Let’s be real, there is some weekends where cleaning a sink full of dishes is not happening. And what do you know, that same energy probably goes to you too. That’s exactly what these 16 one-pot dinners are about. Big, cozy, comforting flavors, minimal mess, and time left over to do something else. Grab a drink, let’s make cooking for the weekend way too easy.

1) Taco Soup

All the taco night vibes, minus the assembly line of toppings to wrangle.

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Taco Soup

A great and mildly spicy soup full of ground beef, beans, and corn in a tomato based broth.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion diced
• 1 can kidney beans drained
• 1 can corn drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes 28 oz
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups beef broth

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a large pot, draining any excess fat.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning until fragrant.
3. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes and broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20 minutes.
5. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese or sour cream.

Notes

Crushed tortilla chips on top add the best crunch.

2) Chicken Alfredo

Creamy and simple, this one-pot dish lets the pasta soak up all the delicious sauce.

Chicken Alfredo

Tender chicken and pasta are added in a rich cream sauce with garlic and parmesan.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken breast cubed
• 12 oz fettuccine
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp butter

Method

 

1. Melt the butter in a large pot and cook the chicken until browned, then add the garlic.
2. Pour in the broth and cream and bring to a simmer.
3. Add the fettuccine and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the liquid reduces.
4. Stir in the parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season to taste and serve right away.

Notes

Keep stirring so the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom.

3) Beef Stroganoff

You can sit in comfort and enjoy the memories created around dinner time.

Beef Stroganoff

Egg noodles and beef in a creamy mushroom sauce with sour cream.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb beef sirloin sliced thin
• 8 oz mushrooms sliced
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 0.75 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp butter

Method

 

1. Brown the sliced beef in butter in a large pot, then set aside.
2. Cook the mushrooms and onion until softened.
3. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the egg noodles and cook until tender, stirring often.
5. Return the beef and stir in the sour cream off the heat, then serve.

Notes

Add the sour cream off the heat so it doesn't curdle.

4) Ratatouille

Bright summer veggies combined to create a delicious dish are even better than their individual charms!

Ratatouille

A countryside-style stew of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers and tomatoes, with herbs.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 eggplant diced
• 2 zucchini sliced
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 1 onion diced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp herbes de Provence

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot and cook the onion and pepper until softened.
2. Add the eggplant and zucchini and cook a few minutes more.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and herbes de Provence.
4. Cover and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt and serve warm with crusty bread.

Notes

It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

5) Shrimp Fried Rice

You save time versus takeout and avoid delivery fees. That's a win in my book.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp, eggs, and veggies stir-fried with rice and coated with a soy sauce glaze.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb shrimp peeled
• 4 cups cooked rice cold
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 green onions sliced

Method

 

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large pot or wok and cook the shrimp until pink, then set aside.
2. Scramble the beaten eggs in the same pot.
3. Add the peas and carrots and cook until heated through.
4. Stir in the cold rice and soy sauce, tossing until everything is hot and coated.
5. Return the shrimp, fold in the green onions and serve.

Notes

Cold day-old rice fries up best without going mushy.

6) Lentil Curry

This delicious meatless dinner is super affordable and will leave you feeling all warm and cozy. Even the most meat-loving family members will ask for it again!

Lentil Curry

Creamy red lentils cooked in a delicious coconut-tomato curry sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups red lentils rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk 14 oz
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
• 1 onion diced
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups vegetable broth

Method

 

1. Saute the onion and garlic in a large pot until soft.
2. Stir in the curry powder and cook until fragrant.
3. Add the lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk and broth.
4. Simmer 20 to 25 minutes until the lentils are tender and creamy.
5. Season with salt and serve over rice.

Notes

A squeeze of lime at the end really brightens it up.

7) Minestrone Soup

A big pot of this means lunch is taken care of too, and that’s something I always appreciate!

Minestrone Soup

Flavorful herbed broth with tomatoes, pasta, beans, and a variety of chunky vegetables.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 onion diced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 1 can cannellini beans drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes 28 oz
• 1 cup small pasta
• 6 cups vegetable broth

Method

 

1. Saute the onion, carrots and celery in a large pot until softened.
2. Add the tomatoes and broth and bring to a boil.
3. Stir in the beans and simmer 15 minutes.
4. Add the pasta and cook until tender.
5. Season with salt, pepper and a handful of fresh herbs, then serve.

Notes

Add the pasta near the end so it doesn't get mushy.

8) Tuscan Chicken

This dish is creamy and fancy enough for people to not know how simple it is to make! There are sun-dried tomatoes to make it even more delicious!

Tuscan Chicken

Chicken seared in a creamy sauce with spinach, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Method

 

1. Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden on both sides, then set aside.
2. Cook the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in the same pot until fragrant.
3. Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in the spinach and parmesan until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
5. Return the chicken, simmer until cooked through, and spoon the sauce over the top.

Notes

Serve over pasta or rice to soak up the sauce.

9) Jambalaya

Just one pot and your kitchen will instantly smell like a New Orleans party!

Jambalaya

An adventurous one-pot rice dish featuring sausage, chicken, and shrimp in a zesty spiced tomato broth.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz andouille sausage sliced
• 1 lb chicken thighs cubed
• 0.5 lb shrimp peeled
• 1.5 cups long grain rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

Method

 

1. Brown the sausage and chicken in a large pot, then set aside.
2. Cook the holy trinity of onion, pepper and celery if you like, then stir in the Cajun seasoning.
3. Add the rice, tomatoes and broth and bring to a boil.
4. Return the sausage and chicken, cover and simmer 18 minutes.
5. Stir in the shrimp and cook 5 minutes more until pink, then serve.

Notes

Add the shrimp last so they stay tender.

10) Pad Thai

This dish has my heart for that sweet, tangy, peanutty sauce.

Pad Thai

Shrimp, egg, and bean sprouts stir-fried rice noodles with a tangy tamarind sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 0.5 lb shrimp peeled
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp tamarind paste
• 0.25 cup peanuts crushed

Method

 

1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water until pliable, then drain.
2. Cook the shrimp in a large pot or wok until pink, then push to the side.
3. Scramble the beaten eggs in the same pot.
4. Add the noodles, fish sauce and tamarind paste and toss until coated.
5. Fold in the bean sprouts, top with crushed peanuts and serve with lime.

Notes

Have everything prepped and ready before you start cooking.

11) Chili Con Carne

When you want dinner options that feed a crowd, this is the ideal set-it-and-stir-it dinner.

Chili Con Carne

Chili made from beef, beans, and spices that has been slow-cooked for an extended period to enhance flavor.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb ground beef
• 1 onion diced
• 2 can kidney beans drained
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 cup beef broth

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a large pot, draining excess fat.
2. Stir in the chili powder and cumin until fragrant.
3. Add the beans, crushed tomatoes and broth.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook 30 minutes, stirring now and then.
5. Season to taste and serve with cheese and sour cream.

Notes

The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.

12) Lasagna

You can absolutely make one pot lasagna, and yes, it is just as cozy and there is half the clean up!

Lasagna

Layers of pasta and tomato sauce with meat, along with a cheesy ricotta, all baked together in a single pot!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz lasagna noodles broken
• 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 3 cups water
• 2 cloves garlic minced

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef and garlic in a large pot, draining excess fat.
2. Stir in the marinara sauce and water and bring to a simmer.
3. Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook, stirring often, until tender.
4. Dollop the ricotta over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella.
5. Cover until the cheese melts, then let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Stir often so the noodles don't clump together.

13) Portuguese Chicken

This chicken contains a hint of smokiness and spiciness, so juicy it'll probably become your go-to chicken.

Portuguese Chicken

Chicken cooked with a smoky sauce that has paprika and garlic and a touch of spice.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 14 oz
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes

Method

 

1. Brown the chicken thighs in olive oil, then set aside.
2. Soften the onion and garlic in the same pot.
3. Stir in the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and return the chicken.
5. Cover and simmer 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, then serve over rice.

Notes

A splash of white wine adds great depth to the sauce.

14) Egg Fried Rice

Incredible how this fridge-clean-out dinner always tastes great!

Egg Fried Rice

Light and fluffy rice stir-fried with scrambled egg and vegetable mix, finished with a soy sauce glaze.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups cooked rice cold
• 3 eggs beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 green onions sliced
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Method

 

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or wok and scramble the beaten eggs, then set aside.
2. Add the peas and carrots and cook until heated through.
3. Stir in the cold rice and soy sauce, tossing until hot.
4. Fold the scrambled eggs back in along with the green onions.
5. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and serve.

Notes

Cold leftover rice gives you the best texture here.

15) Butternut Squash Risotto

Golden, creamy, and worth every minute on a cozy weekend stirring!

Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy arborio rice cooked with sweet roasted butternut squash and parmesan.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups arborio rice
• 3 cups butternut squash cubed
• 5 cups vegetable broth warm
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1 onion diced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 0.5 cup white wine

Method

 

1. Melt the butter in a large pot and cook the onion until soft.
2. Add the squash and rice and stir to coat.
3. Pour in the wine and let it absorb.
4. Add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more, about 25 minutes.
5. Stir in the parmesan once the rice is creamy and tender, then serve.

Notes

Keep the broth warm so the risotto cooks evenly.

16) Chicken Paprikash

This classic Hungarian dish is as delicious as it is comforting.

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken cooked in a rich creamy sauce with paprika. Great to pair with noodles.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion diced
• 3 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.75 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp flour

Method

 

1. Brown the chicken thighs in butter, then set aside.
2. Soften the onion in the same pot, then stir in the paprika.
3. Pour in the broth and return the chicken, then cover and simmer 25 minutes.
4. Whisk the flour into the sour cream, then stir it into the sauce off the heat.
5. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and serve over egg noodles.

Notes

Use good fresh paprika for the best color and flavor.