Not a fan of kitchen chaos? Well, one-pot dinners prove you can have bold, hearty, and comforting flavors without a sink full of dishes. These 10 one-pot dinners practically cook themselves, so you’re free to answer emails or just collapse on the couch.
10. Jambalaya
This Louisiana classic sounds complicated but it actually comes together so easily in one pot. Sauté sausage, chicken, and aromatics, then add tomatoes, rice, broth, and Cajun spices. Simmer until the rice is tender, and you’re done! It’s a deeply flavorful meal with almost no babysitting. It also works for weeknights, especially if you make a big batch.
9. Baked Ziti
You can think of baked ziti as lasagna’s easier cousin. You simply mix cooked pasta with marinara and cheese, dump into a baking dish, finish with more cheese, and bake until bubbly. You can even prep it early in the day and bake when ready. It’s a dish that feels like a celebration but requires almost no active cooking.
8. Beef Stroganoff (One-Pot Style)
This version of the classic dish keeps everything in one pot. Sear beef strips, cook onions and mushroom, then stir in broth, noodles, and sour cream. No extra pots needed as the pasta cooks directly in the sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect after a long day!
7. Lentil Soup
This vegetarian classic is ideal for days when you feel tired but want something wholesome on the table. Start with onion, celery, and carrot. Add lentils, broth, and spices, then let it simmer in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. The result is a protein-packed soup that feels comforting and nourishing.
6. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
This takeout favorite is surprisingly easy to make at home with the Instant Pot. Just sauté onions and spices briefly, then add chicken, tomatoes, and cream. Pressure cook for 15 minutes and you’re done. You’ll get tender chicken in a sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours. Best served with rice or naan.
5. Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Salmon
Technically, this is not a pot…it’s a sheet pan, but the principle is the same. Line your pan with salmon fillets, scatter veggies around, drizzle with lemon and olive oil, and roast everything together. In less than 25 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal with zero fuss.
4. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Pasta lovers, unite! With this version, you don’t need to boil noodles separately. You can cook pasta, broth, and veggies all in the same pot, and the pasta will release starch as it cooks. This gives you a silky sauce that clings to every bite. This dish is ready in around 30 minutes, and it’s fancy enough without requiring too much effort.
3. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow cooker pulled pork is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it. Rub a pork shoulder with spices, place it in the slow cooker with broth or BBQ sauce, and let it go on low heat for 8 hours. Once done, you’ll find that the meat practically falls apart with a fork. Serve over rice, on buns, or alongside roasted veggies.
2. Chicken and Rice Casserole
This old-school favorite combines cozy and low effort. You just have to mix uncooked rice, chicken broth, and seasonings in a baking dish, then lay seasoned chicken thighs right on top. Pop in the oven and walk away. After about an hour, you’ll get tender chicken and cooked rice that has absorbed all those savory juices!
1. Classic Beef Chili
Comforting, easy, and hearty? Check, check, and check. For beef chili, once you’ve browned the meat and sautéed the onions, most of the work is done. Toss in canned tomatoes, spices, and beans, then let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor. It’s the kind of meal you can leave bubbling away while catching up on other tasks.