I can still remember a few years back the rain came rolling in right as we were about to light the grill. I’m talking from full sun to dark rain clouds in a matter of minutes! Ever since, I’ve been building out my list of July 4th recipes you can make indoors—just in case.
These are all tested, tried, and honestly? Some of them might even be better than the grilled versions. Ribs in the oven, burgers in the cast iron, steaks on the stovetop… it’s all here.
What I love about this list is that it doesn’t feel like a compromise. These recipes are hearty, flavorful, and totally perfect for any summer holiday.
You’re still getting that bold, smoky flavor, just without having to stand over an open flame. The tradeoff? I’m afraid it may mean I’m in charge of cleanup, since my husband usually handles the outdoor cooking!
So whether you’re keeping cool inside, dodging a rainstorm, or just don’t feel like dragging out the grill, these recipes are going to hit the spot. Let’s get right into it.
Beef Brisket Burger
Get ready for the best burger you've ever had! Beef brisket burgers have all the juicy deliciousness of a regular hamburger but with added richness and flavor. You won't want to go back to regular hamburger meat!
Check out this recipe
Cast Iron Ribeye Steaks
Pan-seared ribeye with butter and garlic is the perfect "special occasion" dinner meal! With its own rich, natural flavor along with the butter garlic, and other seasonings, this steak is absolutely perfect.
Pan seared Ribeyes
Cheese Stuffed Burgers (Juicy Lucy Burger)
Juicy lucy burgers are always a hit with their hot melted cheese and crispy, savory bacon.
Cheese Stuffed Burgers
Cast Iron Fried Chicken
This crispy cast iron fried chicken recipe is such a delicious meal to make any night of the week! It's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
Fried Chicken
Round Steak and Gravy
Craving a hearty steak dinner? Try this easy round steak and gravy with onions and mushrooms cooked in a rich, homemade gravy. Nothing beats a juicy, comforting steak dinner like this one!
Round Steak and Gravy
Cast Iron Drumsticks
Looking for a quick and tasty dinner option? Look no further than these cast iron chicken drumsticks! Give it a try, and you won't be disappointed!
Pan seared Drumsticks
Dutch Oven Spare Ribs
Slow-cooked to perfection, these dutch oven spare ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with flavor.
Dutch Oven Spare Ribs
Dutch Oven Baked Beans
Sweet, smokey, and a bit saucy; the one and only baked beans recipe you will ever need!
Dutch Oven Baked Beans
The Best Cast Iron Skillet Burgers
This burger recipe is a winning choice for any burger lover. With easy preparation, minimal clean-up, and mouthwatering results, it's one recipe you'll be coming back to time and time again.
Stovetop Burgers
Dutch Oven Brisket
This Dutch oven brisket is slow-cooked to perfection, then finished on high heat to develop a delicious caramelized crust.
Dutch Oven Brisket
Bang Bang Chicken
These Bang Bang Chicken Tacos are bursting with flavor and come together in a flash – perfect for busy weeknights.
Bang Bang Chicken
Easy Buffalo Chicken Tacos
These Buffalo Hawaiian Tacos balance sweet pineapple with fiery buffalo sauce, cooled by creamy ranch dressing for an unforgettable bite!
Buffalo Hawaiian Tacos
Pulled Beef Sandwiches
Get ready for the best pulled beef sandwiches ever! Made with super tender beef, this recipe can be made in an Instant Pot or Dutch oven in just a few hours. The flavor is smoky and delicious!
Pulled Beef Sandwiches
Stovetop Korean Beef Brisket
This recipe is packed with savory flavors and topped with a creamy, slightly sweet sauce. Perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Korean Beef Brisket
Oven Baked Beef Short Ribs
I absolutely love making oven baked beef short ribs because they are incredibly delicious and always a hit. These ribs have a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that is simply irresistible.
Baked Beef Ribs
Cast Iron Lamb Shoulder Chops
These rosemary butter lamb shoulder chops are delicious and juicy. They have a slight gamey taste and are perfect for a cozy dinner. Lamb shoulder chops are full of rich flavors that make your mouth water.
Lamb Chops
Simple Dutch Oven Pizza
Dutch oven deep-dish pizza is so much easier than you may think! Especially when we use a premade dough. Check it out today!
Dutch Oven Pizza
Eye of Round Steak With White Wine Gravy
Here's a super simple Steak with Gravy recipe perfect for a cozy meal! You can easily whip it up from scratch in a skillet on the stovetop. The homemade flavor is amazing, especially when served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Marinaded Eye of Round Steaks
Picanha Steak Recipe
This picanha steak recipe is a make-at-home version of a Brazilian specialty. Pan-seared picanha, finished off in the oven, is both tender and delicious.
Picanha Steak Recipe
Dutch Oven Pulled Chicken
This recipe takes you through the steps of turning a whole chicken into a whole pile of tender shredded chicken for your favorite recipes.
Dutch Oven Pulled Chicken
Cast Iron Skirt Steak Fajitas
With this recipe, anyone can prepare delicious skirt steak for fajitas, even if it's your first time. Marinate the meat and cook in a hot cast iron skillet for great results.
Skirt Steak Fajitas
Marinated Cast Iron Flank Steak
This cast iron flank steak recipe offers simplicity and flavor all in one dish!
Cast Iron Flank Steaks
Pork Tenderloin
Cooking pork tenderloin in a cast iron skillet allows you to sear the juices on the stovetop before placing the meat in a hot oven to finish cooking. The results are tender and delicious.
Pork Tenderloin
Dutch Oven Pulled Pork
This pulled pork recipe made in a dutch oven is great for any season. It's both warming on a winter's day and delicious at a summer picnic. This crowd pleaser can be served in a variety of ways. Any time of year!
Dutch Oven Pulled Pork
Chipotle Chicken Street Tacos
You will love how easy it is to make these shredded chicken chipotle street tacos for a quick weeknight meal.
Chipotle Chicken Street Tacos
Stovetop Bratwursts
In under 30 minutes, these bratwursts cooked on the stove will be your next easy weeknight meal.
Stovetop Brats
Reverse Sear T-bone Steak
Enjoy a tender, juicy steak following this simple reverse sear method!
T-bone Steaks
Oven-Baked Beef Back Ribs
If you're looking for a quick and easy beef rib dinner, this beef back rib recipe is the way to go! They take right at two hours to cook, and they're delicious!
Oven-Baked Beef Back Ribs
Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Tired of the same old appetizers? Give these pork belly burnt ends a try! They're crispy, sweet, and savory, and they're surprisingly easy to make.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Dutch Oven Fried Chicken Tenders
Looking for a delicious and satisfying meal? Our Dutch Oven Fried Chicken is the perfect choice. With its crispy, flavorful coating and tender meat, it's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to be a hit.
Fried Chicken Tenders
Pan-Fried Pork Steaks
Craving a quick and delicious meal? Our pan-fried pork steak is the perfect solution. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, this classic dish is a must-try.
Pan-Fried Pork Steaks
Make-Ahead Fajitas Texanas
A quick and easy make-ahead fajitas recipe ready to go for any occasion.
Make-Ahead Fajitas
Spicy Southern Fried Pork Chops
Juicy tender sourthern style fried pork chops with a touch of heat. Serve it with your favorite comfort food side for a hearty home cooked meal.
Southern Fried Pork Chops
Tender Dutch Oven Round Steak
If you're looking for an easy and delicious meal, look no further than round steak! This classic cut of beef is perfect for a dutch oven round steak recipe and is sure to be perfectly tender and flavorful every time. Just follow the simple steps, and you'll have mouthwatering steaks perfect every time!
Slow-Cooked Round Steak
So what do you think about these recipes? Did you find any that you liked? I hope at least one of them is an inspiration to you.
Me personally, if it rains this year, I think I’m going to make my brisket burgers…Well, actually, even if it doesn’t rain, we’ll still probably make them, just outdoors!
If you try any of these, be sure to let me know. I always love hearing what you made and how it went over with the crowd. And if you’re still hungry for more, don’t forget to check out my other favorite recipes for summer right here on the blog!