55 Easy Skillet Recipes Prepped in Just 15 Minutes (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Easy

Don't get stuck chopping and slicing for hours on end. These simple skillet recipes take just 15 minutes or less to prepare.

Easy Pepper Steak

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We live on the eastern edge of the Sand Hills here in Nebraska, where most folks are ranchers. This popular pepper steak recipe is tasty as well as colorful. —Carolyn Butterfield, Atkinson, Nebraska

Saucy Tempeh Sloppy Joes

I grew up eating sloppy joe sandwiches and can't get enough of the messy deliciousness. Even though I eat meatless once or twice a week, I still enjoy the rich and hearty flavor of meat. I use tempeh here, which is a fermented soy product that is high in protein and has a savory, nutty, earthy flavor. Its taste and texture work well in dishes that usually feature ground beef, making these tempeh sloppy joes a dinner winner. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Tofu Salad

To make the tofu extra crispy in this tofu salad recipe, we recommend draining some of the liquid and cooking it in a generous amount of oil at high heat. It takes a little extra time, but it's worth it! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage Hash

This can be served as a side or as the main dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I like to serve it topped with poached or fried eggs for breakfast. —Valerie Donn, Williamsburg, Michigan

Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian skillet chili screams comfort food to me. This recipe makes me feel warm and fuzzy, and it's loved by both my vegetarian and non-vegetarian friends. —Casey Hill, London, United Kingdom

Chicken Creole

I like food that has a little zip to it, and this Creole chicken recipe hits the spot every time. It’s especially good served over rice. —Dolly Hall, Wheelwright, Kentucky

Cashew Chicken with Bok Choy

With bok choy and red pepper, this light and lively entree is not only colorful but delicious as well. Your family will ask you to prepare it all year long! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Crawfish Etouffee

I like to serve this Cajun sensation when I entertain. Etouffee is typically served with shellfish over rice and is similar to gumbo. This dish has its roots in New Orleans and the bayou country of Louisiana. —Tamra Duncan, Lincoln, Arkansas

Loaded Huevos Rancheros with Roasted Poblano Peppers

This is a unique but tasty version of huevos rancheros. It's similar to a cowboy hash, as the potatoes take the place of the corn tortillas. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Black Pepper Chicken

I just love this black pepper chicken recipe, and the aroma is out of this world! The dish is slightly sweet and very peppery, so you may want to serve it over white or brown rice to tame the heat. —Barbie Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota

Chicken Avocado Wraps

I came up with this chicken avocado wrap while trying to figure out what to make for lunch one day. The recipe is now a favorite at my house. —Shiva Houshidari, Plano, Texas

Quickpea Curry

This colorful curry is a nice change of pace for a busy weeknight. I like to substitute fresh peas for frozen when they're in season. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois

East Coast Shrimp and Lentil Bowls

If you have frozen shrimp, a few seasoning ingredients, bagged spinach and lentils on hand, you can make this dish in no time. It's so delicious—nobody needs to know that it's healthy too! —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida

True Shrimp Creole

An authentic Cajun dish, this tastes even better if refrigerated overnight to allow all the flavors to blend.

Chipotle Chili Sloppy Joes

My husband didn't like sloppy joes until he tried my rendition with its smoky heat. If you need to dial down the fiery zip, cut down on or eliminate the peppers. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona

Tasty Lentil Tacos

When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine

Garden Bounty Panzanella Salad

My sister gave me fresh tomatoes and basil, so I made a bread salad known as Panzanella. The longer it sits, the more the bread soaks up the seasonings. —Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts

Chicken Bulgur Skillet

This recipe was passed on to me by a friend. I've altered it slightly to suit our tastes. We like it with a fresh green salad. —Leann Hilmer, Sylvan Grove, Kansas

This kicked-up pasta dish is a family favorite and my most-requested recipe. It's easy to adapt too. Substitute shrimp for the chicken, add your favorite veggies and adjust the spice level to your family's taste—you can't go wrong! —Dolly Kragel, Sloan, Iowa

Curried Beef Pita Pockets

If there are people in your family who think they won’t like the taste of curry, serve this. They’ll be curry lovers forever! —Mary Ann Kosmas, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Mediterranean Shrimp 'n' Pasta

Sun-dried tomatoes and curry take center stage in this dish that's loaded with tender shrimp and pasta. —Shirley Kunde, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Kale Quinoa Salad

Here's a holiday side dish you can feel good about serving. Kale packs a mighty punch of vitamins, while quinoa delivers a hearty serving of protein. Best of all, the flavor of this kale quinoa salad can't be beat! —Lisa Warren, Washington, DC

Rhode Island Hot Wieners

Many Rhode Islanders spell "wiener" with an ei and serve theirs all the way with meat sauce, mustard, onion and a sprinkle of celery salt. —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island

Thai Scallop Saute

Just open a bottle of Thai peanut sauce to give this seafood stir-fry some serious authenticity. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Apple Cider Chicken Quinoa Skillet

Since I’m especially busy with three active teenagers, I don’t have much time to get dinner on the table in the evening. Instead, I rely on quick options, like this one-skillet dish that boasts essential proteins, veggies and good carbohydrates. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Tasty Turkey Skillet

I like using boxed rice and pasta mixes to jump-start quick meals. This colorful dish is simple to cook on the stovetop using fried rice mix, tender turkey and convenient frozen vegetables. —Betty Kleberger, Florissant, Missouri

Tuna Steak on Fettuccine

For something new to do with tuna, I suggest this tangy dish. Although I prefer the marinade on tuna or mahi mahi, it's scrumptious on any fish, grilled, baked or broiled. —Caren Stearns, Austin, Texas

Mushroom Sour Cream Gravy

My grandma made this gravy every Thanksgiving to drizzle over sliced turkey and stuffing. When I have leftover turkey and mushroom gravy, I chop the turkey into small pieces and add it to the gravy. I serve it over a piece of bread, open-face style. —Joy Mellwig, Naples, Florida

Creole Skillet Dinner

While living in Canada, I sampled this colorful dish at a neighbor's. The following Christmas, I served it instead of my traditional turkey, and I received numerous compliments on it. I frequently substitute shrimp or sausage for the chicken ... or add all three. —Bonnie Brann, Pasco, Washington

Turkey Marsala

This Marsala sauce for turkey is really rich, like you fussed all day in the kitchen. Here’s the shocker: We make it fast. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

Chicken Fajitas for Two

This is the best fajita recipe I've ever tried. It sounds complicated, but it really isn't. The servings are hearty, but this dish is so good that my husband and I never have a problem finishing it! —Kathleen Smith, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Meat and Potato Patties

During World War II, when meat was rationed and had to be purchased with tokens, this recipe went a long way in feeding a family. To this day, I still reach for it whenever I want something different from regular hamburgers. By the way, children really like these (just as I did when I was a child!).— Gladys Klein, Burlington Wisconsin

Spanish Rice with Ground Beef

I don't know the origin of this recipe, but it's been in my family for a long time. I can remember eating it often as a little girl.—Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri

Fig-Glazed Chicken with White Beans

Sauteed shallots, fig jam, rosemary, lemon and sherry vinegar make a delightful sauce for both the chicken and the beans. My husband couldn’t believe how well the white beans absorbed the flavor, making this a grand slam. Matchstick carrots can be added to the bean mixture for extra color, flavor and crunch. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Skillet Bow Tie Lasagna

This quick recipe tastes just like lasagna, but you make it on the stove. It's very tasty and is always a hit with my family. —Arleta Schurle, Clay Center, Kansas

Herbed Rice Pilaf

This savory side dish has been a family favorite for years. Our daughter Jennifer became an expert at this recipe at age 12, which was a huge help for a busy working mom like me. We really enjoy this rice dish in the summer with a grilled entree. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, North Dakota

Steaks with Mushroom Sauce

These rich steaks are smothered in a rich mushroom-wine sauce to create a wonderfully savory entree. The tender steaks are sure to be a hit, and would certainly dress up any plate. —Stephanie Allee, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Spicy Shrimp with Rice

No one will doubt that "light" cooking can be tasty when you put a helping of this zippy shrimp in front of them. The seafood is seasoned just right with garlic, pepper and hot sauce. — Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu

A dear friend from my high school days shared this recipe with me. You might think it sounds complicated to make, but it's quite easy once you've tried it. —Nancy Zimmerer, Medina, Ohio

Sirloin Strips over Rice

I found this recipe in a movie magazine some 20 years ago. It was the favorite of some male star, but I don’t remember which one. Its great flavor and the fact that leftovers just get better have made it a family favorite! —Karen Dunn, Kansas City, Missouri

Chili Skillet

Like most farmers, my husband loves a good hearty chili. With all the vegetables, cheese and meat in it, this dish makes a super supper—and it comes together in one skillet on top of the stove. I serve it frequently in fall and winter. —Katherine Brown, Fredericktown, Ohio

Quick Chicken Parmesan

My mother inspired me to develop my first pasta sauce. It's tangy, simple and really satisfying. The longer it simmers, the better it gets, so keep that in mind if you have time to spare. —Danielle Grochowski, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

My Mother's Lemony Chicken with Broccoli

My mom used to make super succulent chicken with broccoli for our family in Montana. The few lucky guests invited for supper could not stop raving. —Jessy Drummond, Springfield, Tennessee

One-Pan Rotini with Tomato Cream Sauce

I like to make one-pan recipes and this one was proclaimed a winner by my family. Bonus: It's also easy to clean up. Serve with crusty bread to dip into the sauce. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Here’s a perfect one-skillet supper that’s colorful, healthy, filling and definitely special! Our taste testers loved the blend of spices, the touch of heat and the sophisticated flavor. —Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan

Au Gratin Sausage Skillet

Using frozen vegetables and a package of au gratin potatoes, I can get this satisfying stovetop supper on the table in no time. Even our oldest daughter, who can be a picky eater, loves it - and it is an excellent way of getting her to eat her vegetables. —Penny Greene, Lancaster, Ohio

Asparagus Tofu Stir-Fry

With its flavorful ginger sauce and fresh vegetables, this tasty dish is a favorite. I get rave reviews every time I serve it, and it doesn’t bother my husband’s food allergies. Check out our guide if you’re new to tofu. —Phyllis Smith, Chimacum, Washington

Stroganoff Sandwiches

This recipe is perfect for a game day, either at a tailgate party or at home. I often make the meat mixture ahead of time and add the sour cream just before serving. — Susan Graham, Cherokee, IA

Southern Hoppin' John

This is a quick and easy side dish that will become a favorite of your family.—Anne Creech, Kinston, North Carolina

Peanut Butter Pork Curry

For an anniversary with my boyfriend, I cooked pork Asian style with peanut, coconut and curry flavors. Bonus: The butcher cubed the pork for me to save time. —Angela Robinson, Findlay, Ohio

Mexican Rice with Chicken

This skillet supper comes together with leftover cooked chicken and a packaged mix. After I prepared this rice, I served the extras on tortillas with cheese and sour cream the next day. Both meals were a hit. —Debra Rzodkiewicz, Erie, Pennsylvania

Cabbage Roll Skillet

Have a happy helping of this quicker take on something our grandmothers would make. We serve it over brown rice. It also freezes well. —Susan Chickness, Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Spicy Sausage Rigatoni

My inspiration for this recipe came from a Cajun pasta dish I make with blackened chicken, but here I substitute Italian sausage. I love this dish. It makes a hearty meal that warms you up all over. —Toni Dishman, Mooresville, North Carolina

Creamy Mushroom Bruschetta

Mushrooms—button, portobello and shiitake—plus a lovely blend of herbs make a hearty, flavorful topping for bruschetta. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

Caroline has been with Taste of Home for the past seven years, working in both print and digital. After starting as an intern for the magazine and special interest publication teams, Caroline was hired as the third-ever digital editor for Taste of Home. Since then, she has researched, written and edited content on just about every topic the site covers, including cooking techniques, buzzy food news, gift guides and many, many recipe collections. Caroline also acts as the editorial lead for video, working with the Test Kitchen, videographers and social media team to produce videos from start to finish.When she’s not tip-tapping on a keyboard, Caroline is probably mixing up a killer co*cktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooking up a multi-course feast (sometimes all at once). Though she technically lives in Milwaukee, there is a 50/50 chance Caroline is in Chicago or southwest Michigan visiting her close-knit family.