Easy Skillet Meals

Throw potatoes and bell peppers in with lean ground beef to create a zesty family dinner. Brown the beef, then add diced potatoes and bell peppers as the meat cooks. Once the potatoes are tender and the meat is fully cooked, the meal is finished. Stir plain salsa into the skillet for a spicy kick or stir in a salsa and sour cream mix for a creamier approach. Sprinkle the meal with a little taco seasoning or a salad dressing mix, or stick with seasoning salt for a more classic taste.

Macaroni is small, quick-cooking pasta, so you can get away with simmering it in the skillet with a meal instead of cooking it separately. Brown lean ground beef in the skillet and drain. Mix cream of mushroom soup, macaroni pasta and a little water into the meat. Cover and simmer until the pasta is soft, then simmer uncovered to boil out any excess water. Sprinkle the skillet meal with grated Parmesan and serve alone or with a tossed salad and bottled dressings. Play around with other cream soups, such as cheddar or celery, to find a flavor your family likes.

Skillet turkey chili is a quick and healthy meal for a cold winter’s day. Brown lean ground turkey in the skillet with a little chili powder or packaged chili seasoning. Stir in canned kidney beans, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet. Add any produce you have on hand, such as a diced half onion. Simmer the chili until thick and transfer to the table. Eat the chili plain or with crackers, or serve it over a chunk of bread. Garnish the chili with shredded cheese, sour cream or diced green onions.

Frittatas are classic skillet meals that consist of eggs and a variety of ingredients you may already have on hand. Pour beaten eggs into the skillet with diced veggies, meat, cheese and seasoning. Toss diced turkey lunch meat, shredded American cheese, diced celery and diced onions in with the eggs for a simple meal. Mix leftover rice, diced water chestnuts, bell peppers chunks and soy sauce into the egg for an Asian-flavored dish. Cook the giant egg pancake until firm and cut it into slices to serve.