One-pan dinners that will change your weeknight routine

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One-pan dinners are a lifesaver on busy nights, giving you a complete, satisfying meal without the pile of dishes. These recipes bring everything together in one pot, skillet, or casserole dish, so cleanup is minimal, and flavors blend together perfectly. Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort food like chicken with creamy mushroom sauce, a spicy Cajun rice casserole, or an easy Philly cheesesteak casserole, there’s something here for every craving. These dishes are perfect for feeding the whole family with minimal effort, and each one offers a hearty, delicious option that makes dinnertime stress-free.

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Mulligan Stew

A bowl of beef stew with vegetables including carrots, potatoes, corn, and celery. A spoon is in the bowl, and ingredients are scattered on the table nearby.
Mulligan Stew. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Mulligan Stew is a cozy, filling meal with tender meat, potatoes, and veggies all in one pot. It’s ideal for a chilly night, where a mix of hearty ingredients can simmer together. Just let it cook until everything’s soft and flavorful for an easy, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Mulligan Stew

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops covered in gravy with parsley on top.
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

These smothered pork chops are cooked low and slow in a rich gravy until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender. With minimal prep and one crock pot, they’re a fuss-free meal perfect for busy days. Just set it up, and come back to a delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Meatball Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta.
Meatball Pasta Bake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Meatball pasta bake is an all-in-one dish with pasta, meatballs, and sauce, topped with melty cheese. It’s as simple as layering it all together, baking, and enjoying a warm, filling meal. Ideal for family dinners, this bake is both easy to make and comforting.
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.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This casserole brings together beef, peppers, onions, and a creamy cheese sauce for a one-pan version of a classic cheesesteak. Perfect for weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and bakes into a hearty meal. Just dish it out and enjoy all the flavors you love.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

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.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

With tender chicken and savory stuffing, this casserole feels like a mini Thanksgiving in one dish. Everything bakes together until warm and satisfying, giving you an easy dinner with no extra pans. Perfect for when you want comfort without the fuss.
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.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This skillet meal combines chicken, a tangy balsamic cream sauce, and veggies for a meal that’s both easy and flavorful. Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Serve it with a simple side or enjoy as-is for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Enchilada Meatballs

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

These enchilada meatballs offer a fun twist with classic enchilada flavors in a one-pan meal. They’re cooked in a zesty sauce with melty cheese on top, perfect for scooping onto rice or tortilla chips. Simple to make and loaded with flavor, they’re a hit for any night.
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.
Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This unstuffed zucchini casserole is a low-fuss way to enjoy the flavors of stuffed zucchini with just one pan. Loaded with ground meat, tomatoes, and cheese, it’s a hearty yet light dish. It’s a perfect dinner option that doesn’t require tons of prep or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

One Pot Cajun Rice Casserole

Pan of cajun rice and sausage with a wooden spoon and a bowl.
One Pot Cajun Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

With spicy sausage, rice, and veggies, this Cajun-inspired casserole is a flavorful, one-pot wonder. The rice absorbs all the spices as it cooks, giving you a well-seasoned meal in one go. Great for when you want a bit of kick without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cajun Rice Casserole

Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes

Sloppy joe from the side on a plate.
Classic Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Sloppy Joes are a classic, and this one-pan version makes them even simpler. Just brown the beef, add the sauce, and let it simmer until thickened. Serve it on buns for an easy, satisfying meal that’s as family-friendly as it is quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes

Chicken Piccata

Creamy chicken in a cast iron skillet with capers.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This Chicken Piccata brings zesty lemon and capers together in a light sauce over tender chicken, all cooked in one pan. It’s quick to pull together and pairs perfectly with pasta or rice. Ideal for a weeknight, it’s simple yet feels like something special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

With pork chops, veggies, and potatoes all on one sheet pan, this dinner is easy to prep and even easier to clean up. It bakes to perfection with minimal effort and brings the whole meal together at once. Just season, bake, and enjoy a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish combines chicken and a rich mushroom sauce for a comforting meal all in one pan. The creamy sauce cooks right alongside the chicken, making it an ideal dish to serve with rice or pasta. It’s hearty without being heavy—a great option for any night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole

Flat lay of Fajita Rice in a bowl.
One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This fajita rice casserole brings together all your favorite fajita flavors—chicken, peppers, onions, and seasoned rice—in one pan. It’s an easy meal with a Tex-Mex twist, perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful without a lot of cleanup.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole

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