Mexican Skillet Dishes

• Mexican or Tex-Mex oriented dishes offer a wide variety of options for skillet recipes. Mexican skillets generally boast a rice-based mixture that is seasoned by taco or fajita seasonings. Common vegetable selections include onions, peppers and black beans. The most common sauce for Mexican skillet dishes is salsa or tomato paste, although it is not limited to only those products. Finally to top off the skillet, ingredients such as cilantro, sour cream, cheese, lettuce or tomatoes can be added. More creative dishes such as Tex-Mex lasagna or Southwestern macaroni and cheese can provide interesting combinations for skillet dishes that involve pasta as opposed to the more traditional Mexican rice.
  
  

Italian Skillet Dishes

• As with most traditional Italian dishes, pasta is generally the basis for Italian skillet recipes. This genre of skillet meals offers a wide variety of options in terms of meat and sauce combinations that allow the cook's creativity to incorporate almost endless variety. While common meat selections include chicken, turkey, pork and beef, vegetarian options are also common. As a general rule, the sauce and spice selections distinguish Italian skillet meals from other varieties. Common Italian spices include oregano, basil, fennel, bay leaves, parsley and garlic. These spices are most effective when combined with tomato, garlic or alfredo sauces. After making your selection of meat, vegetable, spices and sauce, the ingredients can be warmed and added to a pasta selection to create a hearty and easy Italian skillet dish. Finally, topping with an Italian-style cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, adds the finishing touch just before serving.
  
  

Traditional Skillet Dishes

• Another popular option for skillet dishes is the more traditional, hearty dish that generally consists of vegetables such as corn, carrots and peas combined with potatoes and stew meat. These are especially popular during winter months when the cold weather often dictates warm, hearty meals. While potatoes are a common entity of traditional skillets, a common substitute is pasta noodles, especially when cooking up a beef stroganoff skillet. Fall and winter vegetables, such as squash, pumpkin, beans, onion and spinach, are also common in traditional skillets. The sauce is most often a tomato-, beef- or chicken-based broth that thickens upon cooking to add to the hearty feel. Finally seasonings are generally more mild and basic, such as salt and pepper that are used in moderation or to taste.