Recently, my family and I moved into a home that needs some serious updates. While we can see the bigger picture in the distance, we’ve had to make some sacrifices when it comes to our creature comforts. One of those little inconveniences is the fact that we don’t have a working oven. But, with my electric skillet by my side (not literally, that would burn), I feel like I can still make some of the staple dishes in our family’s repertoire.
But if you are having a hard time coming up with a meal plan with limited cooking utensils, then here are some recipes that might get you started.
1. Electric Skillet Pizza
What is more kid-pleasing than pizza? When you are without an oven, it can be difficult to prepare this delightful Italian dish. And if you’re remodeling a house, like I am, then you probably don’t have the extra funds to order out. What’s the solution? Use your skillet. This simple pizza recipe from Amazing Motherhood will satisfy your family’s craving for pizza in the time it takes to toss a salad.
2. Gluten-Free Skillet Chicken with Broccoli and Cheddar Rice
Chicken is a fairly cheap meat to prepare for a small or large family, and when you add broccoli and cheddar rice, you make a simple piece of chicken even more delicious. And if you eat gluten-free or are entertaining a group of friends or family who eat this way, you can’t go wrong.
3. One Pan Enchiladas
If you’re feeling like Mexican food, but don’t want to slave over a hot stove (or if you don’t have one), then one pan enchiladas might be just the thing. Not only can enchiladas feed a hungry crew of post-dance class and baseball-practiced children, but they can also hide foods like green peppers that kids (or husbands) don’t usually eat willingly.
4. Breakfast in a Skillet
When oven-baked muffins or stove-top doughnuts are out of the question, then a breakfast skillet meal is the perfect solution. You can give your family a boost of protein to tackle their day. And with a quick meal like this one from That Which Nourishes, you won’t have to spend most of your day cleaning up after it.
5. Electric Skillet Lasagna
Lasagna is one of those meals that’s great for a cold night when soup just won’t cut it. But making lasagna in the oven can be labor intensive and time consuming. But with this quick and easy electric skillet lasagna recipe from Food.com you will be out of the kitchen and into your comfy pants in no time.
6. Blueberry Skillet Cake
If your children are like mine, they expect a dessert to be warmed and waiting for them every evening (even though they rarely get dessert). So, surprise your kids this time by actually having something prepared to satisfy their sweet tooth. This blueberry skillet cake is the perfect treat, and with brain-boosting blueberries included, you can almost count this dessert as a healthy snack.
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
