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An old-fashioned cast iron skillet is the perfect vessel to achieve a perfect sear, a crispy fried exterior, and a one-pan weeknight supper. Here are 10 of our favorite cast iron skillet dinners — just like Grandma made them!
It’s tough to beat a family-heirloom cast iron skillet that’s perfectly seasoned and has been passed down for generations. If you’re in the market for something new, however, be sure to check out our recommendations for the 7 best cast iron skillets on the market. You’ll find options for every budget and every type of dish. Then go ahead and use that versatile cooking equipment in one of these popular cast iron skillet dinner recipes:
Blackened Chicken
Zesty (but not too spicy!), crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, this blackened chicken is a delicious and easy dinner that’s ready in about 20 minutes! With a couple of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and some pantry seasonings, the simple meal is a quick last-minute option for busy nights.
Crispy Southern Fried Catfish
Simple is best, and this Southern Fried Catfish is no exception. The easy dinner recipe only requires a handful of pantry staples, and it’s ready in less than 20 minutes. Pair the crispy pan fried fish with classic sides like cornbread, collard greens, coleslaw, or biscuits for an old-fashioned supper that everyone at the table will love!
Cast Iron Skillet Burgers
These juicy, flavorful cast iron skillet burgers are ready from start to finish in about 20 minutes! Serve the restaurant-quality meal with potato salad, baked potato wedges, pasta salad, or baked beans for an easy dinner that the whole family will love!
Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
A farmhouse favorite! This old-fashioned, homemade chicken pot pie recipe is made from scratch with a flaky, buttery, double crust and a creamy chicken and vegetable filling. It’s the ultimate cozy, cold-weather comfort food dinner! Pair each slice with some fried apples, Southern collard greens, or a basket of pumpkin muffins.
Blackened Salmon
Spice up your next healthy seafood dinner with this easy 5-ingredient blackened salmon recipe, which comes together with just 5 minutes of prep! It’s a classic Southern favorite that’s crispy on the outside, moist and buttery on the inside, and loaded with zesty Cajun flavor.
Tamale Pie
This easy tamale pie recipe is a delicious dinner that’s ready for the oven in about 15 minutes. The zesty ground beef filling is topped with a cheesy Jiffy cornbread crust for a classic casserole that’s old-school, American comfort food!
Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe
This old fashioned Sloppy Joes recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes for a quick and easy dinner — even on your busiest nights. A handful of simple pantry staples like ketchup, mustard, and cider vinegar create a homemade sweet and tangy sauce that’s so much better than the canned stuff!
Pan Fried Pork Chops
Simple is best! These 5-ingredient pan fried pork chops come together with about 5 minutes of prep for an easy weeknight dinner that your family will love. Tender and juicy, the crisp, golden brown chops are delicious alongside buttermilk biscuits, grits, rice, Southern-style green beans, or a skillet of cornbread.
Baked Ziti with Sausage
Baked ziti with sausage, three types of cheese, and homemade marinara sauce is a classic pasta bake that’s pure comfort food! Pair the hearty, satisfying casserole with a Caesar salad and garlic bread for the ultimate family meal. It’s also an easy make-ahead dinner for busy days!
How to Make Crab Cakes
Showing you how to make Crab Cakes that are full of jumbo lump crab meat and minimal breading. Serve them with tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, and offer coleslaw, French fries, hush puppies, or flaky buttermilk biscuits on the side. Mom’s simple Maryland crab cake recipe yields the most decadent, buttery, and delicious pan-fried patties — with just minutes of effort!
How to Cook Filet Mignon in a Cast Iron Skillet
Skip the pricey steakhouse, and instead learn how to cook filet mignon in a cast iron skillet! With a few tips and tricks, each piece of steak will have a perfect sear on the outside and a beautiful, tender, pink center. Add a dollop of garlic herb butter for a decadent and flavorful finishing touch!
Bourbon Glazed Salmon
Crisp on the outside and tender and buttery on the inside, this bourbon glazed salmon is an easy dinner that’s ready in less than 30 minutes!
Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe
This quick Southern shrimp and grits recipe is an easy dinner for busy weeknights or a special brunch for a slow Sunday morning! Best of all, the flavorful down-home comfort food is ready in about 30 minutes. Serve the Cajun shrimp and cheese grits with a simple salad, collard greens, cornbread, or biscuits for a delicious meal.
Country Chicken and Biscuits
Country Chicken and Biscuits is a classic down-home comfort food dinner! The creamy chicken and vegetables are topped with fluffy, cheesy drop biscuits for a hearty and delicious family-friendly meal. Bake it in a casserole dish or in a cast iron skillet and supper is served!
One-Pan Cheesy Southern Bean Casserole
A simple, hearty, and flavorful vegetarian dinner comes together with one pan in about 30 minutes thanks to this Southern bean casserole recipe! The easy dish includes sweet and savory beans, greens, veggies, and plenty of melty cheese for a cozy, family-friendly meal.
And, because we can never choose just 10, we have to mention this classic Southern fried chicken recipe, these easy fried chicken tenders, a pan of fried chicken cutlets and country gravy, glazed ham steaks, and the popular one-skillet peach chicken, too!