Researchers found that something with minimal iron, like spaghetti sauce had an added 2mg of iron per 100g of sauce. This was made possible when the sauce was cooked in cast iron.

If you're interested in cast iron cooking, you may not know where to begin. After all, a cast iron pan can feel quite intimidating when you are a beginner.

A lot of people don't know how to use these cooking tools or how to care for them. This guide will give you recipe inspiration when it comes to cast-iron cooking.

Keep reading to find out if you're interested in one skillet meal options.

1. Skillet Cornbread

One of these easy recipes you will find involves cast iron cooking. This is a skillet cornbread recipe that produces the perfect rustic side.

Cornbread has traditionally been cooked in cast iron skillets. This creates the perfect amount of heat for flavorful cornbread with a nice crust.

Butter's added to the skillet so that the crust becomes golden brown. There is also no risk of the cornbread sticking like it does to other cooking tools.

It is the perfect side to a pot of rustic chili or an old-fashioned barbecue. Most skillet cornbread recipes are finished and under 30 minutes.

2. Shepherds Pie

A cast iron skillet is the perfect vessel for a variety of casseroles. One meal that is similar to a casserole is a shepherd's pie.

This is a very classic dish that is comforting and very filling. It is a wonderful meal served all on its own or with an additional side.

Most shepherd's pie recipes are made of lamb and a variety of vegetables. This's poured into the skillet, and a hefty layer of mashed potatoes is added on top.

This meal can be thrown together and tossed into the oven without much thought. The cast iron heats up quickly and ensures the dish is flavorful and piping hot.

3. Pasta Bake

A lot of dishes benefit from baking in the oven. This is because you can cook them over very low and regular heat for the best flavor development.

The same rule applies when you are making pasta. If you have the time, you should make your normal pasta recipe in a cast iron skillet.

This allows the white or red sauce to condense and become extra flavorful. It also provides a very easy meal that doesn't require you to labor over the stovetop.

One of the best aspects of pasta bakes is that they don't require much meal planning. You most likely already have all the ingredients you need in your kitchen.

4. Seasoned Potatoes

A one-skillet meal is something that most people are very interested in. This cuts back on cooking time and the amount of time you have to spend in the kitchen.

One example of a one-skillet meal is seasoned potatoes. Cast iron skillets can get very hot, making them the perfect vessel for crispy potatoes.

You can season them to perfection and serve them up as a carb-heavy side dish. There is no need to change the pot or pan and dirty a bunch of dishes for dinner.

You can also throw in some chopped sausage to make this an actual meal on its own.

5. Barbecue Chicken

If you want to spend more time cooking at home, you may be looking at chicken dishes. Chicken is one of the best meat to cook if you are not yet a skilled home cook.

One recipe you should try is a no-fuss cast iron barbecue chicken. All you need to do is marinate the chicken in a barbecue sauce or spice rub and toss it in the skillet.

Skillets get very hot and can provide that delicious crust everyone enjoys. You can then throw the skillet into the oven to help the chicken finish cooking without getting overly browned.

This is the easiest way to make restaurant-quality barbecue chicken, even if you aren't great in the kitchen.

6. Dutch Baby

You may not realize this, but cast iron skillets are perfect for desserts as well. One example of this is a Dutch baby pancake.

This is something between a crpe and a popover, creating a German pancake. It's made mostly of eggs and flour and puffs up in the oven.

You can sprinkle it with powdered sugar and maple syrup for a breakfast dish or dessert. You can also make it into something more savory by adding vegetables and seasonings.

How to Care for a Cast Iron Pan

Maintaining a cast iron skillet isn't as difficult as you may think. When it needs to be washed, simply run it over with a little water and soap to remove buildup and oil.

This most likely won't need to be done every time you use it. Allow the pan to dry, or put it on a warm stove top to dry quickly.

A lot of people don't know how to season cast iron, but it is quite simple. You should rub a thin amount of neutral oil over the inside of the cast-iron pot or pan.

Then it is recommended to bake the pan for one hour to thoroughly season it.

Cast Iron Cooking Recipes You'll Love

There are a lot of things you can do when it comes to cast iron cooking. The recipe options are endless, and they provide plenty of beginner-friendly opportunities.

Did you enjoy reading this article about cast-iron cooking? Keep reading for more lifestyle-related content.