12 One-Pot Meals That Save Time And Clean-Up

When it comes to weeknight cooking, one-pot meals are the real heroes. You get all the flavor without turning the kitchen into a disaster zone, and the best part? Only one dish to clean up afterward. These recipes make dinner quick and simple, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time actually enjoying your meal. From cozy classics to fresh new ideas, these one-pot wonders keep things easy without skimping on taste.

Chicken and chickpea curry with rice. — Creamy Turmeric Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

A skillet full of mac and cheese with turkey and herbs. — Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is like a grownup version of hamburger helper. Filled with spinach, peppers, and real cheddar cheese, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Great for a quick and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom and pea risotto in a pan with a wooden spoon. — Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This mushroom risotto with peas is creamy and rich without any dairy. Made in one pot, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and clean up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Instant Pot Coconut Pork

A bowl of coconut pulled pork and turmeric rice on a wooden table. — Instant Pot Coconut Pork. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Instant Pot coconut pork is cooked with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. It’s aromatic and tender, perfect over turmeric ginger rice. One pot makes it simple.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Baked gnocchi in a skillet with spinach and potatoes. — Baked Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Gnocchi with ground pork, crushed tomatoes, spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese, all in one skillet. This comforting meal is a breeze to make and clean up.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

A skillet full of butternut squash noodles with spinach and ricotta cheese. — Butternut Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlicky butternut squash noodles with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and ricotta. A great one-pan vegetarian meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Creamy turmeric chicken with hearty chickpeas in one skillet. Serve over rice with cilantro for a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Chicken and mushrooms in a skillet with a wooden spoon. — Garlic Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A 20-minute, one-pan dinner with garlic chicken bites, mushrooms, onions, and red peppers. Fresh herbs add great flavor without extra dishes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

General Tso Shrimp

A bowl of shrimp and broccoli with chopsticks. — General Tso Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

General Tso shrimp is a quick and easy copycat takeout recipe. Made in one skillet in just 10 minutes, perfect for a fast, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef in a skillet with tortilla chips. — Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco seasoning makes this Mexican ground beef recipe an easy one-pan meal. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s great for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef sweet potato skillet. — Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This southwestern ground beef and sweet potato skillet is an easy one-pan meal everyone will love. Great for meal-prepping with delicious leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

A skillet full of vegetables and beef on a wooden table. — Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef stir fry is perfect for weeknights. Made in one pan with fresh vegetables, it’s quicker and healthier than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

A skillet full of steak, potatoes and peppers. — Steak and Potatoes Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This steak, potato, and pepper skillet is an easy one-pan dinner. Ready in 40 minutes, just toss everything together and bake. Easy and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.