Staring at the clock, counting down the minutes until the workday ends, you might already be feeling the dinner dread. Let’s cut the kitchen time with one-pan meals that promise ease and speed.
These 25 recipes are designed to free up your evening, turning dinner prep into a single-step process. Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes and hello to more time relaxing after a long day.
Quick to prepare and even quicker to clean, these meals are a boon for anyone looking to simplify their nightly routine. Get ready to serve up simplicity without skimping on flavor.
Pan-seared cod with fennel-tomato ragout
For lazy cooks seeking a quick and sophisticated meal, pan-seared cod with fennel-tomato ragout is a one-pan wonder. In just 30 minutes, you can savor the mild flavor of cod with a robust fennel and tomato sauce. With only a few key ingredients, this dish proves that simplicity can lead to an elegant dinner without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Pan-seared cod with fennel-tomato ragout
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
The creamy balsamic chicken skillet is a dream for any lazy cook, ready in a mere 25 minutes using just one pan. Succulent chicken breasts are smothered in a thick balsamic cream sauce, delivering a rich and tangy taste. This dish is the epitome of minimal effort with maximum flavor, perfect for a swift and satisfying weeknight feast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole is the ultimate one-pan comfort food, requiring minimal effort for a decadent 40-minute meal. The combination of chicken, cheese, and bacon creates a rich, creamy casserole that lazy cooks can easily throw together. It’s a no-stress dish that delivers on indulgence for a relaxing evening at home.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole
The Perfect Rice Pilaf
Lazy cooks will appreciate the Perfect Rice Pilaf as a fuss-free side, cooked in one pan in less than an hour. Combining rice, veggies, and spices, it offers a fluffy texture and a savory taste. This dish is a straightforward solution to accompany any main, providing a fail-safe way to complete a meal with ease.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Rice Pilaf
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas are a vibrant, one-pan meal that’s ready in 35 minutes, a boon for lazy cooks. The steak and shrimp are perfectly seasoned for a smoky flavor, combined with peppers and onions. This dish is a hassle-free way to enjoy a Tex-Mex favorite without the usual prep work.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is an ideal one-pan meal for lazy cooks, ready in 20 minutes. The dish features a satisfying blend of savory beef and sweet cabbage, seasoned to perfection. It’s a straightforward, hearty meal that brings flavor and fullness without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a trendy, effortless one-pan meal that lazy cooks can whip up in 35 minutes. Pasta, cherry tomatoes, and a block of feta cheese bake together to create a creamy and tangy sauce. This dish is a testament to the power of simplicity, offering a no-hassle approach to a delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Spinach Souffle
Spinach Souffle is a simple, one-pan dish that provides an elegant touch to any lazy cook’s repertoire in just 35 minutes. The combination of spinach, eggs, and cheese results in a light, fluffy texture with a subtly cheesy taste. It’s an uncomplicated recipe for a sophisticated side that requires minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Souffle
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken is a one-pan meal that delivers a sweet and tangy taste in 30 minutes. Lazy cooks will love the ease of combining chicken, maple syrup, mustard, and veggies on one pan for a flavorful glaze. This dish is the epitome of hassle-free cooking with a delicious outcome.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a one-pan meal that’s both colorful and flavorful, ready in 30 minutes for lazy cooks. The warm, slightly sweet taste of paprika enhances the chicken and veggies. This dish is a no-fuss option for a delicious and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Bloody Mary Shrimp
Bloody Mary Shrimp offers lazy cooks a spicy, tangy one-pan seafood dish ready in 20 minutes. With shrimp cooked in a Bloody Mary-inspired sauce, it’s a bold and quick meal that’s sure to impress. This dish turns the essence of a classic cocktail into a speedy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp
Blackened Chicken Thighs
Blackened Chicken Thighs are perfect for lazy cooks, delivering smoky, slightly spicy flavors in a 30-minute one-pan meal. The homemade blackening spice mix coats the chicken, creating a tasty crust. It’s a no-nonsense approach to a flavorful dinner that simplifies cooking without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes is a one-pan meal that brings comfort to lazy cooks in about an hour. The buttermilk and herb marinade ensures tender, juicy chicken paired with hearty potatoes. This dish is a straightforward way to enjoy a classic flavor combination with minimal kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner is a complete one-pan meal that lazy cooks can serve in about 35 minutes. The combination of pork chops, potatoes, and apples offers a mix of savory and sweet. It’s an easy, satisfying dinner that requires little preparation and even less cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic is a straightforward side dish that takes 30 minutes in one pan. The crisp potatoes mixed with sautéed spinach and garlic create a hearty and flavorful addition to any meal. This dish is perfect for lazy cooks who want to effortlessly enhance their dinner.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner is an exotic, one-pan meal that’s on the table in 20 minutes, ideal for lazy cooks. The Moroccan spices give the salmon a unique, aromatic flavor that’s both healthy and quick to prepare. It’s a flavorful escape from the ordinary with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
Corned Beef Fritters
Corned Beef Fritters are a quick, one-pan snack that’s ready in 30 minutes, perfect for lazy cooks. These fritters combine corned beef, potatoes, and onions into a crispy delight. They offer a no-stress way to transform leftovers into a delicious and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters
Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is a one-pan meal that brings a zesty flavor to the table in about 40 minutes. Lazy cooks will love the simplicity of roasting chicken with lemon and herbs. The dish is a light and healthy option that doesn’t skimp on taste, ideal for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella is a classic one-pan dish that lazy cooks can enjoy with only an hour of cooking time. The combination of plums, olives, and capers marinade yields a sweet and savory flavor. This dish simplifies gourmet cooking, making it accessible for a relaxed evening meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup is a one-pot meal that lazy cooks can set and forget, ready in about an hour. The soup is a blend of navy beans, veggies, and ham hock, creating a comforting and savory taste. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a warm, filling meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies is a nutritious, one-pan meal that’s ready in 20 minutes, making it perfect for lazy cooks. The baked salmon and vegetables offer a healthy and light flavor. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a balanced and quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp
Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp is a one-pan dish that’s ready in 20 minutes, catering to lazy cooks who crave a mix of flavors. The shrimp are cooked with mango and a spicy sauce, delivering a sweet heat. This meal is a fuss-free approach to a flavorful, tropical-inspired dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp
Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is a one-pan meal that’s ready in 40 minutes, perfect for lazy cooks looking for a hearty dish. The combination of ground beef, cabbage, and cheese creates a comforting, cheesy taste. It’s an easy-to-make casserole that brings a satisfying and filling option to the dinner table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Cod Piccata
Cod Piccata offers a one-pan, 30-minute solution for lazy cooks craving a light and tangy meal. The cod is paired with a lemony, caper sauce that delivers a bright flavor. This dish is a straightforward way to create a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss, perfect for a quick and tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata
Baked Creamy Salmon
Baked Creamy Salmon is a one-pan, 30-minute indulgence for lazy cooks. The salmon is baked in a creamy sauce, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a luxurious meal, combining ease with a touch of elegance. This dish is ideal for those seeking a quick yet sumptuous dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Creamy Salmon