When you’re short on time but craving a hearty, flavorful meal, one-pot recipes are your best friend. These meals are not only convenient but also cut down on cleanup time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
These 14 one-pot recipes are sure to satisfy your hunger while leaving you with just one pot to wash.
1. One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
Why dirty multiple pots when you can make a delicious spaghetti bolognese in just one? Start by browning ground beef and onions in a large pot, then add garlic, crushed tomatoes, and a blend of Italian seasonings.
Toss in uncooked spaghetti, allowing the pasta to cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all the rich flavors. The result is a savory, hearty meal that’s ready in no time. This simple twist on a classic Italian dish saves both time and dishes, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner.
2. Chicken Alfredo Skillet
Craving a creamy, comforting pasta dish? This one-pot chicken alfredo is a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Sauté seasoned chicken breasts until golden, then add garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan cheese to make a rich, velvety sauce. Stir in uncooked pasta and let it simmer until everything is perfectly cooked and the pasta soaks up the creamy sauce. With just one skillet to clean, this alfredo is the ultimate indulgence with minimal effort.
3. One-Pot Chili
A steaming bowl of chili is the perfect comfort food, and with this one-pot version, you can make it without breaking a sweat. Brown ground beef (or turkey) with onions and garlic, then add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and a touch of paprika. Let everything simmer until the flavors meld together into a rich, hearty dish. Whether you top it with cheese, sour cream, or avocado, this chili will warm you up and save you time in the kitchen. It’s the ultimate meal for busy nights and chilly evenings.
4. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice
For a light yet flavorful dinner, this one-pot lemon garlic shrimp and rice dish is perfect. Sauté shrimp with garlic and lemon until fragrant, then add rice, chicken broth, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley. Allow the rice to cook and soak up all the zesty, savory flavors. The result is a bright, flavorful dish that’s both fresh and satisfying. This simple, clean recipe is perfect for a quick dinner without the need for multiple cooking vessels.
5. Vegetarian Lentil Soup
This hearty, vegetarian soup is a perfect make-ahead meal and ideal for those looking to eat more plant-based foods. Combine green lentils with carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and vegetable broth in one pot. Let it simmer until the lentils are tender, absorbing all the flavors of the vegetables and spices. The result is a nourishing, filling soup that’s perfect for meal prepping. Packed with fiber and protein, this one-pot soup is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.
6. Beef and Potato Stew
Nothing beats the comfort of a hearty stew, especially when it’s made in one pot. Start by browning beef chunks with onions and garlic, then add diced potatoes, carrots, and beef broth. Let everything simmer until the beef is tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. The result is a rich, flavorful stew that will warm you up on even the coldest nights. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze with just one pot to wash!
7. One-Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
A quick, healthy stir-fry is always a good idea when you’re in a time crunch. Sauté chicken breasts with bell peppers, onions, and your choice of stir-fry sauce in a single pot. Add in any extra veggies you have on hand—broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms all work great—and cook until everything is crisp-tender. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This one-pot stir-fry is a great way to eat clean while minimizing the cleanup.
8. One-Pot Mexican Quinoa
If you’re looking for a nutritious, flavorful dish, this one-pot Mexican quinoa is a fantastic choice. Combine quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a medley of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika in a pot. Let it cook until the quinoa is tender and all the ingredients have absorbed the bold, zesty flavors. This dish is versatile enough to serve as a main course or a side, and it’s a great vegetarian option for lunch or dinner. It’s healthy, hearty, and requires just one pot!
9. Chicken and Rice Casserole
This one-pot chicken and rice casserole is a comforting classic that’s quick and easy to prepare. Combine chicken breasts, rice, onions, garlic, and a creamy soup base (or homemade version) in a pot. Let it cook until the rice is tender and the chicken is perfectly cooked through. The creamy sauce ties everything together, creating a rich, satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot casserole is simple to make and even easier to clean up.
10. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff
If you’re craving a rich and creamy dinner, this one-pot beef stroganoff will hit the spot. Brown strips of beef and onions in a pot, then add sliced mushrooms, beef broth, and sour cream to create a velvety sauce.
Stir in egg noodles, and let everything cook together until the noodles are tender and coated in the creamy sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for weeknight meals, and the best part is you only need one pot to make it!
11. One-Pot Vegetable Paella
A classic paella doesn’t have to be complicated or require multiple pots—this one-pot version is a game changer. Sauté bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a pot, then add tomatoes, rice, and saffron to create the base.
Pour in vegetable broth and let it simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the vibrant flavors. The result is a beautiful, flavorful paella that’s easy to make and full of vegetables. Perfect for a healthy, colorful meal, this one-pot vegetable paella is sure to impress with minimal cleanup required.
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