5 Easy One-Pot Meals: Quick, Delicious, and No Mess!

We are quickly approaching the holiday season and cooking time may be limited. My life-saver has been one-pot mealsfor busy weeknights, packed schedules, and anyone looking for a hassle-free yet delicious dinner solution. These recipes below from my grandmother and mother will allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan, saving you time on both prep and cleanup.

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Here are five of what I believe to be the best one-pot meals that you and your family will love.

1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

A comforting and flavorful classic, this one-pot chicken and rice dish combines tender chicken with perfectly seasoned rice, all in one pot.

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Ingredients:

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• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then brown it on both sides (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add the rice, stirring to coat with the oil and onion mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
6. Stir in the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking (if using).
7. Serve with lemon wedges.

2. One-Pot Pasta Primavera

This vibrant and healthy pasta dish is packed with fresh vegetables and comes together quickly in just one pot!

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Ingredients:

• 12 oz. spaghetti or any long pasta
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the pasta, broth, mixed vegetables, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes to the pot.
3. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
4. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the vegetables are tender. Most of the liquid will absorb into the pasta.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

3. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff

Creamy, hearty, and rich, this one-pot beef stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients:

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• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz. egg noodles
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
2. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and egg noodles. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. Stir in the browned beef and sour cream.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

4. One-Pot Lentil Curry

This vegetarian-friendly, protein-packed lentil curry is both nutritious and delicious, with fragrant spices and a creamy texture.

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Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup spinach (optional)
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and softened.
2. Add the curry powder and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.
5. If using spinach, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges before serving.

5. One-Pot Sausage and White Bean Stew

This hearty stew is loaded with flavorful sausage, creamy beans, and veggies, perfect for a quick and filling meal.

Photo byHolly SpangleronUnsplash

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 can (15 oz.) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into pieces as it cooks.
2. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots until softened.
3. Add the white beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rosemary, and thyme. Stir in the cooked sausage.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.

These one-pot meals are easy to make, full of flavor, and require minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Enjoy!