One pot dinners take the muss, fuss, planning, and excess cleaning out of dinnertime. With that in mind, here are some of my all-time favorite one pot dinners!
These recipes embrace the essence of home-cooked warmth while inviting you to explore a variety of flavors and textures—all from a single pot.
From rustic classics to inventive blends inspired by global cuisine, these dishes offer a soothing balance between convenience and memorable taste experiences. You’ll find each one carries its own story, perfect for unwinding after a busy day or entertaining friends without the fuss.
25 Amazing One Pot Dinners
1. Hearty Beef Stew
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Main Ingredients: Beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, onions, beef broth, herbs
- Cook Skill Level: Intermediate
- Calories Per Serving: 450
A timeless comfort food, this beef stew melds tender meat with an aromatic blend of root vegetables simmered in rich broth. The slow cooking coax out deep, savory flavors that warm the soul and fill the kitchen with a nostalgic aroma.
2. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Arborio rice, chicken breast, mushrooms, Parmesan, cream, broth
- Cook Skill Level: Intermediate
- Calories Per Serving: 500
This silky risotto boasts a luxurious texture from gradual stirring and the gentle absorption of flavors. Earthy mushrooms and tender chicken come together creating an elegant dish that’s both satisfying and worthy of any evening meal.
3. Vegetarian Lentil Curry
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk, ginger, garlic, curry spices
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 400
This fragrant lentil curry offers a soothing blend of warm spices softened by creamy coconut milk. It’s an inviting, plant-based meal rich in texture and depth, perfect for both weeknight dinners and leisurely weekend feasts.
4. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Chicken thighs, carrots, celery, egg noodles, chicken broth, herbs
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 300
Nothing soothes quite like a bowl of chicken noodle soup simmered to golden perfection. The aromatic broth infused with tender chicken and fresh vegetables is both restorative and deeply comforting.
5. Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Stew
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, cumin, lemon juice
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 350
This vibrant stew features hearty chickpeas enveloped in a bright, lemon-kissed tomato sauce studded with fresh greens. It’s a fresh yet hearty dish brimming with the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean.
6. One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Pasta, tomatoes, cream, garlic, basil, Parmesan
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 420
Combining simplicity with indulgence, this creamy tomato pasta comes together effortlessly in one pot. The luscious sauce clings to perfectly cooked noodles, perfumed with fresh basil and a hint of garlic.
7. Moroccan Chickpea and Lamb Tagine
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Lamb, chickpeas, dried apricots, spices, onions, tomatoes
- Cook Skill Level: Intermediate
- Calories Per Serving: 560
A journey to Morocco in a bowl, this tagine blends tender lamb with sweet apricots and fragrant spices, slow-cooked to a melting tenderness. The harmony of savory and sweet elements creates an unforgettable sensory experience.
8. Thai Green Curry with Vegetables
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Green curry paste, coconut milk, eggplant, bell peppers, bamboo shoots
- Cook Skill Level: Intermediate
- Calories Per Serving: 480
Vibrant and aromatic, this Thai green curry is a celebration of fresh vegetables enveloped in creamy coconut milk and fragrant herbs. Each bite bursts with a balanced interplay of spice, sweetness, and umami.
9. Classic Chili Con Carne
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, chili powder, onions, garlic
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 520
With smoky undertones and a hearty richness, chili con carne is a staple that embodies home-cooked satisfaction. It’s robust, warming, and perfect for layering with toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese.
10. One Pot Mushroom Stroganoff
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, onions, sour cream, beef broth, egg noodles, paprika
- Cook Skill Level: Intermediate
- Calories Per Serving: 430
This creamy stroganoff features earthy mushrooms enveloped in a tangy sour cream sauce. The dish delivers richness and comfort with a slight smoky note, best enjoyed alongside buttery noodles.
11. Spanish Paella with Seafood
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Arborio rice, saffron, shrimp, clams, chorizo, peas, bell peppers
- Cook Skill Level: Intermediate
- Calories Per Serving: 570
Paella draws from Spain’s coastal culinary heritage, with saffron-infused rice crowned by tender seafood and smoky chorizo. The textural contrast between crispy socarrat and juicy shellfish mesmerizes every palate.
12. Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Chicken thighs, rice, lemon, oregano, garlic, chicken broth
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 460
Bright and tender, this Greek-inspired chicken and rice dish marries zesty lemon with savory herbs. The gentle absorption of flavors throughout the cooking process creates a simple yet uplifting meal.
13. Spicy Korean Beef Bibimbap
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Ground beef, rice, gochujang, sesame oil, vegetables, eggs
- Cook Skill Level: Intermediate
- Calories Per Serving: 530
Bibimbap’s vibrant layers of spicy beef, sautéed vegetables, and warm rice explode with flavor. The gochujang paste adds a fiery kick balanced by nutty sesame and the richness of a fried egg.
14. One Pot Ratatouille
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, herbs de Provence
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 310
Ratatouille is a French countryside classic that celebrates summer vegetables stewed to tender perfection. It’s a colorful, fragrant medley that feels like a warm embrace in every spoonful.
15. Moroccan Chicken with Apricots and Almonds
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Main Ingredients: Chicken thighs, dried apricots, almonds, cinnamon, cumin, onions
- Cook Skill Level: Intermediate
- Calories Per Serving: 480
This dish captures the essence of Moroccan hospitality—fragrant spices intermingle with sweet fruits and crunchy almonds, transforming humble chicken into a feast bursting with depth and contrast.
16. Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Shrimp, andouille sausage, bell peppers, Cajun seasoning, rice
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 450
With bold spice and smoky sausage, this one-pan dish is a perfect weeknight escape to Southern flavors. The juicy shrimp and vibrant vegetables come together with zesty seasonings and fluffy rice.
17. Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms and Spinach
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Polenta, mushrooms, spinach, Parmesan, garlic, vegetable broth
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 370
This creamy polenta offers a luscious base topped with earthy mushrooms and tender spinach. It’s a soothing, silky dish that brings rustic Italian comfort to your table with ease.
18. Indian Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, tomatoes, cream, butter, garam masala, garlic, ginger
- Cook Skill Level: Intermediate
- Calories Per Serving: 540
Butter chicken is rich and indulgent, with tender pieces of chicken bathed in a velvety, spiced tomato cream sauce. Its silky texture and aromatic spices create a perfect balance of warmth and decadence.
19. Cajun Red Beans and Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Red beans, andouille sausage, onions, bell peppers, celery, Cajun spices
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 400
Red beans and rice is a soul-warming dish rooted in Cajun culinary traditions, filled with smoky sausage and robust seasoning. It’s a humble meal that feels deeply satisfying with every spoonful.
20. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, chili powder, onions, garlic
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 380
This vegetarian chili blends the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with hearty black beans and a spicy tomato base. It’s a vibrant, nutrient-rich dish that warms and nourishes in equal measure.
21. Spicy Cajun Jambalaya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, rice, Cajun spices, bell peppers
- Cook Skill Level: Intermediate
- Calories Per Serving: 550
Bursting with bold Creole flavors, jambalaya is a vibrant one-pot wonder combining smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and perfectly spiced rice. This dish captures the vibrant energy of Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions.
22. Super-Easy Fully-Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Russet potatoes, bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, milk, cream
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 450
Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade potato soup on a cold day. This potato soup transforms basic ingredients into the ultimate comfort food that your whole family will love. So here is my fully loaded yet easy potato soup recipe.
23. Country-Style Ribs with Root Vegetables
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Main Ingredients: Country-style pork ribs, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 350
Imagine a hearty meal that warms your soul and fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas. This one pot country-style ribs recipe is just that!
24. Root Vegetable Pot Roast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Main Ingredients: Chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, turnips
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 450
This hearty dish features a tender beef roast surrounded by a medley of root vegetables. The vegetables absorb all the rich flavors from the meat as they cook. It’s a complete meal in one pot, perfect for Sunday dinners.
25. Spanish Chorizo and Rice Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Spanish chorizo, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, smoked paprika
- Cook Skill Level: Beginner
- Calories Per Serving: 470
This smoky, savory skillet brings together spicy Spanish chorizo and fluffy rice in a tomato-rich base. A generous hit of smoked paprika and sweet bell peppers round out this easy one-pan dinner with bold Mediterranean flavor and minimal cleanup.
Final Thoughts
One pot dinners hold a unique charm that simplifies cooking while inviting creativity and exploration.
Each recipe offers a window into diverse culinary worlds, melding flavors and textures in comforting, satisfying ways.
Whether you seek bold spices, creamy sauces, or wholesome simplicity, these dishes beckon you to embrace the joy of effortless meals crafted with care and curiosity.
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