60 One Pot Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights

This post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links. We appreciate your support!

One pot meal ideas for cooking on the stovetop in a skillet, in the oven in a casserole dish, in a small appliance like an Instant Pot, slowcooker, or air fryer. These easy dinner recipes are perfect for getting food to the table with minimal clean up after!

The photo collage shows several one pot dinner ideas using a skillet or dutch oven.

These delicious one-pot wonder recipes are the easiest way to get good food on the table on busy weeknights.

Simple ingredients are prepared for maximum flavor in fewer pots so you have less dishes to wash, something that is sure to make the whole family cheer.

While none of these recipes require a lot of work, a great meal in less time takes just a few easy tips.

Jump to:

What Counts as a One Pot Dinner?

When the head dinner maker ventures out into the internet to find "easy one-pot meals," the dish they have in their imagination is going to be a little bit different from cook to cook.

Some want an easy casserole they can pop into the oven all at once, but maybe it takes a few extra dishes during the prep process.

Some want an all-in-one skillet dinner that doesn't dirty a single other dish.

Some are ok with a sheet pan dinner as long as everything cooks all at the same time.

Some want a pasta toss and don't mind that you have to drain the pasta before you can build the sauce in the now-empty pot, working in two stages.

For the sake of this list, I've defined a these one-pot recipes as dishes that are finally cooked all in one single vessel:

  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Sheet Pan
  • Casserole Dish
  • Dutch Oven
  • Instant Pot
  • Crock Pot
  • Air Fryer

The end result is the same across all of them: a hearty meal that makes minimal cleanup and takes less time than some of the more complicated dinner recipes out there.

Minimal Clean Up Tips

While these healthy dinner recipes are eventually cooked in just one pot, you still have to prep the ingredients that go into the final dish.

To really ensure that you spend less time in the kitchen overall, here are my best dish washing tips to make everything run smoothly:

  1. Repurpose: You don't need separate mixing bowls or cutting boards, use what you have over and over again vs. taking a fresh dish from the cabinet. Prep all raw veggies, cheeses, and fruits, BEFORE any raw meats and you don't even need a new cutting board or knife.
  2. Rinse As You Go: The longer things sit, the more they stick. Even if you don't fully wash as you go, just rinse anything with sauces or beaten eggs or anything sticky as soon as you can. When washing time comes, it will go so much faster.
  3. Wash While it Cooks: This is the BEST part about a one pot meal. Every recipe on the list will have some unattended cooking time that you can work your way through the dish pile. Having a neat and clean kitchen with just one pot of delicious dinner ready to serve makes the post-meal clean-up go so fast!

One Pot Skillet Recipes

The easiest one pot meals are usually made in a skillet right on the stovetop.

Using prepared items like frozen meatballs and frozen veggies make them go even faster!

A pan filled with the finished peanut butter noodles topped with green onions.

Baked Cheese Tortellini Skillet

This easy baked cheese tortellini skillet starts on the stovetop and then finishes in the oven. Easy prepared tortellini with fresh veggies and the ground meat of your choice is a huge hit with kids.

Baked Cheese Tortellini
This easy skillet pasta recipe combines refrigerated cheese tortellini with light ground turkey and a seasoned tomato sauce. Top it with crispy panko bread crumbs and bake it in the oven for a quick take on lasagna.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A bowl of baked tortellini with a slice of garlic bread on the side.

One Pot Taco Skillet

Grab a bag of tortilla chips from the store and serve this one pot taco skillet right on the table! My kids love dipping and dunking their way through this dish.

Easy Taco Skillet
This easy taco skillet will be your new favorite way to enjoy tacos with the kids. Serve the delicious filling in the skillet nad let everyone go dunking with tortilla chips.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A cast iron skillet holds ground turkey taco skillet with melted cheese and fresh green onions sprinkled over the top.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

The butter sauce for this shrimp skillet recipe has white wine and lemon, it is so delicious you'll want to sop up every last drop with some crusty bread.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
This super quick recipe for garlic butter shrimp is made in a skillet on the stovetop in just 3 minutes. There's plenty of flavorful lemon butter sauce to dunk fresh bread or stir in cooked pasta or rice.
Inspired by Lucy Buffet's recipe from her Lulu's Kitchen cookbook.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A big bowl of buttery shrimp with garlic bread for dunking.

Creamy Taco Pasta Skillet

Cream cheese is the tangy thickener to this homemade "hamburger helper" style skillet supper.

