15 Easy One-Pan Recipes That Save My Weeknights

Busy nights call for simple meals that don’t leave your sink stacked with pans. These one-pot and one-pan dishes are easy to cook, easy to clean, and still pack in plenty of flavor. Whether it’s a skillet full of crispy chicken or a single pan of bubbling pasta, these recipes are proof you don’t need a lot of fuss to make something worth serving. From fried rice to casseroles and quick stir-fries, here are meals made to save time and still satisfy.

Authentic Shrimp Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!)

Bowl of shrimp fried rice with vegetables, accompanied by a small dish of chili sauce, on a table with a blue checkered cloth. — Authentic Shrimp Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

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This version uses day-old rice, shrimp, eggs, and vegetables for a fast and flavorful meal. Everything cooks in one pan, soaking up soy sauce and sesame oil. The shrimp stay juicy and tender, while the rice gets a nice crisp on the bottom. It tastes just as good as delivery—if not better.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Shrimp Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!)

Beef Veggie Casserole

Beef casserole skillet with cabbage sides. — Beef Veggie Casserole. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Ground beef, tender vegetables, and a creamy base come together in this easy bake. The flavors melt into each other as it cooks, making every scoop hearty and comforting. A crunchy topping adds texture to the soft filling. It’s an all-in-one dinner that fills the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Beef Veggie Casserole

Blackened Walleye Recipe

Blackened Walleye on a white plate with parsley and a fork. — Blackened Walleye Recipe. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This fish cooks quickly in a hot skillet with a bold blackening spice blend. The outside gets a crispy sear while the inside stays flaky. A squeeze of lemon finishes it off. Serve with rice or greens for a low-effort, high-reward meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Walleye Recipe

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Cast Iron Chicken Thigh in Creamy Tomato Sauce with a spoon in a cast iron skillet. — Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Juicy chicken thighs are seared until golden, then simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce. The pan does all the work, locking in flavor and moisture. The sauce clings to every bite of chicken. It’s great served over rice or bread to soak up the extra.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Cabbage beef casserole inside cast iron. — Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Shredded cabbage softens as it bakes with ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. The flavor is rich and slightly sweet from the cabbage. It’s a budget-friendly meal that stretches far. One pan feeds a crowd without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

These meatballs are browned in a hot pan and then finished in a simple tomato sauce. The mix stays juicy without needing breadcrumbs. They’re low-carb and full of flavor. Serve with zucchini noodles or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Easy Keto Hash Browns

Made with grated turnips or cauliflower, these crisp up in one skillet like the classic version. The edges get golden while the centers stay soft. A sprinkle of salt and garlic powder adds all the flavor you need. Great for breakfast or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Hash Browns

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Plate of glazed barbecue chicken thighs garnished with parsley, served on a white plate against a light background. — Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Chicken thighs are seasoned with lemon and black pepper, then glazed with honey as they cook. The skin crisps up while the inside stays juicy. The sauce thickens in the pan and coats every piece. A simple meal with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Honey Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Paleo & Gluten Free)

This sauce comes together in one pot and can be used on stir-fries, chicken, or salmon. It’s sweet, salty, and thick enough to cling to anything. Made with simple pantry ingredients. A go-to when you want flavor fast.
Get the Recipe: Honey Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Paleo & Gluten Free)

How to Boil Farm Fresh Eggs So They Peel Easily

Boiled Farm Fresh Eggs on a white plate with salt and black pepper. — How to Boil Farm Fresh Eggs So They Peel Easily. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Fresh eggs can be tricky to peel, but this method solves the problem. A boil-then-shock approach makes the shells slide right off. No extra equipment needed—just water, ice, and time. Keep this trick in your back pocket year-round.
Get the Recipe: How to Boil Farm Fresh Eggs So They Peel Easily

Low Carb Spaghetti Sauce

This sauce simmers down into a thick, meaty base without any added sugar. Ground beef, herbs, and crushed tomatoes keep it classic. It’s hearty enough to eat on its own or serve with veggie noodles. Cooks in one pot, freezes beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Spaghetti Sauce

Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa

Chunks of mango and spicy habanero roast in the oven before blending into a smooth salsa. It’s sweet, spicy, and just a little smoky. Great over grilled meats or served with chips. One sheet pan and a blender is all it takes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background. — Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This pasta dish uses spicy sausage and bitter broccoli rabe for a bold flavor combo. Everything cooks in one pot, including the pasta. The sauce clings to each piece, making it rich and savory. It’s fast, filling, and feels restaurant-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Sausage Kale Bean Soup

Sausage, kale and bean soup in pot with a wooden spoon. — Sausage Kale Bean Soup. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

A full meal in one pot, this soup is packed with sausage, greens, and creamy beans. The broth gets flavor from garlic and onions sautéed right in the pot. It’s the kind of soup that tastes even better the next day. Warm, comforting, and no fuss.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Kale Bean Soup

Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic

Healthy and flavorful stir-fried Taiwanese spinach with garlic on a brown plate. — Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This leafy green stir-fry comes together in just minutes. The garlic oil coats each stem while keeping the spinach tender. It’s cooked hot and fast, and it’s done before you know it. A great veggie side or light meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic