When you need a dinner idea that everyone will love, Mom’s 33 skillet specialties has your back. These recipes are designed to deliver flavor with minimal effort, which means no more scrambling for dinner at 6 p.m. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast-for-dinner or a sizzling dinner skillet, each dish packs a punch. They’re easy to make, and even easier to eat. Bonus: You’ll have one pan to clean instead of a kitchen full of dishes—who knew that was possible?

Chicken Fried Rice

When it’s time to turn leftovers into something amazing, Chicken Fried Rice steps up to the plate. This dish gives you everything you want in one pan—easy, quick, and satisfying. Perfect for a busy night, it’s a simple way to clean out the fridge without feeling like you’re eating the same thing every day. It’s flavorful enough to make your family forget it was made with leftovers. You might just end up cooking extra chicken on purpose!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict
Looking for something that feels fancy but doesn’t take hours? Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict brings all the flavor with none of the hassle. The tender pulled pork combines perfectly with classic breakfast staples, making this dish a real winner. It’s an easy way to turn breakfast or brunch into something special, even on a tight schedule. If you’re tired of the same old eggs, this is your new go-to.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
With its rich flavors and fresh ingredients, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches are the perfect balance of savory and satisfying. The combination of flavorful meatballs wrapped in warm pita bread makes for a meal that’s both easy and delicious. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and it’s one that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
It’s the perfect meal when you’re craving a cheesesteak but don’t want to deal with all the slicing and prep. Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak is a quick and delicious way to enjoy the iconic Philly cheesesteak without all the fuss. With ground beef as a base, this dish packs the same savory, cheesy flavor you love but in less time. Plus, it’s a family-friendly version of a classic that will become a regular in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties
A great recipe for using up leftovers while still feeling like you’re having something fresh. Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties are the best way to repurpose leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same meal. These patties turn turkey and mashed potatoes into something completely new and satisfying. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to when you need something tasty without making a mess. Leftover Steak Quesadilla is the kind of dish that turns yesterday’s dinner into today’s lunch (or dinner) with zero effort. You take those leftover steaks and add just the right amount of cheese and crunch. This dish offers a quick, no-fuss meal that everyone in the family will happily devour. The bonus? It’s easily customizable to everyone’s tastes.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Diner Style Salisbury Steak
You’ll be happy to serve this one on repeat, and it’s a great option when you’re craving something filling and satisfying. Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings the nostalgia of a classic diner right into your kitchen. With its hearty, comforting flavors, it’s perfect for a cozy family meal after a busy day. The rich sauce adds a savory finish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or a simple side.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
If you’ve ever had Alice Springs Chicken at a restaurant and wished you could make it at home, Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is the answer. This recipe takes that iconic dish and makes it easy enough for anyone to recreate at home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just a few, it’s guaranteed to impress. The best part? You can make it in less time than it takes to get to the restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Turn yesterday’s steak into something fresh with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. They’re an effortless way to transform leftovers into a crowd-pleasing meal. With minimal ingredients, you can create a quick, satisfying dish that feels like a treat. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests, these tacos will disappear fast. It’s the kind of meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
It’s perfect for when you want something light but flavorful, and it’s always a crowd favorite. Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a simple, fresh dish that highlights the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes. It’s an easy meal that you can whip up on a busy night and still impress everyone at the table. With a few key ingredients, this dish brings a bright, summery feel to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
This sandwich may seem simple, but its comforting flavors make it anything but ordinary. Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich is a throwback to the simple, hearty meals everyone loves. This recipe takes the classic loose meat sandwich and gives it a home-cooked twist, making it a family favorite. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together quickly, perfect for busy nights or casual weekend meals.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Ground Beef Fried Rice
A great way to use up ingredients you have on hand and still end up with something your family will ask for again. Ground Beef Fried Rice is a quick, satisfying meal that takes leftovers to the next level. It’s the kind of dish you’ll make when you want something filling without spending much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking to clean out the fridge or simply want something easy, this fried rice is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice
Texas BLT
If you love a good BLT, Texas BLT is the way to go. It takes the classic sandwich to a whole new level, with a few simple upgrades that make a big difference. This isn’t your average lunchtime meal—it’s a full-on flavor explosion between two slices of bread. It’s easy to make, filling, and sure to please everyone at the table. If you thought BLTs couldn’t get any better, think again.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)
You’ll find yourself craving these beans over and over, especially when you want something flavorful and filling without being heavy. Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans) is a savory, vegetable-packed dish that’s perfect as a side or main. It brings a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your table with minimal fuss. This dish takes green beans and transforms them into something more, making them a great addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)
Copycat Maggiano’s Sausage & Peppers
For a hearty meal that’s full of flavor, Copycat Maggiano’s Sausage & Peppers is the answer. This dish takes the classic Italian combination of sausage and peppers and makes it easy to recreate at home. It’s a perfect option for a family dinner when you want something that feels like a special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish brings big flavor without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Sausage & Peppers
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash
