One-pot meals are a game changer for anyone who thinks cooking is a chore. This post is packed with 19 recipes that will show you that whipping up a great meal doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. Each dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you just don’t want to deal with a mountain of dishes afterwards.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

For this casserole, 45 minutes is all you need. It’s everything you like about stuffed peppers but way easier. Just mix everything in one pot. It’s a solid choice for a weeknight dinner, especially if you’re not big on cooking. Dish it up hot, straight from the oven, and maybe sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving. Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even a mix of quinoa and black beans for a vegetarian option.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Creamy Garlic Chicken

If you’re not into cooking much well, this dish is basically your best friend. Picture this: chicken getting all cozy with garlic and Parmesan sauce, and it all happens in one pan. We’re talking about 30 minutes from start to finish. Pair it with whatever side you like, and cleaning up is super easy. Seriously, it’s a game-changer for a quick and good dinner. Serve this creamy dream over some steamed rice or alongside a crisp salad to round out your meal. For something different, throw in some mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Imagine whipping up a delicious dinner in just 20 minutes. That’s what you get with these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Chicken and garlic butter come together in a single pan. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something good but don’t want to spend forever cooking and cleaning. Slide these bites onto some toothpicks and serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple veggie mix. Feel free to spice it up with some red pepper flakes or hot paprika for an extra kick.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

This one-pot meal is ready in 45 minutes. Mushrooms, broth, cream, and spices all cook up into a comforting soup. It’s straightforward and doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes to wash. Great for any dinner where you want something good without a lot of effort. Offer it with a sprinkle of parsley and a dollop of sour cream alongside a slice of toasted sourdough.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Here’s the deal: toss sausage and veggies on a sheet pan, bake for 30 minutes, and you’ve got yourself a meal. It’s about as straightforward as it gets. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. This is your go-to for a fast and easy dinner, especially when you’ve got better things to do than hang out in the kitchen. Plop this on the table with some crusty bread for an effortless, complete meal. Mix up the veggies based on what’s in season for a fresh take every time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

For the comfort of a chicken pot pie without all the work, this soup’s got you covered. In about an hour, with just one pot, you get a comforting soup that’s a hit with everyone. It’s great for cooler nights when you crave something filling. Serve this soup in big bowls, maybe with a pie crust cracker or two on the side for that full pot pie effect. For a different flavor, try adding some sweet corn or diced potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

This dish is simple: sausage and cabbage in one pan, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect if you want a good meal without putting in a ton of effort. Plus, with everything cooking together, cleanup is super easy. Just slice some fresh bread to go along with it, and dinner’s ready to hit the table. Experiment by adding apple slices or caraway seeds for a different taste.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Here’s a 30-minute meal that feels like a treat. Shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes cook up in one pan. It’s a great pick for when you want something really good but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. For a complete meal, serve this over a bed of freshly cooked pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the great flavors. If you’re looking to mix things up, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce or swapping spinach for kale.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

If you’re trying to avoid a kitchen mess, this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is your hero. It only takes 30 minutes and one pan to get boneless chicken thighs bathed in a flavorful sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s the perfect pick for when you’re busy but still want something great to eat. Toss this chicken over some pasta or rice for a hearty meal. If you like, add a handful of spinach for some greens. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for an easy dinner option for tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Sausage Curry

Sausage Curry shakes up your dinner game in just one pan. This mix of sausage, veggies, and curry sauce cooks up fast, making it a solid choice for spice lovers on a tight schedule. Serve it over rice or with naan to soak up all that great flavor. To switch things up, try different types of sausage to find your favorite combo. This curry can be refrigerated for a few days, and it’s one of those dishes that might even taste better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

For a quick dinner with almost no cleanup, then this is it. Beef, cauliflower rice, cheese, and mushrooms all cook up in one pan. It’s ready in 30 minutes, and it’s a solid meal for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something good. This skillet is great on its own, but feel free to add a green salad on the side for some freshness. Try swapping the beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

If cooking’s not your thing, this soup will speak to you. You just need 30 minutes and one pot. Sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes come together for a really comforting soup. It’s perfect for those days when you need something good to eat without a lot of work. Ladle this soup into bowls and serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping. Add some spinach or kale for a green boost if you like.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is your go-to for a comforting one-pot meal that’s ready in about an hour. It blends the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory kick of red peppers for a nutrient-packed dinner. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh bread on the side. For a creamy spin, blend the soup until it’s smooth. Cool and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; it reheats beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Green Chile Chicken

Green Chile Chicken gives you a flavorful dinner in 20 minutes flat, using just one skillet. It’s especially great for making quick work of leftover or rotisserie chicken. Serve this with some rice or tucked into tortillas for an easy meal. Feel free to top it with cheese or avocado for extra yum. Leftover chicken can be stored in the fridge and is perfect for a quick taco filling the next day.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

Chicken Corn Soup is what you want when you need a filling dinner without a lot of waiting. In less than an hour, you’ll have a comforting bowl of chicken, veggies, and broth—all from just one pot. Pair it with some crusty bread for a simple, filling meal. Add a dash of chili powder for a little heat if you’re in the mood. This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Dijon Chicken, ready in 30 minutes with just one pan, is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The rich Dijon mustard sauce makes the chicken incredibly flavorful. It’s a hit when you’re short on time. Try serving this chicken over a bed of mashed potatoes to catch all that delicious sauce. Swap in some honey mustard if you prefer a sweeter taste. Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy over the next couple of days; the sauce thickens up and flavors meld nicely.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

In just 30 minutes, Fried Cabbage with Bacon delivers a super delicious, easy dinner. This skillet meal is all about the comforting combo of cabbage and bacon. It’s a straightforward pick for a quick dinner. Serve it as a side, or make it the star of your meal with some diced apples for a sweet taste. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheating it brings back all the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Get Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce on the table in about 30 minutes. This one-pan meal combines chicken thighs with a luxurious creamy mushroom sauce for an effortlessly impressive dinner. Perfect over a heap of pasta or rice. If you like, stir in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor. This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and the sauce may thicken, which is great for spooning over pasta.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is a dream come true for quick and delicious dinners. Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pan meal pairs chicken with artichokes in a creamy sauce. It’s for those nights when you need something filling but easy. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal. The leftovers make a great next-day meal; just store them in the fridge and gently reheat them.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts