When it comes to making dinner after a long day, the fewer dishes to wash, the better. That’s where these recipes come in handy. They’re all about convenience without compromising on flavor, with everything cooked in just one pan, pot, or dish. From a hearty one-pan fajita rice casserole to a classic slow cooker pot roast, these meals are designed to keep things simple. Whether you’re looking for something comforting, like a creamy chicken skillet, or something with a bit of spice, like Cajun rice casserole, these recipes are perfect for busy nights. While you might need a bowl or cutting board, generally you’ll make a lot less dishes.
![Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet with fresh herbs.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Creamy-Balsamic-Chicken-Skillet-1024x576.jpg)
Meatball Pasta Bake
![A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/meatball-casserole-FDL.jpg)
This meatball pasta bake is a comforting dish that combines pasta and juicy meatballs in one pan. It’s a hearty option that’s easy to put together, with everything cooking in the same dish, making cleanup a breeze. The result is a delicious, cheesy meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
![A skillet containing a creamy casserole topped with melted cheese, garnished with herbs, placed on a white surface next to a chopping board with sliced green bell pepper and mushrooms.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Philly-Cheesesteak-Casserole-EDITED-17-1024x683.jpg)
The Philly cheesesteak casserole brings all the flavors of the classic sandwich into a convenient, oven-baked dish. It’s packed with tender beef, onions, and peppers, all topped with melted cheese. This casserole is an easy way to enjoy a family favorite without needing multiple pans.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Enchilada Meatballs
![Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/enchilada-meatballs-11-scaled-e1694631689903.jpg)
Enchilada meatballs are a flavorful twist on traditional meatballs, baked in a rich enchilada sauce with a layer of cheese. This dish offers a taste of Mexican-inspired comfort food, all cooked in one dish. It’s a great choice for a satisfying dinner with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs
Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole
![A skillet filled with a cheesy vegetable casserole, topped with melted cheese, next to a checkered red and white cloth and three whole zucchinis.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Unstuffed-Zucchini-Casserole-EDITED-16-1024x698.jpg)
The unstuffed zucchini casserole takes all the goodness of stuffed zucchini and simplifies it into an easy-to-make dish. Layers of zucchini, ground beef, and tomato sauce come together in one baking dish. This recipe is perfect for those who love a vegetable-packed meal with minimal prep and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
![Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chicken-with-Creamy-Mushroom-Sauce-rotated.jpg)
This chicken with creamy mushroom sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that’s cooked entirely in one pan. The chicken is sautéed to perfection, then simmered in a rich mushroom sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without requiring a lot of effort or dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
![A white casserole dish filled with baked stuffing topped with crushed bread crumbs and garnished with parsley. A serving spoon is placed in the dish. A striped kitchen towel is partially visible.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chicken-Stuffing-Casserole-EDITED-10-1024x683.jpg)
The chicken and stuffing casserole combines tender chicken with flavorful stuffing in a single baking dish. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to assemble, making it ideal for busy nights. The flavors blend together beautifully, and cleanup is a snap with just one dish to wash.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
![A serving of creamy balsamic chicken skillet next to a serving of green salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Creamy-Balsamic-Chicken-Skillet.jpg)
This creamy balsamic chicken skillet brings together chicken and a tangy balsamic cream sauce in one pan. The dish is full of flavor and cooks quickly, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners. Plus, everything cooks in the same skillet, so cleanup is minimal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet
One Pot Cajun Rice Casserole
![Pan of cajun rice and sausage with a wooden spoon and a bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cajun-Rice-Skillet-EDITED_-20.jpg)
The one-pot Cajun rice casserole is a flavorful dish that combines spicy sausage, rice, and vegetables in a single pot. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, with all the ingredients cooking together. This dish offers a taste of the South with very little cleanup required.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cajun Rice Casserole
One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole
![Flat lay of Fajita Rice in a bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/One-Pan-Fajita-Rice-Casserole.jpg)
This one-pan fajita rice casserole brings together the bold flavors of chicken fajitas with the comforting texture of rice, all in one dish. With seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy rice cooked together, it’s a complete meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole
Chicken Piccata
![Creamy chicken in a cast iron skillet with capers.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Piccata-Resize_-2.jpg)
Chicken piccata is a classic dish where tender chicken breasts are cooked in a lemony, buttery sauce. Everything is prepared in one pan, making it a convenient choice for a quick and delicious dinner. The bright flavors and easy preparation make this a go-to recipe for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
![Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sheet-pan-pork-chops-landscape-1.jpg)
This sheet pan pork chop dinner brings together pork chops and vegetables on one baking sheet. It’s a simple, well-rounded meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up. The pork chops come out juicy, and the veggies are perfectly roasted, making it a great option for a hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
![Sloppy joe from the side on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Classic-Sloppy-Joes-Edited-1024x695.jpg)
Classic homemade sloppy joes are a nostalgic favorite, with a rich, savory sauce simmered with ground beef. The entire dish comes together in one skillet, making it an easy option for a quick meal. Serve it on buns for a fun, no-fuss dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
![Roast beef, potatoes, and carrots in a bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Slow-Cooker-Pot-Roast-24.jpg)
Slow cooker pot roast is the ultimate in set-it-and-forget-it cooking. With just a few ingredients added to the slow cooker, you’ll come home to a tender, flavorful roast and perfectly cooked vegetables. It’s a comforting meal that requires minimal effort and results in a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast