Cooking with just one pot makes cleanup easier and saves time. These dishes bring bold flavors without needing multiple pans or extra effort.
Each recipe is made in a single pot, skillet, or slow cooker. Try these meals for a no-fuss way to enjoy homemade cooking.
1. Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Pressure cook pork shoulder with spices to create tender, flavorful shredded meat. Add smoky barbecue sauce for bold, rich flavor and extra juiciness.
Serve on toasted buns with a tangy coleslaw topping. Pair with baked beans or roasted corn for a classic barbecue spread.
Full recipe: click here.
2. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
Simmer pasta in creamy sauce with garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese. Stir in cooked chicken breast for a hearty, satisfying protein boost.
Let the sauce thicken until it coats the noodles perfectly. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese before serving hot.
Full recipe: click here.
3. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Cook beef chunks with carrots, potatoes, and onions for deep flavor. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings for a rich, savory taste.
Let it simmer for hours until everything becomes tender and delicious. Serve warm with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Full recipe: click here.
4. One-Pot Chili
Brown ground beef with onions, garlic, and chili powder seasoning. Add canned beans, tomatoes, and broth for a thick, hearty texture.
Let everything simmer until the flavors meld into a perfect blend. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Full recipe: click here.
5. One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
Sauté shrimp in butter, garlic, and paprika for bold flavor. Add rice and broth to the same pan for easy cooking.
Let everything simmer until the rice absorbs all the delicious seasoning. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley.
Full recipe: click here.
6. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Sauté chicken with onions, garlic, and fragrant spices before cooking. Add rice, broth, and a little butter for creamy texture.
Let the Instant Pot do the work while flavors meld together. Serve with steamed vegetables or fresh herbs on top for balance.
Full recipe: click here.
7. One-Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Brown ground beef with onions, garlic, and Italian seasonings together. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth for a rich sauce.
Stir in dry spaghetti and cook everything in the same pot. Let the noodles soak up the sauce for maximum flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
8. Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
Combine chicken, beans, corn, and tomatoes with taco seasonings in broth. Let everything cook slowly until the flavors blend into a thick soup.
Shred the chicken and stir everything together before serving hot. Top with shredded cheese, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips.
Full recipe: click here.
9. One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Potatoes
Sauté chicken thighs with garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest seasoning. Add baby potatoes and cook everything together in one large skillet.
Let the flavors soak into the potatoes as they become tender. Serve with a drizzle of lemon juice and fresh herbs on top.
Full recipe: click here.
10. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff
Cook beef strips with mushrooms, onions, and garlic for deep richness. Stir in broth, Worcestershire sauce, and egg noodles to absorb flavor.
Let the sauce thicken before adding sour cream for creamy texture. Serve warm with fresh parsley sprinkled on top for garnish.
Full recipe: click here.
11. One-Pot Jambalaya
Sauté sausage, chicken, and shrimp with bell peppers and onions first. Add rice, Cajun spices, and tomatoes for a flavorful Southern-style dish.
Let everything cook together until the rice absorbs the bold seasonings. Serve hot with chopped green onions and a squeeze of lemon.
Full recipe: click here.
12. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Cook beef roast with carrots, potatoes, and onions in rich broth. Add garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce for deep, comforting flavors.
Let it slow cook until the meat becomes fall-apart tender. Serve with pan juices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
Full recipe: click here.
13. One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Cook pasta with milk, butter, and cheddar cheese for creaminess. Stir everything together until the sauce becomes thick and cheesy.
Let it simmer until the pasta soaks up all the flavor. Serve hot with a sprinkle of black pepper and extra cheese.
Full recipe: click here.
14. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
Simmer pasta with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil for brightness. Stir in olive oil and parmesan cheese for extra depth and flavor.
Let the pasta cook directly in the sauce for perfect consistency. Serve with extra basil and freshly grated cheese on top.
Full recipe: click here.
15. One-Pot Sausage and Peppers
Brown sausage links with onions, bell peppers, and garlic seasoning. Simmer everything with crushed tomatoes and Italian herbs for richness.
Let the sausage soak up all the flavors as it cooks slowly. Serve in hoagie rolls or over rice for a complete meal.
Full recipe: click here.
16. One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken
Sear chicken thighs with garlic, soy sauce, and honey glaze. Let everything caramelize into a sweet and savory sticky sauce.
Add broccoli or bell peppers for extra texture and fresh balance. Serve with rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Full recipe: click here.
17. One-Pot Lentil Soup
Simmer lentils with onions, carrots, tomatoes, and warm spices. Add broth and let everything cook until the lentils become soft and hearty.
Stir in spinach or kale for extra greens and freshness. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and toasted bread.
Full recipe: click here.
Final Thoughts
Cooking everything in one pot makes mealtime easier and less stressful. These dishes bring great flavor without needing multiple steps or extra dishes.
Simple ingredients and easy cooking methods make these recipes worth trying. Enjoy delicious meals without spending too much time cleaning up afterward.
Featured image credit to ©daniellewalker.
