35 Grandma’s Southern Dishes That Start With a Cast-Iron Skillet

ByJenn

Nothing feels more comforting than a meal that begins in a cast-iron skillet, especially with a nod to Southern roots. In this lineup, you’ll find 35 Grandma’s Southern dishes ready to bring back memories and start new traditions. These recipes fit all sorts of occasions: family dinners, weekend gatherings, or a quiet night at home.

Cast iron skillet with sweet potato hash with pulled pork and garnished with chopped chives.
Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops on a white plate, served with a fork and knife, next to a small bowl of salt and a sprig of parsley.
Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Nothing beats the comfort you get from this Smothered Pork Chops meal straight out of a well-loved cast-iron skillet. Each bite brings warm memories and fills you up, making it a solid choice for any home-cooked dinner. The gravy is something everyone talks about after taking their first forkful.
Get the Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

Sausage & Kale Soup

A bowl of Sausage & Kale Soup with a spoon lifting a portion from the bowl.
Sausage & Kale Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Thick, hearty, and full of flavor, this Sausage & Kale Soup brings a cozy mood to your table. The mix of leafy greens and sausage creates a soup that feeds both the body and the soul. I find myself coming back for seconds whenever I make it. You can count on this recipe to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Kale Soup

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

A plate of bacon-wrapped smokies sits next to a small bowl of reddish dipping sauce on a light-colored surface.
Bacon-Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Parties or potlucks get an upgrade with these Bacon-Wrapped Smokies. Every bite is a little smoky, a little sweet, and just the right size to grab and go. Friends often crowd around the platter, hoping for more before they disappear. You will want to save this one for the next family get-together.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

A plate of Chicken Tetrazzini topped with melted cheese and sprinkled with chopped herbs, with a fork and napkin beside it.
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Creamy noodles and a golden top make this Easy Chicken Tetrazzini a classic Southerners love. It looks impressive when you pull it out, yet feels familiar like a warm hug in a bowl. There is almost always just enough for everyone to sneak an extra scoop. Recipes like this are the ones you find yourself coming back to year after year.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl

Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl with spoon on a round brown plate.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Hearty and loaded with cheese, this Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl is a meal you will remember. The bread bowl soaks up every last spoonful of goodness, leaving nothing to waste. Serving soup this way turns a regular day into something special. Kids enjoy every bite because you get to eat the bowl at the end.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl

Biscuit & Gravy Bake

A wooden spoon holds a serving of biscuits and gravy with sausage, over a baking dish filled with the same dish, garnished with chopped herbs.
Biscuit & Gravy Bake. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Few breakfasts can deliver the warmth of this Biscuit & Gravy Bake. The flaky topping and creamy gravy make every bite stick with you in the best way. Whether served for breakfast or dinner, it’s a recipe that never goes out of style. You will remember why biscuits and gravy are a Southern mainstay every time you pull this from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Biscuit & Gravy Bake

Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

A plate of slow cooker rump roast with potatoes, carrots, onions, and a sprig of rosemary on a white dish.
Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Long days call for something simple and delicious like this Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast. The meat turns out tender every single time, filling the house with an aroma that calls for dinner. I like that you can set it and forget it, then return home to a meal that feels homemade. The end result is pure Southern comfort on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie

A baking dish filled with Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie.
Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Fluffy biscuits on top and creamy filling inside set this Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie apart. Every spoonful blends the best of old-fashioned cooking with just the right modern touch. The bubbling crust makes it hard to wait for the first bite. Potlucks and weeknight dinners both benefit from this classic casserole.
Get the Recipe: Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie

Oven Baked Ribs

Oven-baked ribs with onion and garlic on top served on a white rectangular plate.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Ribs with a rich, slow-cooked flavor make this Oven Baked Ribs dish a go-to for busy nights or special occasions. The meat is so tender that it falls right off the bone. I look forward to making a batch on days when I want barbecue without the effort. One pan gets everyone talking; no outdoor grill needed.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Easy Patty Melt

A stack of two patty melt sandwiches with caramelized onions and melted cheese on toasted bread, placed on parchment paper atop a wooden board.
Easy Patty Melt. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Simple ingredients come together for a comforting dinner in this Easy Patty Melt. The bread gets golden while the inside stays juicy and delicious. There is just something timeless about mixing beef, onions, and melty cheese. I like making this recipe for nights when you want dinner fast but with all the flavor of diner food.
Get the Recipe: Easy Patty Melt

