Dinner under 30 (dishes in the sink): 17 one-pan meals for easy cleanup

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Ever thought dinner could be speedy, and simple, and leave your kitchen almost as clean as you started? This set of recipes is all about making dinner a breeze and cutting down on the chore of cleaning. Whip up a tasty meal in a single pan and reclaim your night from the clutches of scrubbing and scraping.

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Imagine coming home after a long day and in less than 30 minutes, you’re slicing into a juicy steak topped with cowboy butter that melts right on top, infusing the meat with flavor. It’s not just about throwing a steak on the grill; it’s about elevating your dinner with that buttery finish. This one-pan approach minimizes cleanup, making your evening smoother. Perfect for those who love their steak with a twist and hate the mess afterward.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

A pulled pork sandwich with fries on a slate board.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. Photo Credit: Grill What You Love.

Who says you can’t reinvent a classic? Taking the humble grilled cheese and stuffing it with tender pulled pork creates a comfort food combo that’s hard to beat. It’s a clever way to bring dinner together without fighting a sink full of dishes later. Ideal for a cozy night in, this one-pan meal marries simplicity with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Switching up chicken night can be as simple as adding a fresh bruschetta topping to grilled chicken breasts. This dish is a nod to summer flavors but easy enough to whip up any day of the week. It ticks all the boxes for a quick, tasty, and easy-to-clean-up meal. Now, who wouldn’t want grilled bruschetta chicken to be part of their weeknight rotation?
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Cheeseburger Casserole

A top-down shot of Cheeseburger Casserole with pickles and cheese nearby.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Imagine a dish that combines all the juicy, savory goodness of a cheeseburger but in a simple, baked casserole form. This spin on a classic not only satisfies those burger cravings but does so in a way that keeps kitchen cleanup to a bare minimum. Nestling into a comforting plate of cheeseburger casserole feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s a fun and easy dinner option everyone at the table will dive into.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled pork chops on a platter with pineapple salsa.
Grilled Pork chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love

Picture this: grilled pork chops topped with vibrant pineapple salsa, bringing a touch of sweetness to each bite. This dish proves that with minimal effort, you can have a meal that’s both appealing to the palate and to the eye. The simplicity of cooking and cleaning means more time to enjoy your evening. It’s a fresh take on pork chops that brings a bit of summer to your plate, no matter the season.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

There’s something about a grilled chicken Caprese sandwich that feels so right. Maybe it’s the juicy chicken paired with fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil, all enveloped in perfectly toasted bread. It’s a simple pleasure that doesn’t leave you with a pile of pots and pans afterward. This recipe captures the essence of a beloved Italian salad while satisfying your need for a hearty sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For those who dream of the Mediterranean but find themselves stuck in the kitchen, this grilled shrimp dish is an escape. Paired with flavors that sing of the sea, it’s a straightforward route to a meal that feels special yet is fuss-free. The ease of a one-pan cleanup means you’re spending less time on chores and more on savoring the moment. It’s a recipe that brings the Mediterranean touch to your dining table with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of pasta with cherry tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple, fresh, and utterly comforting, pasta with a cherry tomato sauce captures the essence of what a quick meal should be. It’s about letting good ingredients speak for themselves without spending ages in the kitchen. This dish is a celebration of flavors that come alive in under 30 minutes, making your dinner routine feel like a breeze. Plus, the easy cleanup ensures this meal is as relaxing to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

A white plate with Montreal smoked meat hash on it.
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Waking up to the savory smell of Montreal smoked meat hash could be the highlight of a weekend brunch. It’s a dish that combines hearty ingredients with the convenience of a one-pan meal, making post-brunch cleanup almost nonexistent. This recipe is a tribute to classic flavors, all while keeping your morning hassle-free. It’s a perfect way to bring a bit of comfort to your table, with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A Mediterranean orzo salad with shrimp is the perfect answer to the question of what to make when you crave something light yet fulfilling. This dish brings together vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients, all in one pan for an easy cleanup. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a meal that’s both nutritious and quick to prepare. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy seafood with a Mediterranean twist.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Coronation chicken salad is a reimagining of a classic, blending tender chicken with a curiously flavorful dressing. It’s a dish that promises simplicity in its preparation and elegance in its taste. Perfect for those seeking a meal that’s light on the stomach and the sink. This unique salad provides a delightful eating experience, accompanied by the joy of an easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of Mexican carne molida with lime wedges served on a wooden table with a striped cloth on the side.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into the rich and comforting flavors of carne molida, a Mexican twist on ground beef that’s both simple and satisfying. This recipe calls for minimal cooking ware, making it a dream for anyone wanting to avoid a mountain of dishes. It’s a fantastic way to spice up dinner time without complicating the cleanup. Savor the warmth of Mexican cuisine right at your dining table, hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew that skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe could be so comforting and yet so simple to make? This meal combines hearty flavors with the ease of one-pan preparation, ensuring a tasty dinner and an easy cleanup. It’s a perfect option for a busy weeknight when time and patience for dishes are short. Invite Italian-inspired flavors into your home with this straightforward yet satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine the perfect balance of juicy pork chops paired with a tangy tomato and green onion relish. It’s a dish that brings simplicity and flavor together, marrying them in a dance that’s as easy on the palate as it is on the cleanup. This one-pan recipe ensures that a gourmet-style dinner doesn’t have to mean a kitchen in disarray. It’s an uncomplicated path to a delicious and easy-to-clean meal.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Corned Beef Hash Casserole in a square baking dish.
Corned Beef Hash Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corned beef hash casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. It combines all the beloved elements of a traditional hash but simplifies the cooking process into a single pan. This recipe appeals to anyone looking to enjoy a classic taste without spending the rest of their time cleaning up. It’s a simple comfort food that warms the heart and stomach alike.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Blackstone Smash Burger

A burger held in two hands.
Blackstone Smash Burger. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Meet the ultimate burger experience with a Blackstone smash burger. It’s about taking the hamburger to new heights, all while keeping things simple in the kitchen. This recipe perfects the art of the smash burger, ensuring juicy, flavorful burgers every time, without a stack of dishes waiting for you. For those seeking the pleasure of grilling with the bonus of minimal cleanup, this is your go-to recipe.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Al Pastor quesadillas bring a twist to your typical quesadilla with a burst of flavor inspired by traditional Al Pastor. This meal captures the essence of street food comfort while keeping the kitchen workload light. It’s a clever way to enjoy a rich, flavorful dinner without the aftermath of cleaning up a messy kitchen. Feel the warmth and zest of Al Pastor in every bite of this easy-to-make dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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