Creamy Taco Pasta Skillet
This lightened up one pot recipe is the perfect family-friendly comfort food. Made with lightened up ground turkey, diced tomatoes, and your family's favorite taco seasoning, this easy skillet dinner is always a huge hit.
4.50 from 6 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A bowl of elbow noodles coated in a creamy taco mac sauce with ground turkey.

Baked Shrimp Scampi with Breadcrumbs

You could just add a simple bagged salad to this baked shrimp scampi skillet because the bread crumb topping is so hearty.

Baked Shrimp Scampi with Breadcrumbs
This easy baked shrimp recipe is delicious served as an appetizer or as a dinner entree spooned over pasta or with crispy fresh bread. The buttery bread crumb topping adds crunch while the lemon butter sauce keeps the shrimp tender.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A pan with shrimp with a thick bread crumb topping over the top.

Best Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

If you don't want to dirty a second pot to boil some pasta, just make these Italian meatballs and serve them in sandwich buns for homemade meatball subs.

Italian Meatballs
Make a batch of these easy Italian meatballs and you'll have enough to serve over pasta with tomato sauce one night and make a batch of Italian wedding soup on another night. The meatballs can be prepped and stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for later.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A skillet filled with meatballs and tomato sauce sprinkled with Italian herbs.

Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs Stir Fry

Prepared frozen meatballs with canned pineapple make this a quick fix on a busy night. You can buy cooked rice in the freezer section and just heat it up in the microwave.

Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs Stir Fry
This quick and easy dinner recipe uses Aidells pineapple and teriyaki chicken meatballs from Costco with a few simple ingredients to make a delicious family dinner in minutes.
4.98 from 44 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A serving of teriyaki meatballs with pineapple and vegetables over rice.

Stir Fry Beef and Broccoli

The original recipe asks to roast the broccoli in the oven but you could substitute a bag of frozen broccoli to make this a one-pot meal.

Stir Fry Beef and Broccoli
This easy prep ahead stir fry beef and broccoli can be whipped together quickly even on a busy night. Tender strips of flank steak with crispy broccoli coated in a savory sauce that beats your favorite take out place. Serve over noodles or rice.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
The white bowl has the stir fried beef and broccoli with chopped green onions over a bed of white rice against a blue background.

Romano Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Sauce

Just add a loaf of crusty bread to go with this lemony meatball dish. Fresh asparagus can be sautéed right in the skillet for the full meal.

Chicken Romano Meatballs
This light and delicious romano meatballs are made from ground chicken, Italian seasonings, and grated cheese and are browned in a delicious lemon garlic sauce with fresh asparagus. Serve them over a dish of buttered noodles or enjoy them for a simple dinner on their own.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A skillet filled with meatballs, lemon slices, and asparagus spears.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Pile this savory ground beef on sandwich rolls and add a bag of chips and some fruit for an easy dinner.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
The perfect busy night family dinner: these delicious philly cheesesteak sloppy joes come together in a pinch and have lots of chopped veggies in the mix.
4.50 from 6 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A blue plate has a sloppy joe sandwich next to baked french fries with fresh veggies in the back.

Chicken Fried Rice

Use leftover white rice and shredded rotisserie chicken to make this quick take out dish from scratch at home.

Easy Chicken Fried Rice
This easy stove-top fried rice recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken with a bag of frozen veggies. Quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner, kids will gobble it right up!
5 from 3 votes
GET THE RECIPE

Casserole Recipes

Easy casseroles are a classic one pot dinner strategy. Families loves these recipes because many of them can be prepped in advance the day before and just baked at dinner time.

The baked casserole has a serving spoon scooping out a portion onto a blue plate.

Chicken Pot Pie

My chicken pot pie is made right on the stovetop with a rotisserie chicken. To keep this a fully one-pot meal, just serve the filling with your favorite fresh bread instead of a pot pie crust. My kids especially love it with biscuits.

Lighter Chicken Pot Pie
This light chicken pot pie has a deceptively creamy base just loaded with tender shredded chicken and vegetables. Easy enough for the busiest of weeknights, this is comfort food you'll feel great about serving the family.
5 from 41 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A baking dish with creamy chicken pot pie has phyllo dough on the top.

Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish

This classic tater tot casserole is so popular because you can pop this one pot dinner into the freezer for another time.

Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish
This old fashioned hamburger tater tot casserole has been a family favorite in Minnesota for generations because it is so easy to prep and is a hearty dinner for a cold night. You can make it ahead and freeze it to get prepared for a busy night.
4.96 from 44 votes
GET THE RECIPE
The tater tot casserole has a spoon scooping a serving, you can see the ground beef, green beans, and corn with golden brown tater tots on top.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole

Creamy and cozy, this chicken wild rice casserole has crispy toasted almonds on top for a bit of crunch.

Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
This warm and delicious chicken wild rice casserole has tender chunks of chicken breast in a creamy herb sauce mixed with wild rice and Monterey Jack cheese. Top the baked casserole with crispy bread crumbs and sliced almonds for crunch. You can make it ahead and freeze for a special family dinner down the road.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A white baking dish has chicken wild rice casserole topped with bread crumbs and almonds. A scoop is missing.

Chicken Aflredo and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice is a hearty dish that will fill hungry bellies on a busy night. Sweet peas and roasted red peppers add a dash of color and flavor but it is the alfredo sauce that makes it a winner.

Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole
This comfort food classic is a big hit with kids who love the rich and creamy chicken Alfredo rice. Adults will love the Italian spin on an American casserole. Perfect for a cold and blustery winter night.
4.80 from 5 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A blue plate has a serving of chicken rice alfredo casserole. You can see the red peppers and peas popping up through out the serving.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Casserole

Use prepared pesto sauce, a rotisserie chicken, and a few other simple ingredients and this pasta casserole will be done in a flash.

Pesto Chicken Casserole
This rich and creamy pesto chicken casserole can be prepared in just 20 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner. Simple enough for a weeknight, but festive enough to serve for the holidays.
4.56 from 29 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A blue baking dish filled with alfredo pesto pasta and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. A slotted spoon has scooped out a serving.

Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings

The hardest part of this recipe is chopping the veggies! The dish cooks in simple stages and needs 20 minutes with the lid in place for the dumplings to cook. That's when you can clean up the kitchen.

Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings
Warm and cozy chicken and dumplings comes together in 25 minutes with a few easy prep tips. This delicious chicken soup has savory fluffy dumplings that cook perfectly right on your stovetop thanks to the design of a Dutch oven.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A Dutch oven is filled with chicken and dumplings with fresh chives sprinkled over the top.

Saucy Pork and Noodle Bake

If you've got leftover pork chops or pork tenderloin, this is the one pot meal for you. It is the most popular recipe on my site!

Saucy Pork and Noodle Bake
Kid-friendly comfort food at it's best! Cheesy noodles mixed with corn and leftover pork, it's the perfect casserole to make ahead and keep prepped in your freezer. This recipe is older than dirt, provided by my mom!
4.41 from 282 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A white baking dish is filled with wavy egg noodles, chopped pork, and corn and red peppers to show the final baked saucy pork and noodle bake casserole.

Ham Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

If you've got leftover ham after a holiday, this pot pie has a biscuit topping and is a fun change of pace.

Ham Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping
This rich and delicious ham pot pie is topped with crispy, buttery biscuits. It's the perfect way to use up your leftover ham from Easter or Christmas.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A baking pan filled with ham pot pie filling and topped with fresh homemade biscuits instead of pie crust.

Chicken Tetrazzini

Creamy pasta and tender chicken with sweet peas, but no mushrooms. It's our family rule.

Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
This rich and creamy easy chicken tetrazzini casserole is a big hit with kids. Creamy pasta with shredded chicken and sweet peas is a freezer-friendly casserole you'll make over and over. A “mommy meals” staple.
4.86 from 7 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A blue baking dish has a spoon scooping out a serving of chicken tetrazzini pasta with peas.

Make-Ahead Lasagna Roll-Ups

Lasagna is a classic one pot wonder. I make it for Christmas because I can prep the whole thing days in advance. These roll-ups are a fun weeknight alternative to a classic pan of lasagna.

Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups
This easy lasagna roll-up recipe is filled with a delicious spinach and cheese filling and rich meaty tomato sauce. It's the perfect make-ahead meal for busy families since you can assemble and freeze it for an easy dinner later.
5 from 49 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A serving of beef lasagna rollups is next to a simple green salad with a fork.

Freezer-Friendly Chicken Rice Casserole

Want a make ahead chicken recipe you can stash in the freezer? This one's for you.

