22 One Pot Meals That Make Dinner Easy

Busy days call for meals that don’t pile up the dishes. These one-pot and one-pan recipes are easy to pull together and full of flavor. From creamy chicken and shrimp dinners to hearty taco-inspired dishes and cozy pastas, there’s something here for every appetite. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, these meals bring comfort without the cleanup.

Beef Taco Soup

This soup is loaded with ground beef, beans, and taco spices in a rich, savory broth. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own or served with toppings like cheese and sour cream. The flavors develop quickly and deepen with a little simmer time. It’s a go-to for cold nights or quick meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Beef Taco Soup

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts are simmered in a tangy dijon mustard sauce. The cream adds richness without overpowering the bold mustard flavor. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s fast to make but tastes like you spent hours.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

This dish features chicken in a smooth garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s rich without being heavy and goes well with mashed potatoes or noodles. The garlic flavor is mellow and blends perfectly with the cream. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender in this creamy, slightly tangy dish. Artichoke hearts add a soft texture and unique flavor that balances the richness. The sauce comes together in one pan and pairs nicely with pasta or bread. It’s simple but feels like something special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This dish combines chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach in a velvety sauce. It’s bold, slightly sweet, and packed with layers of flavor. Serve over pasta or rice to soak up every bit. A one-pan meal that feels hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Easy Beef and Potato Bake – One Pot Meal

This bake layers ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a savory sauce in one dish. Everything cooks together until tender and golden on top. It’s a filling dinner that doesn’t need sides. Great for using up pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef and Potato Bake – One Pot Meal

One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Rice

Drumsticks cook right on top of seasoned rice for a full meal in one pan. The juices from the chicken soak into the rice as it cooks. A mix of spices gives it plenty of flavor without much effort. It’s a hands-off dinner option that always delivers.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Rice

One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole

This casserole blends seasoned meat, peppers, and rice in one skillet. The flavors of classic fajitas come through in every bite. It’s cheesy, filling, and easy to customize with toppings. Leftovers heat up beautifully.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

This dish combines taco-seasoned ground meat with pasta and a cheesy sauce. It cooks all in one pot, absorbing the flavors along the way. Creamy, spicy, and satisfying, it’s a dinner everyone digs into. A good choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

One Pot Chicken and Rice with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Chicken and rice get a flavor boost from crispy bacon and roasted Brussels sprouts. It all cooks together so the flavors blend. The bacon adds a salty bite that plays well with the tender chicken. It’s a full meal in a single pot.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken and Rice with Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

One Pot Chicken Stew

This stew is filled with chunks of chicken, potatoes, and carrots in a savory broth. Everything cooks down until tender and flavorful. It’s hearty and great with bread on the side. Makes enough for leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken Stew

One Pot French Onion Pasta

Inspired by the soup, this pasta brings in deep caramelized onion flavor. The broth and cheese create a rich sauce that coats every strand. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with umami. A comfort food spin that works any time of year.
Get the Recipe: One Pot French Onion Pasta

One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

Sweet corn gets coated in a creamy cheese sauce with a smoky hint from the gouda. It’s rich, smooth, and a standout side dish or base for a main. A little spice or herbs can balance the richness. Easy to make and even easier to eat.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Bright lemon and creamy ricotta create a light but flavorful pasta sauce. It comes together in minutes and coats every bite evenly. Add fresh herbs or greens for an extra layer. This one is quick and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

This pasta brings together fresh spinach, tomatoes, and a light garlic broth. It all simmers in one pot until the pasta is tender and the sauce clings. A sprinkle of cheese or red pepper flakes finishes it off. Clean, simple, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

One Pot Steak and Black Beans Chili

This chili is rich and filling, with tender steak chunks and hearty beans. A mix of spices gives it heat without overpowering. It simmers into a thick, bold stew. Great with cornbread or over rice.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Steak and Black Beans Chili

One-Pan Egg Sandwich

Everything cooks in one pan for a stacked egg sandwich that’s crisp and gooey. Bread, egg, and cheese all come together in a few minutes. Perfect for breakfast or a quick dinner. It’s easy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.
Get the Recipe: One-Pan Egg Sandwich

Quick & Easy One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs

Juicy meatballs simmer in a light tomato sauce with pasta and Mediterranean herbs. Everything cooks together, blending the flavors as it bubbles. The result is hearty but fresh-tasting. Serve with olives or feta to amp it up.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy One Pot Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs

slow cooker ramen

This version simmers slowly to build a deep, flavorful broth. Add noodles, veggies, and protein just before serving for the best texture. It’s rich, cozy, and hands-off. Let it bubble all day and enjoy a hot bowl whenever you’re ready.
Get the Recipe: slow cooker ramen

Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka

Tomatoes, beans, and spinach make a rich base for eggs to poach in. It’s hearty, saucy, and packed with flavor from spices. Serve with bread to scoop up every bite. A great meatless meal that still satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka

The BEST One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

This cheesy pasta blends taco flavors with creamy macaroni. It all cooks in one pot and comes together fast. Each bite has just enough spice and richness. It’s a favorite with both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: The BEST One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Shrimp cook quickly in a garlic cream sauce with tender spinach. It’s rich without being heavy and full of flavor. Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. A fast weeknight dinner that feels a little fancy.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach