In this blog post I’m sharing 8 Skillet meal ideas to make before Thanksgiving Day.
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We’ve all been there prepping for Thanksgiving—you’ve made 55 trips to the grocery store, prepped everything for the big dinner, and then it hits you: you still need to eat before the big day! When you’re knee-deep in sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and pumpkin pie the last thing on your mind is figuring out what to cook for the rest of the week. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with 8 easy skillet meals that will have dinner on the table in no time. The best part? These recipes can all be prepped ahead of time and are perfect for feeding a crowd, including your extended family.
WHY LOVE SKILLET MEALS
- Time Saver: Skillet meals are the ultimate time-saver! With just one pan, you can whip up a delicious, balanced meal last minute
- Versatile: These meals are incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match proteins, veggies, and grains to suit your taste or use up ingredients you already have on hand
- Even Cooking: They are extremely easy meals and cook everything evenly, locking in flavor and ensuring perfect textures every time
- Quick: they’re great for busy weeknights, meal prep, and feeding a crowd
- Minimal Cleanup: skillet meals are (often) made in just one pan minimizing the amount of cleanup needed
Whether you’re aiming for a main course that is comfort food, healthy options, or something in between, skillet dishes are easy recipes that are quick, hearty, and full of flavor. Best of all, they often require less oil and fewer dishes, making them a lighter and easier option for any day of the week!
8 SKILLET MEALS TO MAKE BEFORE THANKSGIVING
CAJUN CHICKEN SAUSAGE WITH SPINACH & ORZO
This Cajun chicken sausage one-pot orzo is a flavorful dish that combines spicy chicken sausage with orzo pasta, cooked together in one pot along with other ingredients like spinach, onions, and cheese. This is great meal option to make thanksgiving week because it comes together in about 30 minutes.
TURKEY TACO SKILLET BAKE
A fun, easy-to-prepare meal that gives a nod to the upcoming turkey day. Filled with lean ground turkey, black beans and some pantry spices, it’s the perfect meal to make and the best part is it’s even better the next day.
CAJUN SHRIMP & SAUSAGE SKILLET
A complete meal that’s low fuss but full of flavor. Grab just a handful of ingredients like shrimp, turkey sausage and rice and you are well on your way to making this meal. You’ll be serving this up on your dinner table in 30 – 40 minutes.
HEALTHY SKILLET LASAGNA
If you’re looking for a one-pot pasta dish then this is the recipe for you. This lightened version of traditional lasagna just may become your new favorite way to make it. The entire meal can be made in a skillet and we finish it in the oven to make everything nice and bubbly.
SALMON SKILLET STIR FRY
If seafood is more your thing, then try this salmon stir fry. The beauty of this meal is that you can serve it a variety of ways. Serve over warm quinoa, jasmine rice, brown rice or add some extra veggies for a complete meal.
STEAK ENCHILADA SKILLET
Tex Mex anyone? If you want a complete departure from a big thanksgiving meal then try this steak enchilada skillet. Filled with lean flank steak, black beans and jalapeños for an added kick, it will hit your tastebuds in all the right places.
HEALTHY SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN
My husbands favorite hands down is this healthier version of sweet and sour chicken. You will need to use an air fryer but you finish everything off in the a large skillet on the stove top. Packed with protein rich chicken breast, tons of fresh veggies and a lower sugar sauce, this one you won’t feel guilt about!
CHICKEN & EGG BREAKFAST SCRAMBLE
If you’re a breakfast person then this chicken and egg scramble is perfect for you. It’s not only a healthy and hearty breakfast, but it’s packed full of protein. Made with leftover chicken, hash browns, peppers and cheese, it’s the perfect combination of savory and spicy.
TIPS FOR COOKING SKILLET MEALS
Choose the Right Skillet
Select a skillet that best fits your dish. Non-stick skillets are ideal for delicate tasks like scrambling eggs and sautéing vegetables, as they prevent sticking and are easy to clean. For meat dishes or recipes requiring a good sear, go for a cast iron skillet.
Preheat the Skillet
Always preheat your skillet before adding ingredients. This step ensures even heat distribution, which helps ingredients cook evenly and enhances flavor. Simply heat the skillet for a couple of minutes over medium heat until it’s ready.
Avoid Overcrowding
Give your ingredients space to cook properly. Overcrowding the skillet can lower the temperature, leading to steaming rather than browning, especially for proteins. Instead, cook in batches if necessary to achieve the best texture and flavor.
MEAL PREP TIPS FOR BUSY THANKSGIVING WEEK
Planning a full Thanksgiving spread can be time-consuming, so setting yourself up with these easy weeknight skillet meals will free up time and energy for the main event. Here’s how to streamline dinner prep in the days leading up to Thanksgiving:
PLAN AHEAD
- Start by making a prep list of all the skillet meals you plan to whip up this week. This will give you a clear idea of what ingredients you need and save you from extra trips to the store.
- Create a grocery list focused on versatile ingredients, like vegetables and proteins that can work in multiple skillet dishes, so you maximize what you buy.
MAKE AHEAD
- Where possible, chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and cook grains ahead of time.
- For recipes that can be fully made in advance, like skillet lasagna or a salmon stir fry cook and store them in the fridge. That way, all you’ll have to do is reheat.
STORAGE TIPS
- Use airtight containers to keep ingredients and cooked meals fresh. For items that freeze well, like cooked ground meat or veggie mixes, portion out single servings and freeze them in labeled bags. This keeps meals fresh and cuts down on pre-dinner prep.
- When refrigerating, it’s a good idea place meals or ingredients in shallow containers for faster cooling, helping them stay fresher longer.
REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS
- When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep meals from drying out. For skillet dishes, a quick reheat in the pan over low heat often brings flavors back to life without compromising texture.
- For frozen items, thaw them in the fridge overnight so they’re ready to reheat the next day.
These tips will keep your dinners stress-free, allowing you to focus on prepping for the Thanksgiving feast ahead!
If you try one of these skillet meals before Thanksgiving, feel free to leave me a comment down below! Follow me on my social media as I share more healthy recipes, fitness workouts and motherhood. Give a follow at: Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest!
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