Freezer-Friendly Chicken and Rice Casserole
This make ahead chicken rice casserole lets you cook once and eat twice! Make 2 - 3 pans of this creamy chicken and rice casserole loaded with veggies all at once and you'll have food to bring to a friend in need or to stock your freezer for later. 
4.91 from 11 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A metal pan of chicken and broccoli rice casserole is ready for the freezer.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Similar to my saucy pork and noodle bake but made with tender chicken instead.

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
This make-ahead chicken spaghetti casserole is perfect for stashing in your freezer for a busy night. Split the dish into two 8x8-in pans for a small serving dinner or easy side dish.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A square pan of chicken spaghetti is ready to be frozen in aluminum foil wrap.

Easy Italian Sausage Pasta Casserole

My mom's famous recipe. This is the meal train dinner she brings any time a friend needs a little support.

Italian Sausage Pasta Casserole
This delicious Italian sausage pasta casserole mixes Jimmy Dean bulk sausage with fresh spinach for a perfect make-ahead dinner.
4.60 from 45 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A pan of baked Italian sausage pasta casserole has a pair of oven mitts in the background.

Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pots have been wildly popular because they essentially require a one pot meal to be made inside!

The Instant Pot lid is on and it is cooking.

Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Rice

Spice things up by using prepared chicken sausage in this yummy dish.

Cajun Sausage and Rice
Savory cajun sausage and rice is made easy in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. This not-too-spicy dinner is kid-friendly and a great way to use a turkey kielbasa sausage for an easy dinner.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A spicy sausage and rice inside the Instant Pot.

Mediterranean Shrimp and Rice

The shrimp and the rice cook together in the Instant Pot. Baby spinach adds color and flavor.

Spinach Rice with Shrimp
This easy shrimp and rice dish is filled with Mediterranean flavors: garlic, lemon, and spinach. Tender shrimp on a bed of white rice with a yummy lemon garlic sauce.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A bowl filled with white rice, spinach, and seasoned shrimp.

Instant Pot Apricot Chicken

This apricot chicken is one of my personal favorites. The saucy chicken just begs to be served over rice but you could enjoy it over pasta or with fresh bread if you really don't want to dirty another pot.

Instant Pot Apricot Chicken
This sweet and savory apricot chicken is fall-apart tender and a very easy weeknight dinner. Serve it over herb butter rice with the apricot sauce drizzled over the top.
5 from 35 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A baking dish is filled with saucy apricot chicken sprinkled with fresh herbs.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Pick up a stack of naan breads from the grocery store and a bag of frozen broccoli for this one pot butter chicken recipe. It is spicy and creamy and absolutely delicious.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken
This family-friendly Instant Pot recipe is the perfect introduction to Indian flavors for kids. Not too spicy and kids will love dipping warm naan bread into the sauce.
5 from 2 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A dinner bowl has a serving of butter chicken spooned over jasmine rice. Fresh cilantro is sprinkled over the top.

Instant Pot Ground Turkey Soup

Instant Pot makes amazing soup that tastes like it slow cooked all day. This is one of our favorites and hits the dinner rotation over and over again.

Instant Pot Ground Turkey Soup
This rich and hearty ground turkey soup is filled with tender vegetables and tastes like it has been slowcooked all day but takes less than an hour with your Instant Pot. Serve with fresh bread.
4.92 from 50 votes
GET THE RECIPE
The finished ground turkey soup is ready to be served from the Instant Pot.

Slow Cooker Recipes

Similar to the Instant Pot, cooking with a slowcooker all but guarantees you're making a one pot dinner.

The slowcooker sits on the kitchen counter.

Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Ground Beef

Tomato based broth and green beans add so much flavor to this easy slowcooker soup.

Crockpot Tortellini Soup
This hearty slowcooker tortellini soup is the perfect vegetable soup to keep simmering on a busy day. Rich tomato broth, savory ground beef, and fluffy cheese tortellini make a satisfying dinner with fresh bread or a side salad.
5 from 2 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A crockpot has tortellini soup with a tomato broth base.

Crockpot Chicken Soup

Need some comfort food? Nothing satisfies quite like a classic chicken soup. You can add wavy egg noodles if you like.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This delicious and easy crockpot chicken soup is an easy healthy dinner to make on a lazy weekend afternoon or busy work night for your family. Tasty chunks of fresh vegetables and yummy egg noodles make this a big hit with kids.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A white bowl of chicken noodle soup sits on a blue plate. There are wavy egg noodles and fresh parsley peeking out of the broth.

Crockpot Creamy Chicken

Turn this into Mexican rice bowls, use it as a burrito filling, or dunk tortilla chips into this hearty dish filled with protein due to the chicken breast and a can of refried beans.

Mexican Style Crockpot Creamy Chicken
Use this easy Crockpot creamy chicken spooned over a bowl of rice and top it with salsa and green onions for a spicy Mexican rice bowl to feed a crowd! This easy dinner is the perfect party buffet item when you offer plenty of toppings like chopped jalapeños, fresh cilantro, avocado, and a variety of salsas, hot sauces, and sour cream.
4 from 2 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A bowl of rice is topped with crockpot creamy chicken made with cream cheese and topped with salsa and green onions.

Slowcooker Jambalaya with Rice

Can't decide between chicken, sausage, or shrimp? Have all 3!

Slowcooker Jambalaya
This hearty chicken jambalaya features spicy sausage and tender shrimp and plenty of savory vegetables. To stretch the meal even further, stir in cooked rice for a comforting stew your family will love!
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
The cooked sausage and peppers and celery in a slow cooker.

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

You can prep the sloppy joe mix as far in advance as you want if you plan to freeze it. Just keep it warm in the Crock Pot at dinner time.

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
Prepare this Crock Pot Sloppy Joes recipe for a make ahead dinner on a busy night or freezer meal for dinner down the road. Serve it on hamburger buns, over a baked potato, or with tater tots for a family-friendly dinner.
4.41 from 5 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A sloppy joe sandwich on a soft bun has some filling dripping onto the plate and potato chips on the side.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

There are a dozen different ways to use pulled pork to make a full dinner that don't require much more work. The easiest? Add a container of prepared mashed potatoes from the grocery store and a frozen bag of corn.

Pulled Pork
This is the best pulled pork recipe for the oven or slow cooker. Seasoned with a delicious pulled pork rub before it is cooked, enjoy it with or without BBQ sauce drizzled over the top.
5 from 2 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A barbecue pulled pork sandwich is on a plate next to potato chips.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta

The creamy sauce in this pasta dinner has sundried tomatoes and spinach for plenty of flavor.

Slowcooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes and baby spinach tossed together with tender farfalle or penne is an easy dinner for a busy night.
5 from 6 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A CrockPot has a batch of Tuscan chicken with sundried tomatoes and spinach.

Crockpot Chicken Taco Chili

Microwave a potato and top it with this lighter and healthier chicken taco chili and a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions.

Crockpot Chicken Taco Chili
This quick and easy crockpot chicken chili is perfect for stuffing a baked potato or assembling a homemade burrito bowl with leftover rice.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A baked potato is stuffed with crockpot chicken taco chili and then topped with corn and a dollop of sour cream.

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Just like the mall's food court chicken, you could eat this as is or over egg noodles, rice, or in a wrap.

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
This sweet and sticky bourbon chicken is cooked in a crock pot for an easy weeknight dinner. Serve the shredded meat over a bowl of rice and spoon some of the delicious spicy-sweet sauce over the top.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A bowl of rice is topped with shredded bourbon chicken from the crockpot.

One Pot Air Fryer Recipes

Even air fryers can make an all in one pot meal! Depending on the size of your fryer, you may have to work in batches if you're trying to feed more than 1 or 2 at a time.

The salmon and prepared green beans are sitting next to the air fryer.

Air Fryer Salmon and Green Beans

The perfect recipe for 2 (or 4 if you work in stages.) The salmon and green beans cook all at once.

Air Fryer Salmon
Learn how to cook salmon in an air fryer for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner. Add fresh green beans and you'll have a one pot recipe you turn to again and again.
5 from 2 votes
GET THE RECIPE
Two salmon filets are surrounded by fresh green beans in an air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas

Prep the chimichangas ahead of time and you can air fry them all at once.

Air Fryer Chicken Chimichangas
These make ahead chimichangas are filled with shredded chicken, shredded cheese, and easy vegetables for a quick and easy dinner in a pinch. You can prep them in advance and freeze them for an even faster dinner on a busy night.
5 from 34 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A crispy chimichanga has been sliced open to show the melted cheese inside. Sour cream and salsa are on top.

Air Fryer Jerk Chicken and Peppers

Buy fluffy pita breads and stuff them with this chicken and peppers mix.

