14 Easy One Pot Dinners for the Overwhelmed Cook

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Let’s be real—dinner should not come with a mountain of dishes. That’s where these one-pot, one-pan, and one-skillet wonders come in. From savory Greek Chicken Orzo to hearty Hamburger Steaks, these meals make your life easier and your taste buds happier. Think Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, Sausage, Corn, & Spinach Orzo, and Coq au Vin, all cooked in just one vessel. Whether you’re in the mood for Skillet Lasagna, Beef and Broccoli Ramen, or even One Pot Burrito Bowls, these recipes are here to save the day—less mess, more flavor!

Greek Chicken Orzo

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Close-up view of Greek chicken Orzo in a pan with tomatoes, olives, and artichokes.
Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

Greek Chicken Orzo brings Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 35 minutes with one pan. A perfect weeknight meal that’s easy, tasty, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Orzo

Hamburger Steaks

2 hamburger steaks on a white plate with peas, mashed potatoes, and a fork.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Hamburger Steak with Mushroom Gravy is the definition of comfort food. Pan-seared juicy steaks smothered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy — it’s hearty, satisfying, and all done in one pot!
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Steaks

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Chicken bacon ranch pasta in a Dutch oven.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is the weeknight hero you’ve been waiting for! One pot, 30 minutes, and minimal ingredients make this a quick and creamy dinner that everyone will devour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Super Tasty Carnitas Tacos

Carnitas tacos on a plate.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

Crockpot Carnitas Tacos are the key to the ultimate Taco Tuesday! Let the slow cooker do the work while you get creative with taco toppings—it’s a fiesta on a plate!
Get the Recipe: Super Tasty Carnitas Tacos

Sausage, Corn, & Spinach Orzo (ONE POT!)

Overhead image of the Sausage, Corn, and Spinach Orzo
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Sausage, Corn, & Spinach Orzo (ONE POT!) brings together zesty Italian sausage, sweet corn, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy sauce that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s all cooked up in one pot!
Get the Recipe: Sausage, Corn, & Spinach Orzo (ONE POT!)

Coq au Vin

bowl of coq au vin on a table, with a dish towel, fork, and glasses of red wine
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Coq Au Vin is a one-pot gem that’s perfect for any occasion. Rich, savory, and all made in one pot—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Coq au Vin

1-Pot Yellow Chickpea Cauliflower Curry

Stirring a pan of gluten-free vegan 1-Pot Yellow Chickpea Cauliflower Curry
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

1-Pot Yellow Chickpea Cauliflower Curry is a flavor-packed dish that comes together in just 30 minutes and one pot! Simple, hearty, and full of vibrant spices, it’s a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: 1-Pot Yellow Chickpea Cauliflower Curry

Chicken Gnocchi Pasta

Chicken Gnocchi Pasta
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Chicken Gnocchi Pasta is a creamy, restaurant-worthy dish that’s so simple to make—plus, it’s all done in ONE skillet! Juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and spinach come together in a rich sauce for a meal that’s both easy and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Pasta

Beef and Broccoli Ramen

Beef and Broccoli Ramen in a pot, tongs ready to serve.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Beef and Broccoli Ramen is the weeknight winner you’ve been waiting for! Tender beef and crisp broccoli come together over a bed of ramen, all smothered in a mouthwatering sauce—easy, quick, and totally family-approved.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Ramen

Chicken Dijon in White Wine Sauce (White Wine Chicken)

White Wine Chicken Dijon Skillet
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Chicken Dijon with White Wine Sauce is the one-pan wonder you didn’t know you needed. Tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, flavorful Dijon and white wine sauce—this meal is perfect for date night or any night you’re craving something delicious. Quick, easy, and full of flavor—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Dijon in White Wine Sauce (White Wine Chicken)

Mediterranean Chicken Bake Recipe (Balsamic Baked Chicken)

mediterranean chicken bake
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Mediterranean Chicken Bake is a one-pan delight that brings together balsamic-glazed chicken, creamy cheese, white beans, and juicy tomatoes. It’s a quick, flavorful casserole that’ll have you coming back for seconds—no fuss, just fantastic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake Recipe (Balsamic Baked Chicken)

The Best Black Beans and Rice Recipe

showing  how to garnish Cilantro Lime Rice by sprinkling with cilantro and adding lime wedges to the bowl
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

Cilantro Lime Rice is a one-pot wonder that outshines the rest—think Chipotle who? Whether you’re using white or brown rice, this zesty, easy recipe is a flavorful side that’ll steal the show.
Get the Recipe: The Best Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Skillet Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna in the pot.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Skillet Lasagna brings all the layers of comfort in one pan—tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a dreamy cheese filling. It’s a hearty meal that cooks up in a single skillet, so the only thing you’ll be cleaning up is your plate! Perfect for when you want lasagna without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Lasagna

One Pot Burrito Bowls

The image features a skillet containing cheesy Mexican rice, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño slices, with lime wedges and cilantro as garnish.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

One Pot Burrito Bowls by Chelsea’s Messy Apron are a one-and-done dinner packed with cheesy chicken, rice, beans, fire-roasted corn, and zesty chiles. Toss in your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a flavorful, no-fuss meal that’s ready in no time. Perfect for when you need something tasty without all the dishes!
Get the Recipe: One Pot Burrito Bowls

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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