Dinners that use less dishes

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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.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Meatball Pasta Bake

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

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.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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.
Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: .

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.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

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

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.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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.
One Pot Cajun Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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.
One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

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.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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.
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.
Classic Sloppy Joes. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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

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