Best Simple Recipes for One-Pot Meals

Hey there, mama! 👋 I know how crazy life can get—between work, school runs, playdates, and trying to keep the house from being overrun with toys (and laundry… so much laundry), the thought of making a complicated dinner can feel like one task too many. That’s why I’m all about one-pot meals—easy to make, easy to clean up, and totally delicious.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or just looking for something simple and quick after a long day, these one-pot recipes will save you time and stress while still giving you a meal that’s comforting and tasty. So, grab your favorite pot, and let’s get cooking!

1. One-Pot Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Who doesn’t love a creamy, cheesy pasta dish? This one-pot chicken alfredo is so simple, you won’t even believe it! It’s perfect for when you want something comforting but don’t have time to make a fancy dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts (diced)
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups of pasta (penne or fettuccine work best)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté the diced chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper until it’s browned and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes).
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the pasta and cook until the pasta is tender (about 10-12 minutes).
  5. Once the pasta is done, stir in the Parmesan cheese until everything is creamy and well mixed.
  6. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot!

Why You’ll Love It:

  • No need to cook the pasta separately!
  • Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
  • Only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish!

2. One-Pot Chili
This may contain: a bowl of chili with sour cream and cilantro garnish on top

If you’re craving something hearty and packed with flavor, this one-pot chili is the way to go. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal, and you can adjust the spice level to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well.
  5. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and serve with your favorite toppings (cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips).

Why You’ll Love It:

  • You can make a big batch and eat leftovers for days!
  • Hearty and packed with protein and veggies.
  • Perfect for meal prepping and freezing.

3. One-Pot Baked Ziti
This may contain: easy and tasty slow cooker baked ziti recipe in a crock pot

If you love pasta and want something even easier than traditional baked ziti, this one-pot version will hit the spot. No need to bake it in the oven—everything cooks right in the pot, and it’s absolutely delicious!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups ziti pasta (or penne)
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce and water, stirring to combine.
  2. Add the ziti pasta and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, cover the pot, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread!

Why You’ll Love It:

  • No baking required!
  • Cheesy, saucy goodness in one pot.
  • Takes less than 30 minutes to make!

4. One-Pot Veggie Stir-Fry
This may contain: stir fry with vegetables and sesame seeds in a pan

This one’s for the veggie lovers (or anyone who wants to sneak in some extra greens). It’s a colorful, healthy meal that’s easy to whip up and perfect for when you’re craving something fresh and light. You can use whatever veggies you have on hand!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice (white or brown)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 carrot (julienned)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer. Add the rice and cook according to package instructions.
  2. In a separate pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot to the pan, cooking for about 5 minutes until tender.
  4. Once the rice is done, add the cooked veggies to the rice along with soy sauce. Stir to combine and let everything cook together for another 2 minutes.
  5. Top with sesame seeds if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Perfect for a light, healthy meal.
  • Packed with veggies and full of flavor.
  • Customizable based on what veggies you have!

5. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff
This may contain: a close up of a plate of ground beef stroganoni

Craving something creamy and comforting? This beef stroganoff is a one-pot wonder that tastes like it took hours to prepare but is ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef stew meat or ground beef
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the egg noodles, cover, and cook until the noodles are tender (about 10 minutes).
  4. Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Rich, creamy, and comforting.
  • A one-pot dish that tastes like a fancy meal.
  • Quick and easy, with minimal cleanup!

Final Thoughts

There you go, mama! These one-pot meals are the perfect solution for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just need something simple, these recipes will have you covered. And the best part? Clean-up is a breeze because everything’s cooked in just one pot.

What’s your go-to one-pot meal? I’d love to hear your ideas or any tweaks you make to these recipes. Let me know in the comments below! Happy cooking, and here’s to easy, stress-free meals! 💕👩‍🍳

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