For a twist on your typical breakfast hash, Montreal Smoked Meat Hash is the perfect choice. This dish brings together smoked meat and crispy potatoes in a way that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s a great option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it’ll easily become a favorite in your rotation. If you’ve been searching for a way to spice up your hash, this recipe is just what you need.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash
Leftover Cottage Roll Hash
You’ll never look at leftovers the same way again after trying this dish. Leftover Cottage Roll Hash is a great way to repurpose yesterday’s meal into something fresh and satisfying. This recipe turns leftover cottage rolls into a crispy, flavorful hash that everyone will enjoy. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and creativity, making it an easy go-to when you need something quick and filling.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Cottage Roll Hash
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
You’ll want to make it again and again once you’ve tasted the combination of flavors. Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce is a light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The gnocchi is soft and pillowy, paired with a bright and tangy lemon-parmesan sauce that’s both simple and delicious. This dish is easy to make but still feels special, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend dinner.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Chicken Tinga Tostadas
A great way to add variety to your weeknight meals and are easy enough for even a beginner cook to put together. Chicken Tinga Tostadas offers a flavorful twist on your typical taco night. With tender chicken and a smoky, spicy sauce, these tostadas bring something fresh to the table. Plus, everyone can customize their tostadas with their favorite toppings, making them a hit for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Brisket Fried Rice
Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this sooner. Brisket Fried Rice is the perfect way to transform leftover brisket into a delicious, satisfying meal. This fried rice brings together tender brisket with all the flavors you love, making it a perfect one-pan dish. It’s a great option for using up leftovers while still making something that feels new.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice
Fried Tomatillos
You’ll find yourself making them again and again, they’re that good. Fried Tomatillos are a crispy, tangy snack that makes for the perfect appetizer or side dish. These fried treats bring a crunchy exterior with a burst of fresh flavor inside. They’re a fun and easy way to enjoy tomatillos in a new way, and they pair well with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Parisian Potatoes
The French-inspired recipe adds a touch of sophistication to any meal. Parisian Potatoes are a delicious, buttery side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. These potatoes are small, round, and roasted to perfection for a crispy, tender texture. It’s the perfect side dish when you want something simple but elegant.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Chicken Piccata
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both light and flavorful, Chicken Piccata fits the bill. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying meal that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. The tangy sauce adds a bright, fresh element to the chicken, making it a dish that’s full of flavor without being heavy. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but doesn’t require a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
A one-pan meal that’s easy to clean up and even easier to enjoy. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a hearty, comforting dish that combines delicious gnocchi with savory sausage and a touch of bitterness from the broccoli rabe. This meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a family-friendly dish that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again. Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that brings Mexican flavors to your table. This ground beef dish is versatile enough to serve in tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for nachos. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Mexican Black Beans
This recipe is a great way to add depth and variety to your dinner rotation without a lot of work. Mexican Black Beans bring a hearty, flavorful side dish to any meal. These beans are a great complement to any Mexican-inspired dish, and they’re easy to make. The rich, savory flavors make them a great addition to tacos, burritos, or even served on their own as a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans
Texas Corn Succotash
An easy side that will add a burst of flavor to your dinner. Texas Corn Succotash is a savory side dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. The combination of corn and other vegetables makes it a great addition to any meal. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish, it’s sure to complement whatever you’re cooking.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce
It’s perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat. Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce is the breakfast you didn’t know you needed. The fluffy, soft pancakes paired with a sweet blueberry sauce make for a simple yet indulgent meal. Once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
This recipe is a simple way to make spinach taste incredible, and it’ll definitely win over even the pickiest eaters. Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone takes classic creamed spinach to a whole new level. The mascarpone adds a rich, creamy element that makes this dish extra comforting. It’s a great side for steaks or any meat-based dishes, providing a fresh yet indulgent balance.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Sweet Potato Pancakes
The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes gives these pancakes a unique flavor that will quickly become a family favorite. Sweet Potato Pancakes are a comforting, slightly healthier twist on your typical pancakes. They’re perfect for breakfast, but they’re hearty enough to enjoy any time of day.They’re easy to make, and they taste even better with your favorite syrup or topping.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pancakes
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish
This dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s anything but ordinary. Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish is a savory, satisfying dish that turns pork chops into something special. The fresh tomato and green onion relish adds just the right touch of flavor without overpowering the meat. It’s an easy way to make pork chops feel new and exciting, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish
Blueberry Grunt
It’s easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd. Blueberry Grunt is a fun, comforting dessert that takes fresh berries and turns them into something special. The soft biscuit topping perfectly complements the sweet blueberries, making it a family favorite. Once you try this, you’ll wonder why it isn’t a regular on your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Grunt
Bacon Fried Corn

This dish is simple yet indulgent and will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Bacon Fried Corn is the ultimate comfort food side dish. It combines the smoky richness of bacon with sweet corn for a combination that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving it with BBQ or any main dish, it’s the kind of side that complements everything.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn