18 Easy Recipes For 1-Pot Meals

As Michael Pollan once pointed out, the shift in cultural norms and TV programming that frames cooking as a heroic, almost mythological feat has made the act of preparing a meal feel like an intimidating challenge for many of us. In a world where time is scarce and kitchen clean ups seem endless, cooking can easily become a source of stress and overwhelm. But what if we could rethink the way we cook — making it simpler, more enjoyable, and free from the looming pile of dirty dishes? Enter the one-pot meal.

One-pot meals offer the perfect solution for anyone seeking to turn cooking from a competitive achievement into a rewarding and relaxing experience. Whether you're simmering a hearty stew, tossing together a cozy pasta casserole, or preparing a fragrant chicken and rice dish, everything cooks together in the same pot. This not only saves time and effort but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a meal that's as comforting to eat as it is easy to make.

So, why not embrace simplicity in the kitchen? In this article, we've rounded up 18 easy recipes that come together with minimal effort. After all, preparing great food shouldn't be tedious — we think it's even more fun to eat a meal when there is no big mess to deal with afterward.

Let's kick off our list with the classic comfort food combination of chicken and rice. In this easy one-pot recipe that requires only 15 minutes of active prep time, you need to combine tender, seared chicken thighs with aromatic, warming spices, fresh herbs, citrus juice, and a touch of honey. The result is a comforting, flavorful dish that is both layered and complex.

The chicken thighs are browned and then baked in the oven along with ingredients like orange juice and honey, resulting in a slightly sweet, yet savory meal. While cooking in the oven, the rice absorbs all the liquids and the spices meld together. When done, add a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley and dill for a burst of color and herby goodness. It's an easy, one-pot solution that is oh-so-satisfying, and perfect any night of the week.

Recipe: Aromatic Chicken Thighs And Rice

Keeping with the theme of chicken and rice, this one-pot chicken biryani recipe is an aromatic dish that's a perfect, cozy meal with minimal cleanup. Most of the prep time is hands-off — just soaking the rice and letting the chicken thighs marinate in a fragrant mix of yogurt and spices. Then, cook the chicken with onions, saffron-infused milk, and more spices to build up the layers of flavor. 

Add the basmati rice, and let everything simmer together, making the dish as easy to prepare as it is to tidy up. The result is a fragrant, fluffy biryani with bold, satisfying textures. Top it off with fresh herbs and crispy fried onions, an ingredient you should always keep on hand, and you've got a comforting, impressive meal with minimal cleanup to boot.

Recipe: Fragrant Chicken Biryani

If your family loves chicken thigh recipes, this simple recipe is another quick, no-fuss, one-pot chicken and rice dinner that's perfect for busy nights. You start by generously seasoning the chicken thighs and then searing them in olive oil. After that, add rice and chicken broth to the same pot, scraping up all the flavorful bits. 

Once it comes to a boil, return the chicken to the pot, cover, and let everything simmer together until wonderfully fragrant, about 15 minutes. For a little extra flavor and a pop of fresh, green color, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top before serving. The result is a hearty, comforting meal with minimal cleanup. It's easy, delicious, and perfect for a family meal any night of the week.

Recipe: One-Pot Chicken And Rice

If you prefer chicken breast recipes over those calling for chicken thighs, this classic one-pot chicken Murphy might just hit the spot. It's the definition of comfort food with a twist thanks to the Peppadew peppers and brine. With juicy chicken breasts, tender baby or new potatoes, and a rich, flavorful sauce, it's a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. We think this dish delivers everything you could want from a cozy, one-pot wonder with its savory, slightly spicy flavor combinations.

Simply brown the chicken breasts in the pot, sear the sausage, and finally saute onions, garlic, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Add the red baby potatoes to the pot and let it all simmer in a flavorful sauce of chicken stock, Peppadew brine, and spices. It's simple to make, but packs so much flavor that you'll feel like you've stepped into a cozy pub in Ireland. It's a great way to bring a little warmth and lots of satisfaction to your next meal.

Recipe: Classic 1-Pot Chicken Murphy

This one-pot chicken couscous with parmesan and asparagus is a simple, yet flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. If you enjoy experimenting with different grains, you'll love the versatility of couscous, a humble ingredient that's actually pasta, not a whole grain as often assumed. Start by seasoning chicken thighs with spices and searing them until golden, then set them aside. In the same pan, saute onions and garlic, toast the couscous, and add chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken and asparagus on top, simmer everything together, and finish with fine-grated parmesan cheese and parsley. It's a quick, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup, packed with the wonderful flavor combination of nutty couscous, tender chicken, and fresh asparagus.

Recipe: Chicken Couscous With Parmesan And Asparagus

For a variation on the classic chicken and rice, try swapping the rice for orzo. While they may look similar, orzo and rice have distinct differences. This small change can give your meal a fun twist while still keeping the comforting essence of a chicken and grain dish. The one-pot recipe does exactly this while bringing a little taste of Greece right into your own kitchen. 

The juicy chicken drumsticks are jam-packed with flavor from the seasonings and a hint of brightness from the squeeze of lemon. The pasta soaks up all the flavors of a delicious sauce made with plain Greek yogurt, reduced white wine, and chicken stock. To really bring out the Greek flavors, toss in some spinach, artichoke hearts, and, of course, crumbled feta for that classic creamy, tangy finish, and you've got yourself a meal that's as fresh and briny as a breeze from the Mediterranean Sea.

Recipe: Greek Chicken Drumsticks And Orzo

This recipe is a rich, spicy twist on traditional chili, with the surprising addition of dark chocolate, a key ingredient in mole. The chocolate doesn't make the chili sweet — it enhances the deep, earthy flavors, and actually helps balance the heat. You start by searing chicken breasts and building the chili with onions, garlic, red pepper, tomatoes, and beer. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and a mix of spices like cumin, oregano, and cinnamon give it a robust, smoky kick.

After adding the dark chocolate, you simmer everything together with beans for a hearty, flavorful chili. Top with sliced avocado, radishes, sour cream, and cilantro for added freshness and texture. It's customizable with your favorite toppings, and it tastes even better the next day. Making mole from scratch is not only delicious, but it makes a comforting meal that's a little different from the usual chili. 

Recipe: Chicken Mole-Ish Chili

If you love hearty chilis and traditional Mexican dishes, we are certain you will appreciate this one-pan vegetarian quinoa enchilada skillet. It's a recipe that takes the concept of homemade comfort food up a notch. Start by sauteing your onion, garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeños until golden brown and wonderfully fragrant. Then combine the aromatic vegetables with quinoa, vegetable broth, and typically Mexican spices like chili powder and cumin. 

Add your favorite enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, canned black beans and corn, and a squirt of lime juice, and you have yourself a flavorful enchilada-inspired stew. To serve, top it all off with shredded or crumbled cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro, slices of avocado, and a wedge of lime. It's an easy, quick-to-make, customizable meal that can be served in bowls, wrapped in tortillas like a burrito, or even heaped over tortilla chips. And don't forget to add a dollop of sour cream or a squirt of our favorite hot sauce.

Recipe: One-Pan Quinoa Enchilada Skillet

Try a baked ratatouille casserole for another hearty, vegetarian one-pot meal that hits the spot. This recipe brings together the essence of classic French ratatouille with layers of zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes. It also includes a beautiful Indian blend of aromatic spices of garam masala and garbanzo beans for a vegetarian source of protein.

Its earthy tones are a perfect combination of comfort and excitement — a celebration of fresh, wholesome, seasonal ingredients that not only nourish the body but also lift the spirit. If you're seeking something satisfying for a cozy dinner or a unique way to spice up your vegetarian one-pot meal game, we think this casserole will definitely provide delight in every bite.

Recipe: Baked Ratatouille Casserole With Garam Masala

Mushroom bourguignon is a vegetarian take on the classic French dish beef Bourguignon, offering rich, deep flavors in a quicker, one-pot version. Key ingredients include fresh cremini and dried porcini mushrooms, red wine, mushroom broth, pearl onions, carrots, white onion, garlic, and spices like thyme and oregano. The process involves sauteing the mushrooms and vegetables, then simmering them with wine, broth, and tomato paste. Then a butter-flour paste is added to thicken the stew. You can serve it over egg noodles, but if you'd prefer not to use a second pot, you can add the egg noodles directly into the stew and cook them right in the stew itself. Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley and enjoy.

Recipe: Hearty Mushroom Bourguignon

If you enjoy pumpkin recipes to get you in the mood for fall, this hearty pumpkin and black bean casserole is a cozy, nourishing dish perfect for cooler weather. It brings together the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the hearty richness of black beans in a satisfying one-pot meal. You begin by sauteing the pumpkin, letting it soften and soak up all the spices, then adding onions, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme to deepen the flavor.

After that, tomatoes, vegetable stock, and kale are mixed in, and everything is baked together to create a comforting casserole with a variety of textures. The soft pumpkin and beans are complemented by the slight bitterness of the kale and the warmth of the spices. It's an incredibly versatile dish — you can swap in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or add a sprinkle of cheese on top for some extra richness. This casserole is great served on its own or over rice for an even heartier meal, making it a perfect choice for an easy, satisfying dinner. Plus, it's an excellent way to enjoy seasonal fall ingredients.

Recipe: Hearty Pumpkin And Black Bean Casserole

For another warming, fall-inspired dish that tastes like a cozy hug in a bowl, we recommend you try out these ginger turkey meatballs in coconut curry broth. The turkey meatballs are juicy and packed with fresh, grated ginger, which gives them a nice warming kick of heat, while the creamy coconut curry broth brings everything together, creating a perfect balance of spice and smoothness. 

It's a comforting dish with a punch of flavor that will warm you up and leave you feeling satisfied. While this recipe shows the meatballs served over rice, we also think these meatballs could be put on a sub sandwich or eaten with a side of naan to avoid having another pot to wash. This is the type of one-pot meal that feels special without any fuss — just good, hearty, and full of deliciousness. 

Recipe: Ginger Turkey Meatballs In Coconut Curry Broth

If you're looking to elevate your soup game with a touch of Scandinavian charm, this smoked salmon and leek soup is the perfect dish to try. While a typical Nordic fish chowder is made with cod, this creamy broth is loaded with chunks of smoked salmon that add a surprising depth to each spoonful. It has that perfect balance of richness and freshness, with the smokiness of the salmon and the sweetness of tender leeks making it feel special without being too heavy.

Whether you're curling up on a chilly day or just craving something simple, yet satisfying, this one-pot soup brings Scandinavian charm to your table with a little luxury and a lot of comfort. We think this smoked salmon and leek soup is the ultimate hygge-inspired dish with a little extra flair. Enjoy!

Recipe: Smoked Salmon And Leek Soup

This pork belly curry udon recipe is a delicious mashup of rich Japanese curry, tender pork belly, and chewy udon noodles. To make a flavorful curry, combine fragrant spices like cardamom, cumin, and turmeric, along with dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and milk for that creamy, savory broth full of umami.

The pork belly gets browned and cooked with ginger and onions, then simmered in the curry. The best part? You can toss the dry or fresh udon noodles right into the curry to soak up all those amazing flavors, making this an easy one-pot meal to cleanup. To serve, top everything off with some scallions for a little green freshness. You can swap the pork belly for beef or bacon and even use ramen noodles instead of udon if you prefer.

Recipe: Pork Belly Curry Udon

If you have any stale bread that you'd rather not throw out on hand in your kitchen, this Tuscan pappa al pomodoro dish is the perfect way to use it all up. The old bread is given a second life by simmering it in a flavorful tomato broth made with garlic, onions, white wine, and chicken broth, allowing it to soak up all those rich, umami flavors. As the bread breaks down, it creates a thick, comforting texture that's almost custard-like in its silky smoothness.

Fresh basil adds a burst of brightness, while a drizzle of olive oil, and shavings of parmesan cheese bring it all together. It's a simple, hearty dish that transforms leftover bread into a delicious, cozy, and filling meal. What a simple, but satisfying way to use up stale bread while invoking the flavors of Tuscany.

Recipe: Tuscan Pappa Al Pomodoro

Looking for more buttery, fall-inspired dishes to make in one pot? Search no further than this cinnamon apple cider beef stew which provides a cozy twist on classic beef stew. The dish features tender chunks of beef simmered in apple cider and seasoned with cinnamon, which imparts a subtle sweetness and deepens the savory flavor. Barley replaces the usual potatoes, thickening the broth and adding a lovely texture. 

The stew also includes carrots, cranberries, rosemary, and thyme, all of which meld together during the slow cook for a heartwarming, aromatic meal. It's perfect when served with crusty bread for a comforting dinner. You can even double the recipe and make it in an Instant Pot for added convenience. If you prefer to stretch the stew, it's easy to adjust for thickness — just add more broth as needed for a soup-like consistency, and let it cook until the beef is fork-tender. Leftovers are just as delicious, especially when made into sandwiches with shredded beef.

Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Cider Beef Stew

These easy, slow-cooked spiced lentils are the perfect cozy, healthy dish for any meal of the day. Packed with flavor, fiber, and vegetarian protein, they get their rich taste from a blend of cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, and turmeric, all simmered together with garlic, vegetable broth, and tomato sauce. Serve them with fresh chopped tomatoes and cilantro, along with a side of garlic naan for a complete meal. But the best part? Legumes like lentils are super simple to make in one pot, and the leftovers — which can easily be combined with additional ingredients, like carrots, potatoes, and other winter root vegetables for a hearty stew — are just as tasty the next day.

Recipe: Easy Spiced Lentils

And to wrap up our round-up of easy one-pot recipes, picture this: all the cozy goodness of French onion soup, but in casserole form instead. That's exactly what this recipe conjures up. It's the perfect mix of sweet, caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and a rich beef broth together with tender orecchiette pasta, which we think is one of the best shapes for homemade soup. Then, it's all topped off with gruyere cheese that melts and gets golden brown and bubbly under the broiler. It's a one-pot meal that is cheesy, comforting, and totally satisfying. Perfect for a cozy winter night dinner, and equally excellent as leftovers for lunch the next day.

Recipe: Cheesy French Onion Soup Pasta Casserole