23 Cast Iron Skillet Recipes to Put Your Trusty Pan to Good Use

Cast iron skillet recipes are always on repeat in The Pioneer Woman's kitchen! And it’s no wonder why: cast iron skillets are one of the most versatile and durable pans you can own. It's trusty and reliable no matter where you plan on cooking—on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill. It’s an essential tool for making eggs, steak recipes, chicken, veggies, and, of course, cornbread. “Cast iron gets screaming hot,” Ree says, “so it's perfect for giving biscuits, rolls, and other breads a beautiful crust." She's right: This heavy-duty pan holds its heat well, so it’s great for giving a hard sear on anything, like pizzas, stir fries, and especially meats.

On top of all that, you won’t have to worry about dirtying another dish for the sake of presentation, since you take your cast iron skillet straight to the table (don't forget a trivet, though!). To honor this prized pan, we’ve rounded up the best cast iron skillet recipes, including dishes like skillet lasagna, beef taco skillet, and roasted chicken and potatoes. Here, you'll even find ways to use your cast iron pan for desserts. There’s an incredible upside-down apple cake that’s made possible thanks to the nonstick factor of your cast iron pan. Just be sure you know how to season your cast iron for proper care. "Cast iron is timeless and pretty much indestructible,” Ree says. “It will last forever if you take good care of it.”