Weeknight dinners can be tough after a long day, but one-pot meals make cooking and cleanup much easier. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these dishes let you enjoy a homemade meal without a lot of fuss. They work whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, offering both convenience and good flavor.
A hearty beef stew is a classic comfort food for colder nights. The slow cooking makes the meat tender and lets the flavors of the broth and vegetables meld together. Use stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, beef broth, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves; celery or peas can be added for extra texture. Brown the beef in a large pot, then add the onions, garlic, and broth. Toss in the vegetables and seasonings and simmer for about an hour, or until the beef is tender, stirring now and then. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Vegetable curry is an easy, satisfying plant-based one-pot meal. Coconut milk and spices create a creamy, flavorful sauce, and you can swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand. Try potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and peas with coconut milk, curry paste, garlic, ginger, and spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Sauté the garlic and ginger, add the curry paste and spices, then stir in the vegetables and coconut milk. Simmer until the veggies are tender and serve over rice or with naan; add chili flakes or chutney if you like more heat.
One-pot pasta primavera is bright, light, and full of vegetables. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up more flavor. Use pasta with zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan, and finish with fresh basil or oregano. Sauté the garlic and vegetables in a pot with olive oil, add the pasta, water, and seasonings, and cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan and herbs before serving. It’s tasty warm or chilled as a pasta salad.
Jambalaya brings bold Cajun flavors to a single pot with chicken, smoked sausage, and rice. Start by browning the sausage and chicken, remove them, then sauté onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic in the same pot. Add rice, broth, tomatoes, thyme, cayenne, and paprika, then return the meats and simmer until the rice is cooked and the flavors have blended. Finish with fresh parsley for color.
Chili is the ultimate one-pot comfort food—warm, filling, and flexible. Brown ground beef or turkey, then sauté onions and garlic. Add beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and any extras like peppers, corn, cumin, or paprika. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, taste and adjust the seasoning, and top with sour cream, cheese, or cilantro. It freezes well, so it’s great for meal prep.
Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, indulgent weeknight dish that’s still simple to make. Cook chicken breasts until browned and set aside. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté garlic, then add heavy cream and Parmesan. Add fettuccine and cook until the pasta is tender and coated in the sauce, then slice the chicken and serve on top. Stir in broccoli or spinach if you want extra veggies, and a pinch of nutmeg brightens the sauce.
Shrimp paella is an elegant-seeming but straightforward one-pot meal. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers, then add rice and a saffron-scented broth with smoked paprika and a squeeze of lemon. Once the rice is nearly done, add shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Stir in peas and finish with fresh parsley for a tasty, colorful dish.
Lentil soup is a nourishing, quick-cooking vegetarian option that’s high in protein and fiber. Sauté carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, then add lentils, vegetable broth, and tomatoes with spices like cumin, turmeric, and bay leaves. Simmer until the lentils are soft and the soup thickens. For a creamier version, stir in a little coconut milk or top with yogurt. Serve with crusty bread.
Chicken pot pie offers all the comfort of a classic in one pot: tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with a flaky crust. Cook chicken and vegetables like carrots, peas, potatoes, onions, and garlic in a pot, add chicken broth and cream, and simmer until the veggies are tender. Transfer the filling to a baking dish, cover with pie crust, and bake until golden. Serve with a simple salad for a full meal.
Pork carnitas are slow-cooked, tender, and full of citrus and spice—perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls. Brown pork shoulder in a pot, then add garlic, onions, orange and lime juice, cumin, and chili powder, plus bay leaves or oregano if you like. Cover and simmer for a few hours until the pork shreds easily. Use the shredded meat in tacos with your favorite toppings or serve alongside rice and beans.
