming?
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Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Who says quick dinners can’t be scrumptious? This turkey skillet mac and cheese throws in some grownup flair with spinach, peppers, and real cheddar. It’s the perfect pick-me-up after a long day, and the best part? It’s a one-pot wonder that you can whip up in 30 minutes. Say hello to your new weeknight lifesaver that’s both filling and a breeze to make.
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Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
Need a dinner that’s as easy as it is flavorful? This buffalo turkey cauliflower skillet is your answer. With just four ingredients, it’s a cinch to make and doubles as a fantastic meal-prep option for the week. It’s the kind of dish that keeps things simple yet delicious, perfect for those nights when you’re racing against the clock but still want a meal that packs a punch.
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Spicy Skillet Lamb Ragu
Dive into a skillet of spicy lamb ragu, where cavatappi pasta meets crushed tomatoes and a kick of harissa. It’s the perfect way to add some spice to your weeknights, especially when you’ve got just 30 minutes to spare. This one-skillet wonder brings a bit of zest to your dinner table, effortlessly combining flavor with convenience.
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Thai Basil Cashew Chicken Skillet
For those nights when you’re craving something fresh and flavorful, this Thai basil cashew chicken skillet hits the spot. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with basil and a savory-sweet sauce, ideal for draping over a bed of rice. Whip this up in 30 minutes, and transform a busy evening into a mini Thai culinary adventure right in your kitchen.
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Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Transform your leftover turkey or chicken into a turkey sweet potato skillet masterpiece. Mixed with sweet potatoes, black beans, peppers, greens, and onions, it’s a nutritious grain-free meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those days when you want to keep things simple yet hearty, this skillet dish is a surefire way to please the family on a busy weeknight.
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Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Get ready for a skillet filled with garlic chicken bites, mushrooms, onions, red peppers, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This 20-minute, one-pan dinner is a lifesaver on those frantic evenings. It’s all about big flavors with minimal fuss, making it a go-to for anyone looking for a quick yet scrumptious weeknight solution.
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Greek Shrimp Skillet
Bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with this Greek shrimp skillet. Tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, feta, oregano, and lemon come together in this easy 30-minute meal. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making your weeknight dinner feel like a mini getaway to Greece. Plus, it’s all cooked in one skillet, so cleanup’s a breeze!
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Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Spice up your week with this southwestern-inspired ground beef and sweet potato skillet. It’s a one-pan meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Perfect for meal-prepping or a quick dinner, it’s the kind of dish that keeps everyone at the table happy and full, especially on those busy nights when you’ve only got 30 minutes to spare.
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Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
When you’ve got ground beef, pasta, and less than 30 minutes, this ground beef pasta skillet is your go-to. It’s a fuss-free, one-pan meal that tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day. Perfect for those evenings when you want a comforting meal without the long wait, this skillet dish is a weeknight winner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
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Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Turn up the heat on your weeknight dinners with this Mexican ground beef skillet. Taco seasoning brings the flavor, while the one-pan convenience makes it a 30-minute miracle. It’s the perfect answer for those evenings when you’re short on time but craving something hearty and flavorful. This dish proves that quick cooking can be absolutely mouthwatering.
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Spicy Mango Chicken Skillet
Bring a bit of tropical flair to your dinner table with this spicy mango chicken skillet. Jalapeños add a nice kick, balanced by the sweetness of mango. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s the ideal choice for a vibrant, easy meal that’s sure to impress. Serve it over rice, and watch your regular weeknight transform into something a bit more exotic.
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Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Enjoy a twist on Asian stir fry with this ground beef and cabbage skillet. Aromatic spices, a light savory sauce, and loads of texture make this 30-minute meal a weeknight wonder. It’s the perfect mix of easy and tasty, making your dinner routine a breeze while keeping things interesting and flavorful. Just grab a skillet, and you’re good to go for a speedy, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Skillet Cheddar Polenta with Sausage
Cozy up with a skillet of cheddar polenta and sausage. It’s comfort food at its finest, combining creamy, cheesy polenta with golden brown Italian sausage. Topped with fresh cranberries and arugula, this dish is a feast for the senses. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a wonderful way to warm up a busy weeknight with something hearty and heartwarming.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Cheddar Polenta with Sausage
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
When time’s not on your side, this shaved beef and broccoli stir fry comes to the rescue. Thinly sliced beef cooks up quickly, making it the star of this speedy stir-fry. Paired with a crave-worthy sauce, it’s a meal that rivals any takeout – and it’s ready in minutes. Perfect for those evenings when you need something quick, healthy, and utterly delicious.
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Ground Beef Stir Fry
This ground beef stir fry is the ultimate weeknight hero. Made in one pan with fresh vegetables and a homemade garlic ginger sauce, it’s healthier and tastier than takeout. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a delicious way to feed your family, this stir fry is a no-brainer for those busy evenings when time is tight but flavor can’t be compromised.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Whip up a quick and easy stir fry with ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms. This dish is a delicious blend of Asian-inspired flavors, perfect for a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner. With its straightforward preparation and rich taste, it’s the kind of meal that makes your 30-minute dinner routine feel like a breeze, while still packing a punch in the flavor department.
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Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
In just 20 minutes, this pork ramen stir fry brings a sweet and spicy twist to your dinner table. Loaded with vegetables and flavors that meld beautifully, it’s an easy, healthy alternative to takeout. Perfect for those nights when you want something a little different but don’t have a lot of time, this stir fry is quick, healthy, and absolutely lip-smacking.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
Gochujang Chicken
Spice up your weeknights with gochujang chicken, a 30-minute dinner that’s bursting with a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce. Perfect over white rice, this dish brings the excitement of takeout right into your kitchen, without the wait. It’s the ideal choice for a quick, flavorful meal that’ll have everyone at the table asking for more.
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Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Here’s a skillet dish that’s as nourishing as it is quick: creamy turmeric chicken with chickpeas. Serve it over rice, and you’ve got a comforting dinner ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect blend of hearty and wholesome, making those busy weeknights a little easier and a lot more delicious. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, it’s a weeknight winner.
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Dandelion Greens and Beans
For a simple, vegetarian meal, try sautéed dandelion greens with cannellini and kidney beans. It’s a dish that’s as easy to make as it is wholesome, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those evenings when you want something light yet satisfying, this skillet meal is a delightful way to enjoy a quick, nutritious dinner.
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Cream Cheese Chicken
Say goodbye to dull weeknight meals with cream cheese chicken, seasoned with five flavor-packed spices. It’s a creamy, indulgent treat full of savory goodness, and it’s all ready in 30 minutes. This dish is a surefire way to bring some excitement to your dinner routine, combining ease with a burst of flavors that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
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General Tso Shrimp
Bring the flavor of takeout to your kitchen with General Tso shrimp. In just 10 minutes, you can enjoy this one-skillet, sweet and slightly spicy dish. It’s a perfect solution for those nights when you’re craving something special but don’t have a lot of time. Quick, easy, and bursting with that sticky sauce you love, it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
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Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
Mix up your weeknight routine with honey orange sesame chicken. This dish is an easy, healthy twist on a takeout favorite, ready in minutes. Sticky, sweet, and utterly delightful, it’s the perfect way to add a little zest to your dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served over rice or enjoyed on its own, it’s a quick and delicious way to liven up your evening.
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Sweet & Sour Tofu
Whip up this sweet and sour tofu in under 30 minutes for a fun twist on a classic. It’s all about crispy tofu coated in a sticky sauce that’s just the right mix of sweet and tangy. Perfect for those evenings when you’re craving something a bit different but still want it quick and fuss-free. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu for this one!
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Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp
Dive into the flavors of this sweet and spicy mango shrimp, all ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a vibrant mix of spicy kick and sweet mango, creating a dinner that’s as exciting as it is easy. Ideal for a speedy weeknight meal, it’s sure to add a little zing to your evening routine while keeping things simple in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp
Chinese Chicken Zoodles
Get your 15-minute fix of flavors with Chinese chicken zoodles. Packed with the taste of your favorite takeout dish but way healthier, it’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for those jam-packed evenings. Whether you’re looking for a fast dinner solution or a delicious way to keep things light and tasty, these zoodles have got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Zoodles
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