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with slow cooker porcupine meatballs, garnished with fresh herbs.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Family tables get a taste of nostalgia with these Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Each bite is packed with flavor and brings back memories of classic Southern potlucks. Kids enjoy guessing how the meatballs got their funny name. This dish shows that sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones everyone loves most.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

A metal spatula lifts a slice of 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole from a glass baking dish.
3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Quick and full of creamy flavor, this 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole belongs in the regular rotation. Three ingredients are all it takes to add something special to the table. The gooiest cheese and broccoli mix pairs with so many main dishes. You will remember how easy good food can be whenever you make this one.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Kale Salad with Lemon

A white bowl of kale salad with lemon sits on a striped placemat beside a fork.
Kale Salad with Lemon. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Fresh and simple always has a place at the table, as shown with this Kale Salad with Lemon. Bright flavor lifts the greens so they are anything but boring. I like prepping this salad in advance since it holds up so well. Even those who do not usually love kale find something to enjoy here.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad with Lemon

Funeral Potatoes With Cream Cheese

A close-up of a spoonful of Funeral potatoes with Cream Cheese, topped with crushed cornflakes, with the rest of the casserole in the background.
Funeral Potatoes With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Many Southern dinners just are not the same without Funeral Potatoes With Cream Cheese. The dish is warm, comforting, and usually the first to disappear at family gatherings. The cheesy layer on top brings a golden finish that everybody hopes for. It is a casserole that stands out, no matter what else is served.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes With Cream Cheese

Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

Close-up Southern Style Pickled Shrimp with lemon slices and dill on a jar.
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Seafood lovers will enjoy the flavorful twist of this Southern Style Pickled Shrimp. Every shrimp feels marinated to perfection, offering tang and a snap in each forkful. This dish shines at picnics or large gatherings. People who try it once usually reach for seconds before the bowl is empty.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

Baked Bean Casserole

A wooden spoon holds a serving of Baked Bean Casserole above a pot filled with more bean casserole.
Baked Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Casseroles like this Baked Bean Casserole fill the kitchen with a sweetness that calls everyone to the table. There is nothing too fancy here; just the dependable flavor families have loved for years. A bite of this with some barbecue is all you need for a real Southern feast. I recommend making enough for leftovers, since it is hard to stop at one scoop.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips with mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, garnished with chives on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bringing the steakhouse home is easy with this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips recipe. The meat turns out tender, juicy, and full of deep flavor that tastes just like your favorite restaurant. These beef tips make any weeknight dinner more exciting. You will not want to wait until the next special occasion for this one.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops on a baby blue serving dish.
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Comfort comes easy with this Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops dish on the menu. The meat cooks until it is fork-tender, and the savory sauce is perfect for pouring over anything on your plate. Kids and grownups both want extra sauce with each bite. A meal like this always feels like home, no matter where you live.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops

Southern Tomato Pie

A slice of tomato pie being lifted with a serving utensil from a white fluted dish. A whole tomato pie is visible in the dish, garnished with tomato slices and basil.
Southern Tomato Pie. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

No one can pass up a slice of this Southern Tomato Pie when the crust is golden, and the filling is full of flavor. The fresh tomatoes create a recipe that feels both homey and a little special at the same time. Pair it with a salad or serve it on its own for a dinner that will not soon be forgotten. Old-school recipes like this make traditions last.
Get the Recipe: Southern Tomato Pie

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Some recipes win over everyone, and these Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are proof of that. Every shell is packed with warm, cheesy filling for the ultimate comfort. It’s hard to stop after just one, making them perfect for serving a big crowd. I keep leftovers for lunch, since they heat up beautifully the next day.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Pecan Shortbread Cookies

A white plate holds eight round Pecan Shortbread Cookies topped with chopped nuts, placed on a wooden surface next to bottles of milk and cinnamon sticks.
Pecan Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Dessert seems sweeter with a plate of these Pecan Shortbread Cookies ready to share. Their buttery crunch pairs perfectly with a glass of milk or hot tea. I always double the batch when I make these since they disappear in no time. Southern baking means sharing, and these cookies deliver with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

A square baking dish filled with Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole and topped with strips of cooked bacon; a wooden spoon holds a serving.
Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Classic comfort takes shape in this Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole. The dish is hearty and always fills you up on a busy night. People enjoy the way all the flavors come together for such a simple recipe. Leftovers are just as good the next day, especially for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet and savory flavors come together perfectly in this Roast Pork with Apples. The scent alone lets everyone know that something special is waiting on the table. There is a rich taste in every bite that pairs well with nearly any side. You will not be able to forget the comfort this meal brings.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Easy Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

A serving of Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole sits on a white plate next to a fork.
Easy Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Family favorites come together in this Easy Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. The topping gives it a pleasant crunch, and the filling is pure comfort. This casserole fits right in at potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners. I always tuck away leftovers for an easy lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl with spoon.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bright colors and sweet flavors show up in every spoonful of this Texas Corn Succotash. It is a side dish that works with everything from ribs to chicken sandwiches. Each bite feels fresh and brings something unexpected to the table. I enjoy making it when I want a vegetable dish that stands apart from the usual choices.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Fried Chicken Thighs with Milk Gravy

A plate of fried chicken steak topped with white gravy, with more fried pieces and a bowl of gravy in the background.
Fried Chicken Thighs with Milk Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Plates clear quickly when you serve these Fried Chicken Thighs with Milk Gravy. Crispy outside and juicy inside, this chicken feels like the heart of true Southern cooking. Kids especially love dipping their pieces into that creamy gravy. If you have a cast-iron skillet, you know why this recipe never fails.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Thighs with Milk Gravy

Cowboy Caviar

A bowl of Cowboy Caviar, garnished with lime wedges; a hand dips a tortilla chip into the salad.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Dinners or parties call for a little fun, and this Cowboy Caviar answers with style. Beans, veggies, and seasoning come together for a snack you can eat with chips or as a side dish. I find it works well at cookouts, but also brings color to weekday meals. Extra food fans usually scoop up the last spoonfuls before dinner is done.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

A black bowl containing egg noodles topped with Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken and garnished with parsley, accompanied by a pickled pepper.
Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A hands-off dinner you can look forward to is this Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken. The meat falls apart and melts in your mouth, blending spicy with savory in every bite. Even on a busy day, you get full-on Southern comfort with little effort. The leftovers make a great lunch, so nothing goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

Texas Trash Pie

A slice of Texas Trash Pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, sits on a white plate.
Texas Trash Pie. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Dessert gets a Southern twist the moment you try this Texas Trash Pie. Layers of sweet and salty goodness set it apart from any regular pie. Every slice has its own surprise with each bite. This recipe is perfect for parties where you want something out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Texas Trash Pie

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4 ingredient slow cooker chicken on a black platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Four ingredients are all it takes to pull off this 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken dish. Set it up in the morning, and you get a home-cooked meal with barely any work. I rely on this recipe for busy days or nights when I do not want to think about dinner. The simple flavor makes it a winner with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Sweet Potato Cornbread

A piece of cornbread on a plate next to a few potatoes.
Sweet Potato Cornbread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Warm, moist, and a little bit sweet, this Sweet Potato Cornbread brings comfort like nothing else. The bread goes great with spicy chili, mild soups, or even served on its own. I like making an extra batch to keep on hand for breakfasts. Good cornbread always has a way of turning a regular dinner into a memorable one.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Every bite of these Pork Belly Burnt Ends bursts with smoky flavor and a caramelized finish. These morsels are bite-sized, but the flavor is anything but small. Guests reach for them at barbecues and picnics, often leaving nothing on the tray. The recipe speaks to anyone with a fondness for Southern barbecue done right.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Mississippi Salisbury Steak

Three Mississippi Salisbury Steak covered in brown onion gravy, garnished with chopped parsley, served on a white rectangular plate.
Mississippi Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Southern dinners get a whole lot heartier with this Mississippi Salisbury Steak. Classic flavor shines through in every bite, and the gravy is the kind you want to pile on your mashed potatoes. Steak lovers agree that this version is worth a spot in the weeknight dinner lineup. Traditional comfort never tasted this good from a single skillet.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Salisbury Steak

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A plate with pieces of fried chicken garnished with parsley, with a bowl of sauce and a striped cloth in the background.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Golden brown and extra juicy, this Buttermilk Fried Chicken earns its place as a Southern classic. The crust holds onto bold seasoning, while the inside stays moist and rich. Sharing a big platter feels right for any occasion or dinner party. One bite tells you why the cast-iron skillet is the star of Southern kitchens.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork

Cast iron skillet with sweet potato hash with pulled pork and garnished with chopped chives.
Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cooking comfort in one pan comes alive in this Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork. Layers of sweetness and smokiness go together for a dish everyone wants more of. I like how simple it is to pull off, yet the results feel like you spent hours. Weeknights get a serious upgrade with one recipe like this.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork