25 One-Pot Meals That Make Dinner Planning Easy

If you’re a working parent or not a fan of dirty dishes, consider one-pot meals. They simplify dinner planning without sacrificing flavor or variety. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these dishes cut down on cleanup and streamline prep — making them perfect for busy weeknights.

One-pot meals are also helpful whenever you need a low-effort option that still feels like a home-cooked meal. Need inspiration? Here’s a list of 25 ideas to bring ease to your dinner routine. From hearty soups to veggie-packed pastas, each recipe is designed for convenience. 

1. Creamy chicken mushroom

This creamy chicken mushroom dish brings together tender chicken breasts, mushrooms, garlic and herbs in a smooth, savory sauce. Everything cooks in a single skillet, making it a great option when you want a flavorful meal with minimal prep and cleanup.

Creamy mushroom chicken is also versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice or alongside vegetables to change it up. 

2. Easy hamburger goulash

Easy hamburger goulash is a satisfying one-pot meal that brings together browned ground beef, onions, bell peppers and elbow macaroni in a savory tomato-based sauce. Seasoned with garlic, paprika and herbs, it simmers until the pasta absorbs the flavors — all in the same pot. 

What makes it great for busy cooks? There’s minimal prep and everything goes into one pan. Hamburger goulash makes an easy and stress-free dinner.

3. Lazy lasagna

Lazy lasagna is a comforting one-pot twist on the traditional dish, layering broken lasagna noodles with ground beef (or meat-free crumbles), marinara sauce and a blend of ricotta and mozzarella. Everything cooks together in a deep skillet, allowing the noodles to absorb sauce and cheese.

As the name implies, lazy lasagna requires less work than the traditional method, skipping pre-boiling noodles and lifting layers. Just add ingredients in order, simmer until bubbly and you’re done.

4. Indian lamb shoulder curry

Indian lamb shoulder curry is a rich, aromatic one-pot meal that simmers tender lamb in a blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger and curry spices. The long simmer method allows the meat to soak up bold flavors while the sauce thickens naturally in the same pot.

The best thing about this one-pot meal is that it delivers deep, delicious flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect go-to for busy weeknight dinners.

5. Cream of salmon

Cream of salmon is a warm and creamy soup made in a single pot with fresh salmon filets, chopped celery, onion, garlic and a dash of dried dill. The rich broth comes together when you simmer the salmon until flaky, then stir in cream to create a smooth, flavorful base. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes.

6. Mediterranean lentil soup

Mediterranean lentil soup is a wholesome, appetizing one-pot meal made by simmering lentils with tomatoes, onions, garlic, carrots and warm spices like cumin and oregano. The result? A satisfying broth packed with tender vegetables and perfectly seasoned lentils.

What makes it ideal for single-pot cooking is how everything is cooked together from beginning to end — you don’t have to sauté in one pan and simmer in another. With quick prep and just one pot to wash, it’s a smart choice for easy weeknight dinners.

7. Hearty chili mac

Hearty chili mac is a comforting choice that combines ground beef, onions, garlic and elbow macaroni in a thick tomato-spiced sauce. Seasoned with chili powder and pepper, this one-pot meal cooks everything together while the pasta absorbs the savory flavors. 

If you’re in a pinch, this one-pot recipe is a go-to idea that still feels homemade. Just sauté, simmer and stir in cheese right in the same pot. No extra dishes to wash.

8. Family-friendly chicken and rice

Cook a one-pot meal for the entire household with this family-friendly chicken and rice recipe. It starts with boiling juicy chicken thighs in a single pot, building flavor from the first step. Add sautéed onions, garlic and mixed vegetables before stirring in rice and broth, then cover and let it simmer.

This recipe is a busy cook’s best friend — no need to cook ingredients separately or juggle pans. With everything simmered together, cleanup is quick and dinner is ready within the hour.

9. Italian sausage pasta

This pasta dish combines savory Italian sausage, sautéed onions and bell peppers with pasta and marinara-style sauce in one pot. All you have to do is brown the sausage, sauté vegetables, then add pasta and liquid right into the same skillet. As the pasta simmers in the seasoned broth and tomatoes, it absorbs the rich flavors, creating a delicious meal. 

10. Chicken pozole verde

Chicken pozole verde is a vibrant one-pot meal that consists of shredded chicken, hominy and a bright, tangy green broth all simmered in the same pot. The broth — made with tomatillos, jalapeño peppers, garlic, onion, cilantro and lime — soaks into the hominy and chicken to create a rich flavor.

Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish combines searing, simmering and seasoning steps in one pot. Spoon it into bowls, add fresh toppings and you have a comforting Sunday dinner. 

11. Chickpea curry with rice

If you’re vegetarian, vegan or trying something new, this plant-based chickpea curry with rice is a creamy one-pot meal to consider. It combines chickpeas, coconut milk, tomatoes and a blend of warming spices like cumin and turmeric. 

Everything simmers in a single pot, allowing the curry to thicken and the ingredients to meld into a rich, satisfying sauce. Just season, add liquids and chickpeas and let it cook all in one vessel. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice for a wholesome dinner.

12. French onion pasta

French onion pasta brings the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup into a satisfying one-pot pasta dish. The recipe combines onions, pasta, broth and cheese in a single pot to create a flavor-packed, cozy family meal — all while simplifying both prep and cleanup. 

13. Sausage jambalaya

Sausage jambalaya is another vibrant one-pot meal idea that layers smoked sausage, bell peppers, onions, celery and long-grain rice in a delicious broth. Seasoned with paprika, cayenne and a bay leaf, the ingredients cook together in a single pot for the rice to absorb the spicy, savory juices.

This dish excels at simplifying your dinner — everything is sautéed and simmered together without switching pans. It’s a hearty meal that brings bold Louisiana-style flavor to every bite.

14. Mexican pasta

Mexican pasta is a flavorful one-pot meal that brings together pasta shells, black beans, corn and diced tomatoes in a single pot with a zesty blend of chili powder and cumin. As the pasta simmers, it absorbs the bold Mexican-inspired flavors. 

This aromatic recipe is perfect for one-pot dinners. Simply sauté all the ingredients together, then simmer until perfectly cooked. There’s minimal prep and only one pot to clean, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. 

15. Cheeseburger pasta

Cheeseburger pasta is a clever one-pot dish that combines your traditional cheeseburger ingredients, like seasoned ground beef and cheddar cheese, with elbow macaroni and sautéed onions. Simmer it together in a savory beef broth sauce and a splash of mustard for the classic flavor in pasta form.

As an easy one-pot dinner idea, you simply brown the beef and onions, add broth, pasta and cheese, then let it all cook together in a single pan. Consider this crowd-pleasing dinner solution for busy evenings.

16. Nikujaga

Have you heard of nikujaga? It’s a Japanese stew that consists of sweet potatoes, sliced beef, onions and carrots in a sweet soy-based sauce. Everything simmers in one pot, allowing the flavors to blend, the meat to tenderize and the vegetables to soften into a cozy mix.

Give this wholesome, family-friendly entree a try. With minimum prep and only one pot to clean, it’s quick to make and enjoy around the table.

17. Ground bison chili

Ground bison chili is a hearty one-pot choice if you’re craving something meaty and aromatic. It’s a blend of lean ground bison, diced onions, bell peppers, garlic and spices simmered in crushed tomatoes and broth. The result? A rich, tangy chili ready in less than an hour.

18. Cheesy meatball Parmesan bake

This cheesy meatball Parmesan bake recipe features tender turkey meatballs nestled in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted Parmesan, baked until golden.

Everything cooks together as a one-pot meal — meatball prep, sauce and cheese baking — so there’s no juggling multiple pans. Dinner comes together with minimal effort and a mess-free kitchen.

19. Cowboy stew

Cowboy stew is a hearty meal choice that consists of seared beef, diced carrots, celery and potatoes simmered together in a tomato-based broth. Seasoned with paprika, black pepper, salt and a bay leaf, the vegetables soften with the beef and create a thick, flavor-packed stew.

After browning the meat, simply add the veggies and broth to simmer everything until tender — great for a one-pot meal. No extra dishes necessary.

20. Chicken and sausage jambalaya

Chicken and sausage jambalaya is a bold one-pot dish to try. It layers sautéed chicken, smoked sausage, onions, bell peppers and celery with long-grain rice in a spiced broth seasoned with paprika, thyme and a bay leaf. As everything simmers together, the rice absorbs the rich flavors.

This hearty, well-rounded meal works great for busy cooks. Sautéing and simmering happen in the same pot for streamlined prep and easy cleanup.

21. Taco soup with ranch dressing 

Taco soup with ranch dressing is a cozy one-pot meal that combines traditional taco ingredients — ground beef, beans, bell peppers, onions and corn — in a savory, tomato-based broth. Seasoned with spices, it’s finished with a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing for a cool, tangy contrast.

This recipe works perfectly as a one-pot meal because you cook everything in the same pot, stir in broth and seasoning, then simmer until done. It’s both simple and satisfying to feed the whole family.

22. Chana masala

Have a taste for Indian cuisine? Consider chana masala. It’s a flavorful one-pot meal that brings together chickpeas, onions, garlic, ginger and a blend of spices like cumin and garam masala. Everything cooks under pressure in the same pressure cooker to deliver tender legumes in a rich, aromatic sauce.

23. Colorful peppers and sausage

This vibrant one-pot meal consists of smoked sausage, bell peppers and onions in a savory broth. Infused with garlic and herbs, the simmering sausage releases its smoky flavor into the mix. Since you sauté everything in one pot, you can enjoy this wholesome dinner without extra effort.

24. Creamy chicken risotto with fresh herbs

Comforting creamy chicken risotto with fresh herbs works brilliantly as a one-pot meal. You build depth in the same pot from start to finish, sautéing onions and garlic before stirring in Arborio rice and broth. Tender chicken pieces cook with the rice, simmering into a rich, creamy texture with savory flavor.

Sprinkle fresh herbs at the end for a bright, fragrant finish. Consider this dish a great pick for any night you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without the hassle.

25. Chicken cordon bleu casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole brings chopped chicken, diced ham and a creamy cheese sauce together in one baking dish for an easy, comfort food dinner idea. Everything bakes until bubbly and golden, giving you the layered flavors of the classic dish without using multiple pans. 

This recipe is meant for one-pot cooking. You assemble, bake and serve from the same dish, cutting down on prep and cleanup for a family-ready dinner. 

One-pot meal prep tips

One-pot meals aren’t just great for weeknight dinners — they’re also helpful for meal prep ideas. Since everything cooks in a single pot, these dishes are easy to portion, store and reheat throughout the week. Here are a few simple tips to get the most out of your meals:

• Let everything cool before storing to help preserve texture.
• Use airtight containers to keep meals fresh in the fridge longer.
• Freeze stews, chilis or baked pasta dishes — these meals freeze well and tend to reheat best without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little broth or water to restore moisture.
• Store sauces separately if possible, especially with rice or noodles, to keep textures just right.

Pantry staples to keep on hand

Keeping a few pantry staples on hand makes it easy to whip up a one-pot meal whenever you need a quick, wholesome dish. These ingredients add flavor, bulk and versatility — no last-minute grocery run required. 

• Grains: Long-grain rice, quinoa, elbow macaroni or penne
• Canned goods: Diced tomatoes, tomato paste, coconut milk, beans (black, chickpeas, kidney), corn
• Proteins: Canned tuna, canned salmon, lentils, shelf-stable tofu/tempeh, canned sausage
• Spices and herbs: Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper
• Others: Broth (chicken, beef, vegetable), olive oil, soy sauce, hot sauce, salsa

One-pot wonders made easy with Instacart

From hearty soups to creamy risotto, one-pot meals make it easy to cook satisfying dishes with less mess and stress. With simple prep and minimal cleanup, they’re ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.

To stock up on pantry staples, Instacart lets you browse and order everything you need in one place. Get your groceries delivered right to your door so you can start cooking your next favorite meal.