5 yummy meals that will prove you kinda only need a skillet to survive
When is the last time you took stock of your kitchen supplies? If it doesn’t look like a chef cooks there, don’t worry: A scarcely equipped kitchen leaves room for creativity, like preparing full meals with just one skillet. That means no grappling with pots or pans. It also means meal prep and cleanup are way easier. Sounds like a culinary win-win, right?
Whether you’re a cooking expert or a novice who gets by on quick meals and takeout, a skillet is an essential cooking item that absolutely belongs in your kitchen.
It can be a lifesaver when you’re learning to cook but haven’t quite made it to the point where you can prepare elaborate meals without breaking a sweat.
When you’re starving for some home-cooked yumminess but your limited kitchen supplies have you reaching for a takeout menu, these one-dish meals will prove that you kinda only need a skillet to survive.
1. This easy skillet lasagna.
This mouthwatering easy skillet lasagna recipe we spotted at A Simple Pantry has all the makings of a magical meal. It only takes 30 minutes to prepare, it’s all-natural, and has no added sugar. And it’s friggin’ lasagna. Like, what’s not to love?
You start by browning ground beef and sausage (the recipe uses mild Italian) in the skillet. After draining off excess fat, stir in beef broth and pasta sauce. Add a layer of noodles to the sauce. Meanwhile, combine ricotta, mozzarella, salt, pepper and garlic in a separate container. Then add the cheese mixture to the skillet, cover with another layer of noodles, more cheese and more noodles. After boiling, allow the lasagna to simmer, then add more mozzarella and a basil and Parmesan garnish. Wow, our mouths are fully watering right now.
2. No-bake skillet pizza.
If you manage to pull off Apron and Sneakers‘ gorgeous no-bake combination pizza skillet recipe, you’ll have bragging rights from here ’til infinity. Guys, it looks so good. And judging by the ingredients, we’re confident that it tastes ah-mazing.
This picturesque pie is fitting for those who want a home-cooked meal without the usual fuss that goes into meal preparation. The advantage of this quick-and-easy recipe is that it features pre-made ingredients like the pizza dough and marinara sauce that allow it to be cooked on top of the stove in under 30 minutes.
3. Skillet enchiladas.
We absolutely love this skillet enchilada recipe from Big Girls Small Kitchen. Instead of the tedious task of rolling individual tortillas, you simply layer them in the skillet and top them with a delicious seasoned chicken and black bean filling, homemade tomato sauce, cheese and avocado, and devour accordingly.
4. Chocolate chip marshmallow skillet
Since we wouldn’t dare forget about your sweet tooth, here’s a marshmallow chocolate chip skillet cookie recipe from AverieCooks that you can perfect just in time for National Dessert Day (which should be every day, tbh).
What we love about this recipe is you don’t even need a mixer. You start by coating a 9-inch skillet with cooking spray and preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Then combine melted butter, flour, baking soda, salt, and an egg whisked with sugar and vanilla in a bowl. Add chocolate chips and optional nuts. Afterwards, add the dough to the skillet and use a spatula to lightly smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 29 minutes, and treat your taste buds to the sweet party of a lifetime.
5. Lemon garlic pasta skillet
ICYDK, science has its idea of how we should cook pasta (hint: it involves boiling), but who says we can’t take an unconventional route and still come out with something just as tasty? Cook Nourish Bliss‘ lemon garlic pasta skillet just does that, and our stomachs are literally growling at the sight of this scrumptious dish.
You start by heating olive oil in a large non-stick skillet. After cooking onion and garlic, add green beans, penne, low-sodium vegetable broth, salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is al dente and some of the liquid absorbs. Next, add almond milk, lemon zest and arugula for a fresh, creamy flavor. Cook uncovered and stir until the arugula wilts. Afterward, add salt and pepper as needed, and garnish with almonds or pistachios (your choice) and basil.
Happy skillet cooking and bon appétit!
