It is hard to find time during the busy work week to make dinner for your family. Whether it is the time it takes to cook or the time it takes to clean up or the combination of both, there just seems to never be enough time in the day to make dinner. That is why One-Pot Wonder Meals are a busy mom’s best friend.
(Original post date May 4, 2018 / Links and post updated Aug. 24, 2021)
These days it seems like life doesn’t slow down. We are all constantly on the go, we talk on the go, sleep on the go, eat on the go, and sometimes even dance on the go. With all this hustle and bustle who has time to cook a well-balanced healthy and delicious family dinner? That is where One Pot Wonder Meals come in. Quick, simple, delicious all with minimal effort and mess.
Sounds Too Good to be True
Some may be thinking that one-pot wonders sound too good to be true. These meals must take a lot of prep work, or must be soups or stews, or loaded with carbs.
The truth is that there are many recipes for one-pot wonders that are like that, but there are also many that are not.
When it comes to cooking dinner during the week most busy families end up ordering in, getting take out, or go through the drive-through because it relieves stress. No prepping, no cooking, and above all no clean-up!
That is why when you choose a one-pot make sure it fits with your life and your eating habits. There is really something out there for everyone. If you don’t like pasta, don’t make a pasta dish, if you are vegan find a vegan dish, if you know you don’t have time to prep, find one where there is little to no prep if you meal plan and prep find one you can prep the ingredients ahead of time.
We may all be busy with limited time to cook, but that doesn’t mean we all cook and eat the same way. Find simple meals that work for you and your family and wow them with some simple one-pot meals and enjoy the minimal cleanup.
Recipes One-Pot Wonder Meals
Peppers and Onions Chicken and Rice Skillet
"Simple, delicious, healthier version of Chicken and Rice. Peppers and Onion Chicken and Rice skillet is an easy dish for those busy weeknights."
Thai Red Fish Curry
"This vibrant spicy Thai Red Fish Curry is ready in 20 min and loaded with fresh fish, vegetables and spices. It's also dairy-free and gluten-free."
One Pot Beef Tomato Basil Spinach Pasta (and a side of Strawberry and Cashew Salad)
"This one pot beef tomato basil spinach pasta is just what you need when you're busy and need a fast meal prep! Then throw together a side of strawberry and cashew salad the morning of and you've got yourself a delicious well balanced lunch on the go!"
Vegan Dirty Rice
"Zesty, slightly spicy, and everything dirty rice should be without the meat! This Vegan Dirty Rice is everything you crave in the traditional dirty rice without the extra fats and calories. "
One Pot Asian Rice and Fish
"One Pot Asian Rice and Fish is a simple and easy recipe for those times when cooking is the last thing you have time to do. The best part? It tastes like you spent hours on it."
Caldo Verde (Portuguese Kale and Potato Soup)
"Simply said, this Caldo Verde soup is spectacular. It’s a Portuguese classic for good reason."
Chicken Tikki Masala (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo)
"Chicken Tikki Masala is a classic Indian dish now with a gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, and allergy-friendly recipe! With a creamy tomato and coconut yogurt sauce, this comforting dish will make a great healthy weeknight dinner that packs in the flavor!"
Loaded Cheese Burger Noodles
"Loaded Cheese Burger Noodles the perfect weeknight dinner. A well-balanced meal made in one pot and takes 20 minutes beginning to end. "
Boiled Ham Dinner
"If you need to feed a crowd but don't have time to cook this Hame Boiled Dinner is a simply delicious one-pot meal that can feed that hungry crowd with minimal effort and minimal dishes."
Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli - Savory Tooth
"A quick beef and broccoli recipe made in the Instant Pot pressure cooker, similar to a Mongolian beef stir fry. Easily adaptable for a low carb / keto lifestyle."
One-Pot Pesto Chicken and Rice
"One-pot, no chopping veggies, and done in about 35 minutes. This One-Pot Pesto Chicken and Rice is the perfect idea if you’re short on dinner prep time."
Sausage and Shellfish Pasta
"There is nothing better after a long day than a nice big bowl of pasta that is unless you have a nice big bowl of Sausage and Shellfish Pasta."
Thank you to all the bloggers who submitted recipes and participated in the One-Pot Wonder round-up and a special thank you for letting me use their photos to make this round-up that much yummier!!
If you are looking for more simple weeknight meals make sure you check out these other round-ups: Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Meals, Simple Meals, and Quick Meals.
So whether you just want a simple meal or looking for a simple meal to cook these one-pot wonders are the perfect fit for any busy parent.
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Thank you for sharing this list! I love one pot meals because they are so easy and low maintenance! My husband is the chef in our family so when I have to cook I need easy recipes like these! They all look amazing!
Well you will wow him for sure with any of these meals!!
What beautiful dinners. I can’t wait to try to make the Tikka dish.
Thank you!!
You had me at minimal effort! These all look great. I want to give the thai red fish curry this weekend though!!!
I hope you enjoy and have a yummy weekend!!
These all look and sound amazing! Must try!
Thank you
yes!! I love one pot/pan meals. It makes dinner so much enjoyable. Thanks for sharing. These look amazing!!
Glad I could bring some more joy to your meal times!! Have a wonderful weekend!!
One pot meals are the best, I love not having to use multiple pans! These all look so good too!
Yes, easy cleanup!! Love it!!
these all look so delicious!I will definitely have to try them all ou!
Thank you! enjoy!
These all sound great (the cheesy red pepper pasta immediately caught my eye though – yum). Great suggestions for busy lives (which I think is the norm of our lives now).
It is the norm, somedays I wish I lived 50 years ago things just sounded simpler! I am glad you liked the recipes and I hope you enjoy that cheesy red pepper pasta!
These look amazing! I am bookmarking so I can go back to these when I’m doing my meal planning. Love a one-pot meal!
Glad I could be of some assistance with your meal planning!! I hope you enjoy the recipes!!
Some of these recipes look fantastic! I’ve been trying to do more simple and one pot cooking. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!! Simple cooking and one pot wonders are delightful!
Love the concept of a one pot meal, especially since I have a tiny kitchen. That Thai Red Fish Curry is speaking to me!
That is another bonus to them!! That Fish Curry is delicious!!
I love one -pot meals and thank you so much for including my One- Pan Zucchini, Tomato Eggplant meal! I am looking forward to making all of these amazing recipes!
One pot meals are lifesavers aren’t they!! And you are very welcome loved your dish. I ate the whole thing by myself!!
I’m adding all of these recipes to our menu to try. I love a good one pot meal. These look amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much!! One pot wonders are great for these crazy days we live in! Right!?!
Thank you for sharing this list! I love one-pot meals so I’m excited to try these out. The Pesto Chicken and Rice meal looks fabulous!
Thank you!! Yes!! That Pesto Chicken and rice Meal is one of my families favorite go tos during a busy week!
These all look delicious and such a great variety!