Air Fryer Jerk Chicken
Caribbean Jerk chicken with bell peppers and onions cooked in the air fryer or roasted in the oven make a quick dinner recipe for serving with rice, sweet potatoes, or pasta.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A bowl of cooked jerk chicken with red and yellow bell peppers and onions.

Tandoori Marinated Chicken in the Air Fryer

Slice the chicken once it is cooked and pile it high on a pita wrap with fresh tomatoes.

Tandoori Chicken in the Air Fryer
Tender and juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a spicy yogurt sauce and then roasted to perfection in just minutes with your air fryer. Serve this savory chicken with spiced vegetables, a simple green salad, and some warmed naan bread.
5 from 3 votes
GET THE RECIPE
Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken on a white plate. Salad sits in the background.

Sheet Pan Recipes

Sheet pan recipes are an awesome dinner time hack, but you need to watch that you don't overcrowd the pans or the food will steam rather than roast.

In some instances, I choose to make this a two-pan dinner so that I can spread things out a little more but they all still cook at the same time.

Two sheet pans hold roasted green beans, roasted potatoes, and a breaded sheet pan chicken cutlet.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies

This is the essential one pot recipe most people imagine when they search for sheet pan recipes. Chicken, potatoes, and green beans. YUM.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies
This easy prep one pan chicken and veggies recipe is perfect for the busiest weeknights. Kids will gobble up the breaded chicken with buttery potatoes and green beans.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
Two sheet pans hold roasted green beans, roasted potatoes, and a breaded sheet pan chicken cutlet.

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables

A seafood alternative to the chicken dinner mentioned above. A squeeze of lemon juice makes it so tasty.

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables
This easy entree salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner. Lemon garlic shrimp is served with roasted veggies over crisp lettuce and drizzled with an olive oil & butter sauce.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A blue plate has a bed of lettuce topped with lemon garlic shrimp and roasted red peppers and asparagus spears.

Sheet Pan Cuban Sliders

I totally count these sheet pan Cuban sliders as a one pot dish since they all bake in the oven at the same time.

Cuban Sliders
Use up leftover pork to make these easy Cuban pork slider sandwiches with ooey gooey cheese and a crispy pickle. They make a delicious family dinner or easy appetizer for friends. This is the party size version of the smaller kid-friendly recipe featured in The Totally Awesome Ultimate Kids' Cookbook.
5 from 47 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A white platter of mini slider sandwiches.

Sheet Pan Ham and Cheese Sliders

Even more basic than the Cubans, this only requires deli ham and cheese with an amazing mustard topping.

Gooey Ham and Cheese Sliders
These totally easy, utterly delicious, Hawaiian roll ham and cheese sliders are perfect for making for your next party. Make a big pan in minutes and watch them disappear.
4.93 from 38 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A filled baking pan of mini ham sliders with butter dripping off the top and a sprinkle of poppyseeds on each one.

BBQ Chicken Sliders

If you don't have leftover BBQ chicken, you can actually buy it in tubs at the grocery store in the refrigerated aisle.

BBQ Chicken Sliders
These easy to assemble BBQ chicken sliders have just the right amount of filling, melting cheese, and a deliciously buttery crisp topping. They will fly off the baking pan at your next party or family game night.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A metal baking pan has 3 rows of baked bbq chicken sliders showing the melted cheese oozing out.

Hearty Soup Recipes

Last but not least, I make soup every single week during the fall and winter because I love the very one pot nature of it.

Our entire dinner bubbles away in my big soup pot while a loaf of one of these bread machine recipes bakes away in the bread maker. Hands off dinner winning!

The finished soup is still in the soup pot with the wooden spoon off to the side.

Spicy Sausage and Lentil Soup

This giant batch of sausage lentil soup is my husband's favorite. It freezes great so you can prep it once and freeze it in smaller portions for easy dinners all season long.

Spicy Sausage and Lentil Soup
This hot and spicy sausage and lentil soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Freezer friendly, kid friendly, perfect for a big crowd with a big appetite.
5 from 2 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A bowl of sausage lentil soup sits on an orange napkin with a spoon ready for eating.

Weight Watchers Tortellini Soup

For a fast and easy soup to make tonight, this is a lighter tortellini soup filled with veggies.

Weight Watchers Tortellini Soup
This light and healthy tortellini soup features plenty of fresh veggies and is only 4 WW points per serving.
4.43 from 14 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A light and healthy tortellini soup has spinach and carrots floating in the broth.

