11 Easy One-Pot Meals for Less Fuss at Mealtime

One pot or pan and a whole lot less cleanup? Count us in.

These easy meals prove you don’t need a pile of dishes to bring plenty of flavor, fruits, and veggies to the table. From comforting soups and skillet dinners to an oatmeal that tastes like apple pie, there’s something here for busy weeknights, slow mornings and everything in between. So, grab a pot or pan and get cooking!

One-Pot Pasta and Rice

Pasta and rice are weeknight staples for a reason. Add plenty of colorful veggies and big flavor, and you’ve got a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.

One-Pan Pasta with Chicken, White Beans, Spinach & Roasted Red Peppers

Chicken, pasta, creamy white beans, spinach and roasted red peppers come together in one pan for an easy weeknight dinner. With just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, this recipe also reheats well for meals throughout the week.

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Vegetable Paella-Style Rice

This colorful take on the classic Spanish rice dish brings tomatoes, bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms and artichoke hearts together in one pan. Warm spices add plenty of flavor while the rice simmers right alongside the veggies.

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One Pot Veggie Hamburger Helper

Give a nostalgic dinner favorite a veggie-forward glow-up. Mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots join pasta and ground turkey or beef in one skillet before cheese and Greek yogurt are stirred in for a creamy finish.

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Soups and Stews

There’s a reason soups and stews are one-pot classics. Add your ingredients, let the flavors mingle and get ready for something warm and satisfying.

Gramma’s Famous Veggie Soup

This hearty soup is loaded with potatoes, carrots, celery, cabbage, tomatoes, black beans and cannellini beans. Make a big pot for a cozy family meal, with plenty left to enjoy throughout the week.

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Meatball Minestrone

Here’s one for the “what can I make with what I already have?” file. Carrots, celery, tomatoes, peas, and garbanzo beans join pasta and meatballs in one big pot. Make it your own by tossing in other veggies you have on hand.

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Lentil & Short Rib Chili

Warm up with a hearty combination of lentils and short ribs. Everything comes together in one pot for fewer dishes and plenty of comforting flavor.

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One-Skillet Meals

No pot? No problem. One trusty skillet is all you need for these veggie-packed meals.

Skillet Lasagna

All the comfort of lasagna, no layering required. Zucchini, mushrooms and onion team up with ricotta, mozzarella, tomatoes and lasagna noodles for a veggie-packed meal that’s ready in about 40 minutes.

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Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet

All the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls, without the rolling. Ground turkey, cabbage, tomatoes, onion, and garlic simmer together before brown rice joins the skillet for a hearty meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

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One-Pot and Skillet Breakfasts

One-pot meals aren’t only for dinner. These easy breakfast recipes keep morning cooking simple, too. Or serve them later in the day when breakfast-for-dinner is calling.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

Pie for breakfast? We’re in. Apples cook right alongside oats, cinnamon, ginger, applesauce, and a little maple syrup for a warm and cozy breakfast made entirely in one saucepan. Make extra to reheat throughout the week.

bowl of hot oatmeal with diced apples in it

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Easy Shakshuka

Eggs simmer right in a zesty tomato sauce with bell peppers and zucchini in this colorful take on the North African favorite. Add some crusty bread for scooping up every last bite.

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One Pot Breakfast Casserole

Hash brown potatoes, roasted red peppers, kale, eggs, and melty cheese layer together in this make-ahead casserole. Serve it for brunch, prep it for busy mornings or lean into breakfast-for-dinner on a weeknight.

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One Pot, Plenty of Possibilities

A good one-pot recipe can take some of the work out of mealtime. Whether you’re simmering soup, tossing together a skillet dinner or starting the day with a warm breakfast, fewer dishes means you can spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying what you’ve made.

For even more inspiration, explore our One Pot Meals and other Quick & Easy recipes.

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