One night, as I lounged on the couch, captivated by a food competition show, I witnessed the contestants whipping up mouthwatering dishes in cast iron skillets. The sizzling sounds, the smoky aromas, and the perfectly seared proteins had me hooked. I realized that cast iron cookware, often overlooked in modern kitchens, held the secret to creating restaurant-quality meals at home.
Intrigued, I dove into the world of cast iron dinner recipes, discovering their versatility and ability to elevate even the simplest ingredients. From crispy skillet pizzas to succulent steaks and flavorful one-pot meals, the possibilities seemed endless. With its excellent heat retention and naturally non-stick surface, cast iron cookware promised to be my new culinary companion, bringing out the best in every dish.
Excited to embark on this cast iron cooking journey, I curated a collection of 25 easy and delicious dinner recipes, perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings.
1. Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
Bold and zesty with a perfect crispy crust.
Ingredients: All-purpose flour, yeast, water, salt, olive oil, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, desired toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.
- Make the pizza dough by combining flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth and elastic. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Roll or stretch the dough into a circle to fit your cast iron skillet.
- Preheat your cast iron skillet in the oven at 500°F (260°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove the hot skillet, brush with olive oil, and place the dough inside.
- Top with tomato sauce, cheese, and desired toppings.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cook time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including dough rising)
2. Cast Iron Steak with Herb Butter
Juicy and tender steak with a rich, herby butter flavor.
Ingredients: Ribeye or strip steaks, salt, pepper, butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, asparagus
- Take the steaks out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your cast iron skillet over high heat.
- Pat the steaks dry and generously season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Add a tablespoon of oil or butter to the hot skillet and sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, asparagus, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute.
- Slice the steaks and serve with the herb butter drizzled on top. Cook time: 20-25 minutes
3. Cast Iron Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Flaky salmon with a bright, garlicky lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients: Salmon fillets, salt, pepper, olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add lemon juice and parsley, and swirl the sauce to combine.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the seared salmon fillets and serve.
- Cook time: 15-20 minutes
4. Cast Iron Chicken Fajitas
Perfectly seasoned chicken with sizzling bell peppers and onions, bursting with flavor.
Ingredients: Chicken breasts, bell peppers (red, green, yellow), onion, lime juice, fajita seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper), olive oil, flour tortillas, desired toppings (guacamole, salsa, sour cream, etc.)
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips and marinate with lime juice and fajita seasoning for 30 minutes.
- Slice the bell peppers and onion into strips.
- Heat your cast iron skillet over high heat and add olive oil.
- Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Warm the flour tortillas and serve the fajita mixture with desired toppings.
- Cook time: 40 minutes
5. Cast Iron Frittata with Vegetables
A fluffy and satisfying frittata packed with fresh veggies.
Ingredients: Eggs, milk, salt, pepper, olive oil, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, spinach, cheddar cheese, fresh herbs like parsley or chives
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Sauté the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and spinach until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the egg mixture over the veggies and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the frittata is set in the middle.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
- Cook time: 25 minutes
6. Cast Iron Pork Chops with Apples and Onion
Juicy and tender pork chops with a sweet and savory apple-onion topping.
Ingredients: Pork chops, salt, pepper, olive oil, apples (Gala or Honeycrisp), onion, butter, brown sugar, cider vinegar, thyme
- Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced apples and onion. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in brown sugar, cider vinegar, and thyme. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the apple-onion mixture over them.
- Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops reach the desired doneness.
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
7. Cast Iron Shrimp and Grits
Plump and succulent shrimp in a creamy, cheesy grits bath with a kick of spice.
Ingredients: Shrimp, salt, pepper, olive oil, bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, milk, grits, cheddar cheese, green onions, Cajun seasoning, parsley
- Peel and devein the shrimp, then season with salt and pepper.
- In a cast iron skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the bacon grease.
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and milk to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Whisk in the grits and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- In another skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Stir the cooked shrimp and crumbled bacon into the grits.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
- Cook time: 30 minutes
8. Cast Iron Baked Ziti
A comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish with a crispy golden crust.
Ingredients: Ziti pasta, ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In the cast iron skillet, layer half the cooked ziti, followed by half the meat sauce and half the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
- Cook time: 1 hour
9. Cast Iron Seared Tuna Steaks with Avocado Salsa
Perfectly seared tuna with a cool and refreshing avocado salsa.
Ingredients: Tuna steaks, salt, pepper, olive oil, avocado, tomato, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño (optional)
- Pat the tuna steaks dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your cast iron skillet over high heat and add olive oil.
- Sear the tuna steaks for 1-2 minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness.
- Remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest.
- In a bowl, gently mix together diced avocado, tomato, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using) to make the salsa.
- Slice the tuna steaks and serve with the avocado salsa on top or on the side. Cook time: 15 minutes
10. Cast Iron Cornbread
Moist and fluffy cornbread with a crispy, buttery crust.
Ingredients: Cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, butter, cheddar cheese (optional)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk.
- Melt butter in cast iron skillet in preheated oven.
- Remove hot skillet, swirl melted butter to coat sides.
- Pour butter into milk mixture and whisk.
- Add milk mixture to dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
- Fold in cheddar cheese if desired.
- Pour batter into hot skillet and bake 20-25 minutes until golden.
Cook time: 30 minutes
11. Cast Iron Skillet Nachos
Loaded with gooey cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole and all your favorite toppings!
Ingredients: Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, refried beans, salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, sour cream, black olives, etc.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer half the tortilla chips in a cast iron skillet.
- Top with half the refried beans and half the shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers once more.
- Bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Remove and top with salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, sour cream, olives and any other desired toppings.
Cook time: 20 minutes
12. Cast Iron Skillet Lasagna
Cheesy, saucy lasagna with layers of flavor in one skillet.
Ingredients: Ground beef/sausage, onion, garlic, marinara sauce, lasagna noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan
- Cook ground beef/sausage with onion and garlic in skillet until browned. Drain fat.
- Add marinara sauce and simmer 5 minutes.
- Spread 1 cup sauce in bottom of skillet.
- Top with overlapping lasagna noodles, then dollops of ricotta and mozzarella.
- Repeat layers ending with remaining sauce.
- Cover and bake at 375°F for 45-60 mins until noodles are tender.
- Remove cover, top with Parmesan and bake 10 more mins.
Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
13. Cast Iron Skillet Steak Fajitas
Smoky marinated steak with sizzling peppers and onions.
Ingredients: Flank or skirt steak, bell peppers, onion, lime juice, fajita seasoning, olive oil, tortillas, cilantro
- Marinate steak in lime juice and fajita seasoning for 30 mins to 1 hour.
- Slice bell peppers and onion into strips.
- Heat skillet over high heat and add olive oil.
- Cook steak 2-3 mins per side until charred. Remove and let rest.
- Add pepper and onion strips and cook 5-7 mins until tender.
- Slice steak across the grain and add back to skillet. Toss together.
- Serve in tortillas with desired toppings like guacamole, salsa, etc.
Cook time: 45 minutes
14. Cast Iron Skillet Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Juicy roasted chicken with flavorful roasted veggies in one pan.
Ingredients: Whole chicken, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, olive oil, salt, pepper
- Pat chicken dry and season cavity with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning.
- Cut potatoes, carrots, onion into chunks and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic.
- Arrange veggies in cast iron skillet and place chicken on top.
- Roast at 425°F for 60-75 mins until chicken is 165°F internally.
- Let chicken rest 10 mins before carving.
- Serve chicken with roasted veggies.
Cook time: 1.5 hours
15. Cast Iron Skillet Shakshuka
Eggs poached in a spicy, flavorful tomato sauce.
Ingredients: Eggs, crushed tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, garlic, spices (paprika, cumin, chili powder), feta cheese
- Cook onion, pepper and garlic in skillet over medium heat until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and spices. Simmer 5-7 minutes.
- Use a spoon to make small wells in sauce. Gently crack eggs into wells.
- Cover and cook 5-8 mins until whites are set but yolks are still runny.
- Remove from heat, crumble feta over top.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Cook time: 25 minutes
16. Cast Iron Skillet Sausage and Peppers
Savory sausage with caramelized peppers and onions.
Ingredients: Italian sausage, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, marinara sauce, hoagie rolls
- Slice sausages into 1-inch pieces. Quarter bell peppers and slice onion.
- Cook sausage in skillet over medium-high heat until browned, 5-7 mins.
- Remove sausage, drain fat from skillet. Add olive oil.
- Add peppers and onions. Cook 10-12 mins until very soft and caramelized.
- Return sausage to skillet and add marinara sauce. Simmer 5 mins.
- Serve on hoagie rolls with sauce spooned over top.
Cook time: 30 minutes
17. Cast Iron Skillet Meatballs with Marinara
Tender, herb-filled meatballs smothered in zesty marinara sauce.
Ingredients: Ground beef/turkey, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan/Ricotta, garlic, parsley, marinara sauce
- Mix ground meat, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley. Form into meatballs.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in skillet and brown meatballs on all sides.
- Remove meatballs, drain oil leaving bits in pan.
- Add marinara sauce to skillet and scrape up browned bits.
- Return meatballs to sauce, cover and simmer 15-20 mins until cooked through.
- Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta or in hoagie rolls.
Cook time: 40 minutes
18. Cast Iron Skillet Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers filled with savory beef and rice mixture.
Ingredients: Bell peppers, ground beef, onion, garlic, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce
- Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds/membranes.
- Cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Fill pepper cavities with beef/rice mixture, packing it in.
- Pour a little broth in bottom of skillet.
- Cover and bake at 375°F for 30-40 mins until peppers are tender.
Cook time: 1 hour
19. Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Parmesan
Crispy breaded chicken with melty cheese and marinara.
Ingredients: Chicken breasts, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese
- Pound chicken to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Dip in beaten eggs, then in breadcrumb/Parmesan mixture to coat.
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown, 3-4 mins per side.
- Transfer chicken to a baking sheet. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-20 mins until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot, with extra marinara on the side.
Cook time: 45 minutes
20. Cast Iron Skillet Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter
Sweet, delicate scallops with a bright lemon-garlic sauce. Ingredients: Sea scallops, olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper
- Pat scallops very dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat and add olive oil.
- Sear scallops for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side.
- Flip and sear 1-2 minutes more until just opaque in center.
- Remove scallops from skillet.
- Add butter to skillet and cook until foaming subsides.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Pour lemon garlic butter sauce over seared scallops.
Cook time: 20 minutes
21. Cast Iron Skillet Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory stir-fry sauce.
Ingredients: Flank steak, broccoli florets, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes
- Slice flank steak against the grain into thin strips.
- In a hot cast iron skillet, sear beef in olive oil in batches until browned on outside but still pink inside.
- Remove beef and set aside. Drain any excess oil from skillet.
- Add broccoli florets and 2-3 Tbsp water. Cover and steam for 3 minutes.
- Push broccoli aside and return beef to skillet.
- Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and pour over beef/broccoli.
- Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve immediately over rice.
Cook time: 30 minutes
22. Cast Iron Skillet Vegetable Frittata
A protein-packed egg dish loaded with fresh veggies.
Ingredients: Eggs, milk, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, spinach, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Beat eggs with milk, salt, and pepper.
- In a hot ovenproof skillet, sauté zucchini, pepper, onion, mushrooms for 5 minutes until tender.
- Add spinach and cook 1 minute until wilted.
- Pour in egg mixture and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until puffy and set in the middle.
- Let cool slightly, then slice into wedges.
Cook time: 35 minutes
23. Cast Iron Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
Plump shrimp with sizzling peppers and onions in a smoky marinade.
Ingredients: Shrimp, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, lime juice, fajita seasoning, flour tortillas, desired toppings, parsley
- Toss peeled shrimp with lime juice and fajita seasoning. Let marinate 15 minutes.
- Slice bell peppers and onion into strips.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until opaque.
- Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Add pepper and onion strips, cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Return shrimp to skillet and toss everything together.
- Serve in flour tortillas with desired toppings like guacamole, salsa, etc.
Cook time: 30 minutes
24. Cast Iron Skillet Sausage and Vegetable Hash
A savory breakfast hash with crispy potatoes and smoky sausage.
Ingredients: Russet potatoes, Italian sausage, bell peppers, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, eggs (optional)
- Dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Cook sausage in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly.
- Remove sausage, drain excess fat.
- Add olive oil to skillet and spread potatoes in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes.
- Stir in bell peppers, onion, garlic and continue cooking 8-10 minutes until potatoes are crispy.
- Return sausage to skillet and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make wells and crack eggs into skillet to cook sunny-side up, if desired.
Cook time: 30 minutes
25. Cast Iron Skillet Baked Eggs with Spinach and Tomatoes
Eggs baked in a cast iron skillet with wilted spinach and burst cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients: Eggs, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, feta cheese, salt, pepper
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and chili flakes, and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, using a spoon to gently burst the tomatoes.
- Add baby spinach in handfuls, tossing to wilt slightly.
- Create small wells in the spinach mixture and carefully crack eggs into them.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until eggs are set to your liking.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with feta cheese, salt, and pepper.
Cook time: 25 minutes
Conclusion
With this collection of 25 easy cast iron dinner recipes, you’ll have a go-to arsenal of delicious and versatile dishes to whip up any night of the week. From sizzling fajitas to hearty skillet lasagna, cast iron cooking will quickly become your new favorite culinary adventure.