Quick and delicious weeknight meals plus easy cleanup? Yes, please. The fewer dishes to clean during the week, the better—which is why easy one-pot dinners really hit the spot. Below, we’ve rounded up some amazing one-pot dinners that come together quickly; our list includes everything from one-pot pasta recipes to stir-fries and soups. Get ready to break out your Dutch oven or your Instant Pots!
One-Pot Chicken and Rice Dinner
This is quite possibly one of the most popular one-pot dinners out there, and this version from Iowa Girl Eats is perfection. Halfway between a soup and a risotto, it’s pure comfort food. It takes about an hour, but the prep work is just 15 minutes, so once you get it into your Dutch oven, it’s practically done.
One-Pot Mac and Cheese
If there’s one thing we know, it’s that kids love mac and cheese. This homemade version from Gimme Some Oven is made with just six ingredients and is ready in just 30 minutes. That’s what we call a one-pot dinner delight!
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
Okay, so technically, this is a one-pan dinner, not a one-pot dinner, but you’re still using one piece of cookware, and the result is so tasty that we couldn’t resist. Made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet recipe from Cook the Story will be an instant hit with your crew.
One-Pot Baked Potato Soup
When it comes to one-pot meals, soup is a classic (and a kid favorite). This potato soup from Sweet and Savory Meals has all the good things like bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Even better, it can be made in an Instant Pot. If you’d rather take your time, check out her slow cooker version here.
Easy One-Pot Baked Chicken and Rice Pilaf
Juicy chicken thighs and tasty rice come together in this easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for a Sunday dinner. Get the recipe from The Wooden Skillet.
One-Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
This one-pan pork chop recipe from The Chunky Chef is lighter and healthier than a lot of pork chop recipes out there, and it doesn’t skimp on flavor. Even better, it comes together in 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal idea.
Beef Stir Fry
You can’t go wrong with a lightning-fast stir fry, and this version from Spend with Pennies is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Everything cooks together in one pan, you can adapt ingredients depending on your family's preferences, and the flavorful soy-based sauce is light but delicious.
Greek Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
Sunday dinner just got even better thanks to this drool-worthy recipe from The Greek Foodie A whole roast chicken might sound like a daunting project, but it’s an easy one-pot meal to pull together. Plus, since there are potatoes at the bottom of the pot to catch all the chicken juices, you don’t need to worry about making separate sides.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
We’re always craving chicken parmesan, but it’s a ton of work to make the traditional version with breaded cutlets. That’s why we love this recipe from Erin Lives Whole—you get all those delicious flavors with a fraction of the effort.
Veggie Pasta One Pot Wonder
It makes sense that if you cook pasta in water, you can switch out the water for stock, add chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices and the pasta will cook just as well with the bonus of a self-made sauce. That's what's going in this super simple veggie pasta dish featured in our archives. Garnish with grated cheese, and dinner's done.
Crock Pot Sweet Pork
If you don't have a Crock Pot, this sweet pork recipe from our archives might be the incentive you need to get one. With three simple ingredients in one pot, it works great when you've been raced off your feet and want an easy dinner option. Plus, it makes great leftovers. Serve with salsa and salad, and you're done.
Skillet Steak and Potatoes
Steak and potatoes are a staple almost everyone (even picky eaters) will like, and this version from Carlsbad Cravings comes together in just 30 minutes. Plus, the garlic herb butter gives it something special. Serve with your kids' favorite veggies and you'll have a hearty and easy one-pot dinner.
Related: 19 One-Pot Pasta Recipes That Keep Dirty Dishes to a Minimum
Mexican Chicken and Rice
Here's an easy one-pot dinner you can make with pantry staples. The dish from Erin Clarke at Well Plated uses canned black beans, canned diced tomatoes, and brown rice. You'll also need some fresh veggies, but the recipe is super versatile, so use what you have. Skip the jalapeño if that's too much for the little ones, and top with shredded cheese, avocado, salsa, and sour cream for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Lemony Greek Chicken
A dish of braised chicken thighs that takes little effort and includes sautéed onions and potatoes must be one of the best ways to end a long day. The only fiddly bit is flipping the meat when you sear it at the beginning, the rest is easy as pie. The recipe from Boulder Locavore has a Greek twist with feta and olives but you can always switch out the olives for raisins if you think the kids will prefer a sweeter taste.
Quick One Pot Beef Stew
It's hard to beat a hearty and comforting beef stew and this dish from NerdyMamma is a real crowd-pleaser. The ground beef is browned with fresh or canned veggies and mixed with tomato sauce for a quick weekday dinner in one pot. Head to NerdyMamma for the recipe and serve with crackers or cornbread.
One-Pot Coconut Chicken and Rice
A simple recipe bursting with flavor makes for one delicious dish, courtesy of Emily over at One Lovely Life. In under 30 minutes, you'll have a chicken and rice dish your family will be begging you to make at least once a week.
One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken
Cream, garlic, and chicken all come together in this savory and easy one-pot meal that’s guaranteed to delight everyone in your home. If you’ve got kids who don’t love sauce, set aside a piece of chicken and serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Get the recipe from Carlsbad Cravings.
30-Minute Shrimp, Peas, and Rice
A 30-minute easy one-pot dinner that requires zero chopping, tastes great, and can be doubled for larger families? Yes, please! This shrimp meal from Skinny Taste will be an immediate favorite.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
If this was a staple one-pot dinner when you were a kid, this version from The Forked Spoon will immediately be a favorite. It’s made with real ingredients, can be frozen as a make-ahead meal, and only takes 30 minutes from start to finish.
