One-Pot Meals: Easy and Flavorful 12 Recipes for Busy Nights

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Meal planning can be a lifesaver for busy nights when you don't have the time or energy to cook a complicated meal. One-pot meals are an excellent option for those nights when you need something easy, delicious, and satisfying. These recipes require minimal prep, and all the ingredients are cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Here are some flavorful one-pot meals that you can add to your meal planning rotation.


Korean Beef and Rice Bowls

Korean cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and this one-pot meal delivers just that. This recipe is a twist on the classic Korean beef bulgogi, but instead of grilling the beef, everything is cooked in one pot.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
  4. Pour the sauce over the beef and stir to coat.
  5. Add 1/2 cup of water and bring to a simmer.
  6. Cover the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  7. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.


Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

This one-pot meal is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a cozy night in. The creamy sauce is made with mushrooms, chicken broth, and cream cheese, giving it a rich and satisfying flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 12 ounces pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until browned on all sides.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
  4. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the pasta and stir to coat with the sauce.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish with parsley and serve.


Veggie-Packed Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

If you're looking for a one-pot meal that's packed with protein and veggies, this quinoa and black bean chili is a perfect choice. It's loaded with nutritious ingredients and has a hearty and satisfying flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add the red and green bell peppers and sauté until tender.
  3. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
  6. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish with cilantro and serve.


Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

This classic Cajun dish is a one-pot meal that's packed with flavor. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together with friends and family.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Green onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot and sauté until tender.
  3. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
  4. Add the sliced Andouille sausage to the pot and cook until browned.
  5. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
  6. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir to combine.
  7. Add the rice and stir to coat with the sauce.
  8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
  9. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
  10. Add the shrimp and sausage to the pot and stir to combine.
  11. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
  12. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.


Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry

This flavorful chicken and vegetable stir fry is a one-pot meal that's perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sliced chicken to the pot and cook until browned.
  3. Add the mixed vegetables and garlic to the pot and sauté until tender.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and water.
  5. Add the sauce to the pot and stir to combine.
  6. Add the rice and stir to coat with the sauce.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
  8. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
  9. Serve hot.


Vegetarian Chili

This hearty and flavorful vegetarian chili is packed with beans, vegetables, and spices.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup corn kernels

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until tender.
  3. Add the bell pepper and zucchini to the pot and sauté until tender.
  4. Add the beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
  5. Add the vegetable broth to the pot and stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
  7. Stir in the corn kernels and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite chili toppings.


One-Pot Chicken and Dumplings

This classic comfort food is easy to make in one pot, with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until tender.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the pot and sauté until browned on all sides.
  4. Add the chicken broth to the pot and stir to combine.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Add the chopped parsley to the flour mixture and stir to combine.
  7. Drop the dumpling batter by spoonfuls into the pot, spacing them evenly.
  8. Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
  9. Serve hot, with additional chopped parsley if desired.


One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This easy one-pot meal features tender shrimp and pasta in a bright and flavorful lemon garlic sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 8 ounces linguine pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until pink and cooked through.
  3. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.
  4. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest to the pot and sauté until fragrant.
  5. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and linguine pasta to the pot and stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
  7. Stir in the cooked shrimp and season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.


One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

This flavorful one-pot meal features tender chicken, bell peppers, and onions in a spicy tomato sauce, with pasta cooked right in the pot.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Shredded cheese and chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sliced chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  4. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot and sauté until tender.
  5. Add the fajita seasoning to the pot and stir to combine.
  6. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and penne pasta to the pot and stir to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
  8. Stir in the cooked chicken and season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.


One-Pot Moroccan Chicken and Couscous

This flavorful one-pot meal features tender chicken, vegetables, and couscous in a fragrant Moroccan-style sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup instant couscous
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until tender.
  3. Add the chicken to the pot and brown on all sides.
  4. Add the cumin, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, cayenne pepper, coriander, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
  5. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot and stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  7. Stir in the instant couscous and lemon juice, then remove the pot from the heat and cover.
  8. Let the couscous absorb the liquid for 5-10 minutes.
  9. Fluff the couscous with a fork and serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.


One-Pot Vegetable Paella

This delicious vegetarian one-pot meal features rice, vegetables, and spices in a flavorful saffron-infused broth.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup arborio rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Pinch of saffron threads
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until tender.
  3. Add the red and yellow bell peppers and zucchini to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Add the arborio rice, smoked paprika, turmeric, and saffron to the pot and stir to combine.
  5. Add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.


One-Pot Mushroom Stroganoff

This creamy and comforting one-pot meal features tender mushrooms, pasta, and a rich and savory sauce.


Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces egg noodles
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until tender.
  3. Add the mushrooms to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they have released their liquid and are tender.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine.
  5. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
  6. Add the egg noodles to the pot and stir to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.


Conclusion

One-pot meals are a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious and easy to make. These recipes are perfect for meal planning, and they can be customized to your liking by adding or omitting ingredients. Try these flavorful one-pot meals and enjoy a stress-free dinner that's both satisfying and delicious. Happy cooking!

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