18 Easy One-Pot Meals Ready in Less Than an Hour

When we haven't even cleaned yesterday's dishes, a recipe that lets us throw all our ingredients in a single pot or pan is sometimes all we want.

Easy One-Pan Chicken Fried Rice
Photo:

Allrecipes

These fuss-free dinners can be made in one big pot or skillet, making clean-up a breeze. They are super tasty recipes, as all the flavors mingle and cook together in one big dish. They're hearty and filling too, so perfect for busy weeknight meals. Here are some of our favorite easy one-pot meals, ready in under an hour.

01 of 19

Chicken in a Pot

Chicken in a Pot

"My husband and I just made this tonight, and it tasted great! It's a very simple dish, but you'd never know it by the complex flavor," reviewer Rhea says.

02 of 19

Italian Chicken Skillet

Italian Chicken Skillet
Rock_lobster

Chicken, tomatoes, fresh spinach and mozzarella combine to create this dish. The recipe creator recommends using your favorite shell pasta. "I tripled the recipe and had no leftovers. This never happens in my house," says reviewer Leigh Anne.

03 of 19

Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Rice Bowl

looking down at a lemon-parmesan chicken and farro bowl with a lemon wedge
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Cheesy, lemony, and crunchy. "This is a great recipe for weeknight meals. Great leftovers for lunch. Classic flavor combos that really liven up the dish," says Allrecipes Allstar MrsFisher0729.

04 of 19

Asian Beef Slaw

Addictive Asian Beef Slaw in a white bowl
Stasty Cook

"My husband and four boys loved it! It's a good, quick, cheap meal for a family on a budget. I got pre-packaged coleslaw and broccoli slaw. We also sprinkled sesame seeds on top," says reviewer fogarty.

05 of 19

Quinoa Chicken

A high angle of a quinoa chicken dish in a bowl

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Super easy to make, very healthy, high protein and definitely hits the spot. I'm always looking for new ways to prepare ground chicken. I'll be making this one often," says Allrecipes Allstar France C.

06 of 19

Singapore Noodle Curry Shrimp

Singapore Noodle Curry Shrimp
Susheelover

This Singaporean noodle shrimp curry is made with one skillet but is packed with lost of flavors and spices. As reviewers have recommended, if you want a spicier dish, add chili powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or other hot favorites.

07 of 19

Spicy Unstuffed Cabbage

Spicy Unstuffed Cabbage in a white dish
Rock_lobster

"This reminds me of my mom's cabbage casserole recipe that consisted of one head of cabbage, ground beef, and one can of condensed tomato soup. Only better," says reviewer Kanderso58.

08 of 19

Gyudon Japanese Beef Bowl

Gyudon Japanese Beef Bowl
Buckwheat Queen

"This is basically a common Japanese fast food where beef and caramelized onions are served on top of short-grain rice," says recipe creator LittoBubbo. "Perfect when hot, cold, or room temperature. Good for school lunches on hot days."

09 of 19

One Pan Orecchiette Pasta

One Pan Orecchiette Pasta
Linda T

"This delicious orecchiette pasta recipe only has a handful of ingredients, is very cheap to make, and most importantly, only uses one pan or pot for the entire procedure," says recipe creator Chef John.

10 of 19

Ranch-Baked Chicken Thighs with Bacon, Brussels Sprouts, and Potatoes

a high angle of chicken and Brussel sprouts with bacon and potatoes

"Savory chicken thighs with Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and bacon all feature in this one-pan dinner," says Allrecipes Allstar fabeveryday. Because all the ingredients cook together, the bacon fat does what is does best: flavor everything else.

11 of 19

One Skillet Mexican Quinoa

Black beans, tomatoes, and quinoa topped with avocado and fresh herbs in a turquoise skillet
Allrecipes

"Wow this was easy and delicious! I planned extra time to make it since it was a first, but I was blown away at how quickly it was prepared and cooked," says reviewer nicpot. "I sautéed some shrimp with lime and garlic and added them on top, which was the perfect addition."

12 of 19

Chicken Escabeche

Chicken Escabeche
Buckwheat Queen

"Chicken breasts, onions, and carrots stew in vinegar and wine for a tangy South American escabeche meal," says Allrecipes Allstar Buckwheat Queen. "This is delicious served over rice or quinoa. This dish can be served immediately but it is even better if served at room temperature after the flavors have had some time to meld."

13 of 19

Turkey Spaghetti Zoodles

Turkey Spaghetti Zoodles in a skillet
bd.weld

"I've made this recipe several times since I initially saw it last month. It's the perfect dish for cold, rainy, or snowy days when you're home and, preferably, snugly in a comfy bed or couch," reviewer Ellie Dorsey says.

14 of 19

One-Pot Ham and Veggie Pasta

One-Pot Ham and Veggie Pasta
lutzflcat

Creaming and comforting, this farfalle pasta with ham, onions, peas, and carrots is a great option for weeknights. "This was super good. Even my 14-year-old son, who can be very picky, said it was amazing," reviewer Tami Song says.

15 of 19

Easy One-Pan Chicken Fried Rice

close up on dish of Easy One-Pan Chicken Fried Rice with peas and carrots
Allrecipes

"When you need a meal to feed the entire family and are short on time and groceries, try this easy, one-pan fried rice dish made with with leftover chicken and rice," says recipe developer Nicole McLaughlin. "A handful of veggies add color and texture while a few pantry staple spices and condiments add flavor to this simple stir-fry dish the whole family will love."

16 of 19

One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken

a high angle of one pot mediterranean chicken with toast

"I am not a cook. Most of my recipes are disastrous no matter how hard I try. This recipe was perfect. My husband had two servings, which is rare for him," says reviewer Connie Works.

17 of 19

Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken and Rice)

chicken,rice, and red peppers
pomplemousse

This dish is closely related to Paella but with more Latin American influences. Simply cook the chicken in a skillet before tossing in all the flavor: rice, green peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and more fills this dish with lots to enjoy.

18 of 19

Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

overhead view looking into a skillet of Italian sausage, peppers and onions

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

"This simple and delicious one-pan sausage and peppers recipe has been used in our family for years and years now," says recipe creator GIGI9801. "Serve in a roll, or use as a topping for pizza or pasta."

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