Are you tired of cooking a different meal every night? Do you want to simplify your meal prep routine while still serving up delicious and healthy dishes? Look no further! Cast iron skillets are the perfect solution for busy home cooks. Not only do they distribute heat evenly, but they can also be used for a wide range of recipes – from breakfast to dinner, and even dessert!
In this article, we’ll share 20 mouth-watering and nutritious cast iron skillet recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. From classic comfort food to international-inspired dishes, our recipe list has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, we’ve got you covered.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking with these 20 delicious healthy cast iron skillet recipes!
Garlic Herb Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
This recipe is a flavorful and nutritious combination of juicy chicken breasts smothered in garlic butter, served alongside a colorful medley of roasted vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each breast.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a separate baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
6. Serve chicken breasts with roasted vegetables.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Quinoa and Black Bean Skillet with Avocado
A flavorful and nutritious one-pot meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in black beans and cooked quinoa. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
5. Serve hot with sliced avocado on top. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Asparagus
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet flavorful one-pan recipe that combines succulent salmon, tender asparagus, and a bright citrus sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the asparagus and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Place the salmon fillets on top of the asparagus, skin side down (if applicable).
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Potato and Kale Hash with Eggs
A delicious breakfast or brunch option that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the earthy flavor of kale, all wrapped up with a fried egg on top. This recipe is perfect for a cozy morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes with 1/2 teaspoon salt and spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add kale to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Make wells in the sweet potato mixture for the eggs. Crack an egg into each well.
6. Place the skillet under the broiler and cook until eggs are set, about 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Skillet
This hearty skillet dish combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the convenience of a one-pan meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the cumin and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the chickpeas and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the fresh spinach leaves and stir until wilted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Top with crumbled feta cheese (if using).
9. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Shrimp and Zucchini Stir-Fry
Elevate your meal with this flavorful and spicy shrimp and zucchini stir-fry, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp; cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp from the pan; set aside.
5. Add remaining oil to the pan; stir in zucchini slices. Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Stir in soy sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
7. Return cooked shrimp to the pan; toss to combine with zucchini mixture.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers
Brighten up your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious recipe! Turkey and vegetable stuffed peppers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the best of both worlds.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook turkey, onion, and garlic until browned, breaking up with spoon as needed.
4. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff each pepper with the turkey mixture, filling to the top.
6. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and sprinkle with cheese (if using). Return to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Elevate your vegetable game with this simple yet impressive side dish that combines the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts with the rich flavors of balsamic glaze and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. Meanwhile, cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add balsamic vinegar to the skillet and stir to combine with garlic. Bring to a simmer and let reduce by half.
6. Toss roasted Brussels sprouts with reduced glaze and crispy bacon. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cauliflower Rice and Chicken Stir-Fry
Transform boring rice into a nutritious and flavorful cauliflower rice to pair with tender chicken and colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet, then sauté the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, then sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes, or until tender.
6. Add the cauliflower “rice” to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly browned.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for an additional minute.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Vegan Lentil and Sweet Potato Skillet
A hearty, plant-based twist on traditional comfort food, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the earthy flavor of lentils. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 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 onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced sweet potatoes and lentils. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes
Pesto Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes: A flavorful and colorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with pesto until coated.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chicken on one half of the sheet and cherry tomatoes on the other.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and cherry tomatoes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cherry tomatoes are tender.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Ginger Sauce
This classic Chinese-inspired dish combines the savory flavors of beef and broccoli with a tangy ginger sauce, all stir-fried to perfection. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the beef strips in a pan with 1 tablespoon of oil until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add the broccoli to the pan and stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Return the beef to the pan with the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry until the sauce is well combined and the flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ratatouille with Fresh Herbs
Transform ordinary vegetables into a rich and flavorful French stew with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, diced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), diced
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Add the diced eggplant, bell peppers, and onion. Cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Greek-Style Stuffed Eggplant
Greek-Style Stuffed Eggplant Recipe
Eggplant takes center stage in this flavorful Greek-inspired dish, packed with savory feta cheese, tangy olives, and a hint of Mediterranean spice. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium eggplants
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: paprika or red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides.
3. In a bowl, mix together feta cheese, olives, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each eggplant half with the filling, dividing it evenly between the two.
5. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and add a pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes if desired.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Start your day with a hearty bowl of steel-cut oatmeal infused with the sweetness of apples and warmth of cinnamon. This recipe is perfect for a chilly morning or a quick breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup steel-cut oats
– 2 cups water or milk (or a combination of both)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a boil.
2. Add the steel-cut oats, cinnamon, and salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the butter and stir until melted.
4. Fold in the diced apples.
5. Serve hot, topped with honey or maple syrup if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Moroccan Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Skillet
Experience the bold flavors of Morocco with this vibrant skillet dish, packed with tender chickpeas, sweet carrots, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the sliced carrots, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the chickpeas and garlic (if using). Cook for a final 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro (if desired).
6. Serve hot, savoring the aromatic flavors of Morocco.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms with Spinach
Elevate your meal with this flavorful and nutritious side dish that combines the richness of garlic butter with the earthiness of mushrooms and spinach. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an accompaniment to your favorite main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start browning (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Stir in spinach leaves and cook until wilted (about 1 minute). Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and vibrant dish, featuring blackened tilapia paired with a sweet and tangy mango salsa. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Season tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, and the spice mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add tilapia and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until blackened.
5. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and lime juice in a bowl.
7. Serve blackened tilapia with mango salsa spooned on top. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Frittata with Goat Cheese
Elevate your brunch game with this flavorful and nutritious Vegetable Frittata, featuring the tanginess of goat cheese.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms)
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt.
3. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the egg mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, until edges start to set.
5. Sprinkle goat cheese evenly over the eggs.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Basil Tofu with Bell Peppers
This flavorful and colorful stir-fry combines crispy tofu, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic Thai basil for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect as a main course or as a side dish, this recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining oil, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until bell peppers are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add cooked tofu back into the pan, along with Thai basil, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cook up a storm with these 20 delicious and healthy cast iron skillet recipes, perfect for every meal! From savory breakfast options like Sweet Potato and Kale Hash with Eggs to satisfying dinners like Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Skillet, there’s something for everyone. Try cooking Garlic Herb Chicken with Roasted Vegetables or Spicy Shrimp and Zucchini Stir-Fry for a flavorful twist on classic dishes. With a range of options catering to different dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free choices, you’ll never tire of these one-pan wonders.
