When it comes to busy weeknights there is nothing better than simple one-pot wonders. These meals are true-life savors for the exhausted mom who faces her hungry kids.
(Original post date Sep 18, 2018 / Links and post updated Oct. 3, 2021)
As a mom, I know the feeling that hits you in the gut after a long day when your kids say, “What’s for dinner?” I mean can’t a mom sit down for two seconds!
Some days it just doesn’t matter if we meal planned or meal prepped the thought of getting up and cooking just sounds exhausting, but we get up and do it anyways.
What So Special About One-Pot Wonders
It is just as simple as it sounds. Your meal is completely prepped in one pot. That is why they call them one-pot wonders.
It is as easy a prep, cook, eat, and clean one pot may be a spoon, a cutting board, and a knife plus whatever you ate the dish on. If you are like me everything ends up in the dishwasher. So talk about an easy clean-up!
The best part is it is not all soups and pasta. There are so many varieties you can truly plan a year of meals using one pot. It doesn’t even matter what diet lifestyle you lead keto, vegan, Adkins, or you just eat what is good. There is one pot wonder for everyone.
Simple Cooking One-Pot Wonder Recipes
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.聽"
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."
One Pot Spinach Rice
"Healthy spinach rice loaded with proteins, fibers, and vitamins. It is a one-pot meal that takes about 30 min to prepare. Ideal for busy times."
Spicy One-Pot Sausage & Spinach Pasta (with Video)
"This spicy one-pot sausage & spinach pasta is more of an after-work dinner since I don鈥檛 like a lot of fuss when cooking on weeknights. It鈥檚 also a good option for an easy workweek lunch meal prep."
One Pot Easy Chicken Biryani
"This one-pot easy chicken biryani is full of traditional flavors & the easiest to prepare."
Skillet Pesto Chicken and Veggies
"This skillet pesto chicken recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes! It鈥檚 fresh, healthy, and so delicious! Perfect for busy families!"
Low Carb Fried Cabbage with Kielbasa
"Low Carb and Gluten-Free Fried Cabbage with Kielbasa. Deliciously satisfying -Quick and Easy weeknight dinner on a budget! What could be more perfect?"
Healthy Southwest Chicken and Rice Skillet
"This one-pot Healthy Southwest Chicken and Rice Skillet are sure to be a family favorite! It's loaded with flavor from spices like cumin, cayenne, and smoked paprika and packs a filling punch of nutrition from whole grain brown rice and chicken thighs. Garnish to your heart's content! This is one delicious recipe!"
Gluten-Free Kung Pao Chicken (Paleo, Allergy-Free)
"Delicious and easy, this Gluten-Free Kung Pao Chicken is a healthier version of the classic Chinese takeout you can make at home! A recipe that鈥檚 paleo, top 8 allergy-free, and with all the flavors and spice you love!"
One Pan Pork Chop Bacon Brussels Sprout Skillet
"One Pan Pork Chop Bacon Brussels Sprout Skillet is an easy to prepare, low carb, paleo, one pan wonder meal."
Chinese Curry Chicken
"This dish is bursting with flavor from the聽fragrant curry powder, turmeric powder, and red curry paste! This one-pot dish is super easy to prepare! 聽Just toss in the ingredients and slowly simmer!"
Easy Paleo Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe - Low Carb
"This low carb paleo cauliflower fried rice recipe shows you how to make cauliflower rice stir fry FAST. It's the easiest, best way to cook cauliflower rice."
Chicken Gnocchi Skillet: Time Saving Dinner Recipe
"This 30 minute meal is perfect for those busy weeknights. Loaded with veggies and gnocchi coated in a herby chicken sauce and served with a juicy and crispy skin chicken all made in one pan making clean up a breeze!"
Thank you to all the bloggers who submitted recipes and participated in the One-Pot Wonders round-up and a special thank you for letting me use their photos to make this round-up that much yummier!!
So whether you are a mom or a student if you are looking to save time and energy in the kitchen try out some one-pot wonders they are truly lifesavers. The best part is there are only a few dishes involved so maybe you will have a chance to enjoy that glass of wine.
Let’s Get Social
Follow Instagram | Facebook to get post updates and behind the scenes craziness
Pin these One-Pot Wonders for Later
Looking For More Recipes
Be sure to head over to The Messy Cutting Boards Recipe Box where you will find family-friendly meals no matter what the season.
Thank you so much for your helpful shearing post!
It is my pleasure!
Thanks so much for including my Southwest Chicken and Rice Skillet! Such a yummy round up and perfect, especially this time of year when it’s so busy! Gotta love easy clean up 馃檪 Sharing!
Especially during back to school season. Who every thought hey why not start school right before holiday season mom will love it… that person was crazy therefore easy clean up dishes are a necessity this time of the year lol!! And as for sharing your incredible work, it is my pleasure!
Thank you so much for your shearing post!
Sharing and just spreading the love is what we do best!
Thank you so much for your shearing post!