Tuscan Chicken Soup

The first soup recipe I ever published and still a top favorite over a decade later. It is comfort food in a pot.

Tuscan Chicken Soup
This tomato-based tuscan chicken soup is deceptively easy to make for a busy night dinner. Filled with healthy veggies and a shredded rotisserie chicken, it's a delicious soup for families.
4.49 from 31 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A bowl of Tuscan chicken soup with round noodles, tomato broth, and fresh veggies chopped up inside.

Gnocchi Soup with Lemon and Dill

So few ingredients, so much flavor. Light and zippy for spring.

Gnocchi Soup with Lemon and Dill
This light and healthy springtime soup is the perfect quick dinner or light lunch. Serve with warm baguettes and butter.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A bowl of gnocchi soup has chunks of diced carrot and a clear broth. Slices of lemon are on the plate next to the bowl.

Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

My Eastern European genes are so happy when this soup is on the menu. Serve it with warm rye bread.

Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup
This easy sweet and sour cabbage soup is a delicious meatless soup made with tons of fresh veggies and a rich and unique beef and tomato based broth. Sweetened with brown sugar and maple syrup and balanced with lots of fresh lemon juice for a fantastic sweet and sour flavor you'll love. Serve with warm, fresh bread for a healthy dinner and freeze the leftovers for a quick meal another time.
5 from 45 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A white bowl of cabbage soup with a spoon on the side.

Split Pea and Carrot Soup with Leftover Ham

Another great way to use up leftover ham after a holiday. Comfort food in a bowl.

Split Pea and Carrot Soup with Leftover Ham
Hearty split pea and carrot soup is filled with fresh vegetables and savory ham from a leftover ham bone after a holiday feast. Seasoned with a bit of Creole seasoning and cayenne for a pinch of heat, this cozy soup is perfect for making ahead for the freezer.
5 from 1 vote
GET THE RECIPE
A bowl of chunky split pea and carrot soup has chunks of ham floating in the broth.

Stovetop Beef Stew

This hearty stew is made in minutes on the stovetop. Get a package of prepared mashed potatoes from the grocery store to go with it.

Easy Weeknight Beef Stew
This easy beef stew only takes a few minutes of hands-on time to cook and can easily be frozen for busy weeknights.
5 from 48 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A blue dutch oven has a wooden spoon stirring beef stew.

Healthy Chicken Chili with No Beans

Serve this healthy tomato-based chicken chili with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream.

Red Chicken Chili with No Beans
Light and healthy red chicken chili with tons of tomatoes and fresh peppers but no beans. Top it with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and serve with tortilla chips for dunking.
4.43 from 28 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A white bowl of tomato-based chicken chili has shredded cheddar and a dollop of sour cream on top.

Ground Beef Chili Bowls

You could eat this thick beef chili as a chili bowl or use it as an easy chili dog topping.

Ground Beef Chili Bowls
This super-thick ground beef chili bowl recipe is delicious served with Frito chips for dunking but also makes an excellent chili dog topping or baked potato filling.
5 from 50 votes
GET THE RECIPE
A white soup bowl filled with thick ground beef chili topped with shredded cheese and sliced green onions. There's a spoon and a pile of potato chips on the side.

What to Serve with a One Pot Meal

Since the true goal of a one pot dinner is to keep things easy, you can broaden your definition of what fits in a "one pot recipe" by focusing on simple main dishes with super easy side dishes.

I love to throw a pan of these easy baked chicken breasts or broiled chicken tenderloins into the oven and call that my "one pot main."

Then I just add a bag of frozen veggies, raw veggies with dip, some fresh fruit, and an easy starchy side dish like my Instant Pot jasmine rice or herb butter rice, refrigerator biscuits or these one bowl buttermilk drop biscuits if I have energy.

A bagged salad or Caesar salad rounds out just about any meal and doesn't make a mess.

More Family Dinner Tips

If the nightly dinner routine is stressing you out, chances are likely you're making one of these top dinner habit mistakes.

The effort you're putting in to make family dinner for your loved ones is so important. You're doing amazing, it's ok to use some shortcuts to keep from burning out!

Focus less on the food and more on the connection with your family and you're one step closer to saving the world.

The photo collage show 4 separate one pot meals in a skillet, dutch oven, or bowl.

Share Your Thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *