17 Best One-Pot Meals For An Easy Dinner

When the days grow shorter and the evenings turn crisp, the last thing most of us want is to juggle a sink full of pots and pans after a long day. One-pot meals are the perfect answer: They deliver full-flavored, satisfying dinners with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort. From hearty soups to slow-cooker classics and vibrant skillet dishes, these recipes prove that convenience does not have to come at the expense of taste or nutrition.

This collection gathers some of the most reliable and crowd-pleasing one-pot ideas. You'll find dishes that suit every craving and every schedule — whether you need a slow-cooker chili for busy weeknights, a creamy pasta for an impromptu family meal, or a globally inspired soup to warm up a chilly evening. Many rely on pantry staples and simple prep, so you can focus on enjoying your dinner instead of spending hours in the kitchen.

While not all recipes here follow a set-it-and-forget-it approach, they all come together in a single cooking vessel. In addition to describing each final dish, this list will also give you a sense of the secret tricks, essential techniques, and occasionally-challenging aspects of each dish so that you'll go in knowing exactly what to expect.

Tender, juicy, and wonderfully versatile, this pulled pork recipe makes barbecue night almost effortless. With a near-zero prep time, you simply season a pork shoulder with onion, garlic, sugar, broth, and a few spices, then let the slow cooker work its magic.

After several hours of simmering, the meat shreds easily into succulent strands that, after being tossed with sauce, are perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even a grain-bowl topping. With some store-bought buns and a tangy slaw, you can turn this pork into a satisfying meal that tastes like it took all day (even though the slow cooker did the hard work for you).

Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

These pork chops turn an ordinary weeknight into a luxurious feast. The key is a simple overnight brine that infuses the meat with flavor and keeps it meltingly tender.

After a quick sear, the chops are bathed in a sauce flavored by aromatic figs and earthy mushrooms. While this dish does demand some specialized shopping, the result — a dish with complex flavor but minimal effort — is well worth it. While you could serve these chops with rice or mashed potatoes, a thick piece of sourdough bread is all you really need to soak up every drop of the umami-sweet gravy.

Recipe: Aromatic Smothered Pork Chops

This dish brings the classic sizzle of restaurant fajitas to your own kitchen with minimal effort. The trick is to toss sliced chicken, peppers, and onions in a marinade and to let the flavors blend for at least two hours in the fridge.

The cooking occurs in a flash, though make sure to not overcrowd the skillet to ensure full browning (the recipe suggests cooking the fajitas in two rounds, but that depends on how much you make). To complete the vibe, add toppings like salsa, guacamole, or crumbly cheese to suit your taste — and enjoy a vibrant, Tex-Mex dinner with only one pan to clean afterward.

Recipe: Simple One-Pan Chicken Fajitas

These colorful peppers feel fancy but require only one pot from start to finish. A hearty mixture of chewy barley, toasted walnuts, and aromatic vegetables is prepared first, then spooned into the hollowed peppers, which are returned to the same pot and placed in the oven to finish cooking.

Everything simmers gently together so the grains absorb the pepper's natural sweetness while the nuts add a toothsome, almost meaty texture. The result is a balanced dish full of flavor and nutrition that can be served hot with a drizzle of olive oil or cold with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Recipe: Barley and Walnut-Stuffed Bell Peppers

This Italian-inspired dish layers bold flavors into a single skillet for a meal that tastes luxurious with little effort. Chicken breasts sear until golden, then simmer in a creamy sauce of garlic, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. A touch of Parmesan adds richness while the greens keep it fresh.

The result is tender chicken surrounded by a velvety, aromatic sauce that would pair well with almost any starch. It looks and tastes like a special occasion dinner, yet comes together quickly in just one pan, and is attractive for its diverse, nutritious ingredients, as well.

Recipe: Classic Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This quick, comforting soup transforms leftover rotisserie chicken into a fragrant island-inspired meal. The chicken bones are simmered with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and green onions to create a zesty broth. The chicken adds hearty protein while the bean thread noodles (also known as Chinese vermicelli) — which are soaked in water beforehand rather than boiled in the broth — make for satisfying slurping.

Bright and spiced, this dish delivers South Pacific flavors with minimal prep. Its power lies in how it transforms otherwise toss-able leftover chicken into the base of a warm and comforting meal.

Recipe: Hawaiian-Style Chicken Long Rice

Traditional mole poblano can take hours, but this recipe delivers its deep, chocolate-tinged flavor with a simple slow-cooker method. Chicken simmers in a rich sauce made from mole's classic ingredients — chiles, raisins, spices and seeds, and a hint of bittersweet cocoa — until it becomes tender enough to shred. The long, gentle cooking allows the complex flavors to meld beautifully — all while you go about your day.

We like to top the mole with sesame seeds and serve it over rice or with warm tortillas. It's surprisingly good at capturing the complex flavors of mole while accommodating a busy weeknight schedule.

Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Mole

This one-pot soup combines pantry staples for a lush, aromatic bowl in about 30 minutes. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until golden and fragrant, then stir in pumpkin puree and let it caramelize slightly to deepen its natural sweetness. Add red curry paste, coconut milk, and broth, then simmer briefly and finish with scallions, basil, lime juice, and a pinch of brown sugar for sweetness and balance.

For a silky texture, use an immersion blender. Pro tip: Choose full-fat coconut milk to amplify the rich coconut flavor and give the soup a naturally creamy finish.

Recipe: Thai-Inspired Coconut and Pumpkin Soup

Skip the takeout and make this sticky-sweet favorite at home. Start by lightly browning bite-size pieces of chicken, then coat them in a quick sauce of soy, honey, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili paste for gentle heat. Toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil finish the dish with nutty depth.

The sauce thickens as it simmers, clinging to each piece of chicken — no deep frying needed. Serve it over steamed rice and garnish with sliced scallions for a vibrant dinner that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Sesame Chicken

While it's labeled as a "halloween soup," we wouldn't hesitate once in adding this soup to our regular rotation. Start by softening onions and garlic in a little oil, then stir in curry powder and pumpkin puree to build a fragrant base.

Coconut milk and vegetable broth create a velvety texture, while a splash of lime juice adds bright contrast. For extra flair, swirl in a bit of cream or coconut milk on top and garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds in the shape of a spooky spider. The result is a gently spiced soup that tastes festive and comforting — perfect for chilly October nights or any time you crave globally-inflected autumn flavors.

Recipe: Spooky Pumpkin Curry Halloween Soup

It's easy to love this classic recipe not only for its simplicity but for its comforting flavor. It involves sautéing sliced leeks in butter until soft and fragrant, adding diced potatoes and stock, briefly simmering, and blending until smooth for a silky base. We like adding a splash of cream or a knob of butter for extra creaminess.

To add extra zing, you could season with freshly ground black pepper and nutmeg, or garnish with chives and crispy bacon bits. It's ready in about 25 minutes, and while you might think of a soup as just a starter, this rich-bodied dish can easily stand alone as a quick yet satisfying dinner.

Recipe: Classic Creamy Potato Leek Soup

This hearty soup practically makes itself while you're away. Combine split peas with diced carrots, celery, onions, and meaty ham or turkey bones in the slow cooker, then cover with broth. As it cooks low and slow, the peas break down into a thick, rustic stew while the bones infuse a rich, smoky depth.

A final stir before serving keeps it chunky rather than fully puréed — ideal if you like texture. Season with black pepper and a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors just before ladling it into bowls.

Recipe: Chunky Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

This clever twist elevates a simple tuna casserole with the bold flavors of Catalonia's classic Romesco sauce. The dish uses bell peppers and tomatoes to replicate the flavor of Romesco, as well as two types of canned fish (tuna and anchovies), and two hallmarks of tuna casserole: pasta and melty cheese.

A quick bake melds everything together and lightly toasts the top. Olives add a briny sharpness while the spices, which include smoked paprika and chile flakes, offer fragrance and a slightly piquant note. The best thing about this dish is how it turns a classic American casserole into a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired flavor bomb, all in one pot.

Recipe: Spanish Romesco-Y Tuna Casserole

This take on chili swaps the classic red sauce for a creamy white base, and we love it. Sauté onion, garlic, and mild green chiles, then stir in shredded chicken, tender navy beans, and chicken broth. A pinch of cumin and oregano adds gentle warmth while a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream gives the broth a silky finish. Simmer until the flavors meld and the beans soften.

We like to top it with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for a bright contrast. It's a protein-rich, comforting meal that feels hearty without being heavy.

Recipe: Hearty White Chicken and Navy Bean Chili

This plant-based chili packs plenty of protein and flavor without any meat, though we aren't missing the beef at all. It combines three kinds of beans — such as black, kidney, and pinto — with diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.

After seasoning generously with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, you let it all simmer. A handful of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice brightens the finished dish. Serve with cornbread or over rice for a filling, fiber-rich dinner that satisfies vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Recipe: Basic 3-Bean Vegetarian Chili

This weeknight fusion dish combines Tex-Mex zest with Italian-American comfort. While it might be hard to believe, the results are surprisingly satisfying.

It starts by browning ground turkey with taco seasoning, then adding in pasta, tomatoes, and broth so the noodles cook right in the flavorful sauce. As it simmers, the pasta absorbs the spices and releases starch, creating a naturally thick, savory base. We like folding in shredded cheese just before serving so it melts into a creamy coating, and adding chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to round out the taco bar vibe.

Recipe: 1-Pot Turkey Taco Pasta

While it's not made in a pot, this supper — prepared on a single sheet pan — balances rich, flaky salmon with earthy greens and hearty chickpeas. Toss chickpeas and chopped mustard greens with olive oil, lemon zest, and a pinch of smoked paprika, then spread them on a sheet pan.

When cooked, the greens wilt into the lemony pan juices and the chickpeas become slightly crisp, creating an instant side dish. Our recommendation: finish with a drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon — a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal with only one pan to clean.

Recipe: 1-Pan Baked Salmon With Mustard Greens and Chickpeas