These 17 one-pan recipes will have you doing less dishes and more eating

Photo of author

| Published:

No one dreams about spending extra time with a sponge and soap, and these 17 recipes make sure you won’t have to. Packed with everything you need in one pan, they’re the MVPs of minimal effort and maximum results. It’s like the universe heard your plea for delicious meals with no cleanup drama. You’re left with one pan to clean and a full stomach to show for it.

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Parisian Potatoes

A spoon lifts several Parisian potatoes from a black skillet filled with more Parisian potatoes.
Parisian Potatoes. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you’re tired after a long day, Parisian Potatoes can be whipped up quickly. You just throw everything into one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The crispy edges with a soft center make it a favorite for a quick side. Enjoy more time eating and less time washing up with this choice.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes

Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Two pulled pork eggs benedict on a plate with sauce.
Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brunch lovers, rejoice! There’s a way to enjoy a luxurious morning meal without crowding your sink with dishes. Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict turns a classic into a one-pan wonder, combining savory and comforting flavors in every bite. It’s the perfect recipe for when you want to impress your guests but also want to enjoy their company instead of being stuck at the sink.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever wanted a side dish that steals the spotlight? Texas Corn Succotash is a vibrant, easy-clean option that brings a burst of color and taste to your table with minimal effort. It’s a clear winner for those who love to add something special to their meal without the additional cleanup. This dish promises a flavorful addition to your meal routine while keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

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.

If there’s a way to make pasta night even easier, it’s by serving up a dish that combines all the flavors of a summer garden in one pan. Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce lets you enjoy the freshness of ingredients without a mountain of dishes to wash afterwards. It’s the kind of meal that boasts simplicity but delivers big on taste, making weeknights feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Texas BLT

Texas BLT on a black slate plate.
Texas BLT. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Transforming a classic sandwich into a one-pan meal, Texas BLT mixes convenience with bold flavors. It’s the go-to dish for when you’re craving something familiar yet effortless, ensuring your kitchen stays as tidy as your appetite is satisfied. This recipe proves that quick meals don’t have to compromise on heartiness or taste.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for something comforting yet light, look no further. Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce is a dish that perfectly balances the pillowy softness of gnocchi with a fresh, citrusy sauce. Each element of the dish complements the others, creating a harmonious plate that’s both invigorating and comforting. Plus, it’s a breeze to make and even easier to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties in a black dish.
Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Need a clever way to use those holiday leftovers? Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties turn yesterday’s meal into today’s delight. This dish is as practical as it is tasty, giving new life to leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. It’s an ingenious solution that minimizes waste and maximizes flavor, all while keeping dish duty to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Wave goodbye to takeout and hello to a homemade favorite that satisfies your craving with less mess. Ground Beef Fried Rice is the epitome of weeknight convenience, blending flavors you love with the ease of a single pan. It epitomizes quick, comforting food that doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes, making it a weeknight hero.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Mexican Black Beans

Mexican black beans in a white bowl with parsley and garlic.
Mexican Black Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re looking for a side that’s as easy as it is flavorful, Mexican Black Beans delivers without complication. This recipe is all about packing a punch in the taste department while remaining simple and straightforward in its preparation. It’s an ideal pick for anyone wanting to add a kick to their meal without adding time to their cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Double halves of Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Craving something hearty? Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak brings the essence of Philly’s beloved sandwich to your kitchen, with a twist. The ground beef melds with melted cheese and onions, all hugged by a soft hoagie roll. It’s comfort food made simple, delivering all the satisfaction without the usual pile-up in the sink. This recipe offers an easy path to a fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Leftover Cottage Roll Hash

A bowl of leftover cottage roll hash on a white tablecloth.
Leftover Cottage Roll Hash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing says resourceful like turning last night’s dinner into today’s breakfast hit. Leftover Cottage Roll Hash is not only a genius way to repurpose the cottage roll, but it also scores high in the flavor department. It’s the perfect solution for a no-waste household, serving up a meal that feels both fresh and familiar without the added hassle of cleaning up a cooking storm.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Cottage Roll Hash

Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)

Greek Green Beans served in a white bowl.
Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans). Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If your palate is wandering to the shores of Greece, Fasolakia Lathera is a simple yet flavorful way to satisfy that Mediterranean craving. This dish combines simplicity with hearty flavors, all in one pan. It’s about bringing home the taste of Greece without bringing home a pile of washing up, offering a travel-inspired meal that’s as easy to clean as it is to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving something that feels gourmet without requiring a professional kitchen’s clean-up? Chicken Piccata offers that luxurious taste experience paired with the simplicity of a single pan. It’s the perfect choice for those wanting to keep their evening elegant but uncomplicated, proving that sophisticated flavors don’t need to be saved for the weekends.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

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 says weeknight dinners have to be boring? Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe mixes the comfort of gnocchi with the punch of Italian sausage and the freshness of broccoli rabe. It’s a meal that’s as balanced as it is straightforward, showing that you can have gourmet tastes on a Tuesday night without the gourmet clean-up.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you’re in the mood for something different but don’t want the hassle, Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches have got you covered. This dish packs in the flavor with minimal kitchen mess, making it an exciting midweek meal option. It’s about bringing a bit of international flair to your dinner table without bringing the need for extra cleaning afterwards.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

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

For those who love a hearty, savory breakfast that can also double as a satisfying dinner, Montreal Smoked Meat Hash is your go-to. It’s a dish that fills you up and leaves behind little to clean, making it perfect for lazy weekends or busy weeknights. This recipe embodies the pleasure of indulgent eating with the practicality of single-pan cooking.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ham Fried Rice turns a simple concept into a flavorful feast with just one pan. It’s ideal for those nights when you crave something filling but dread the clean-up that typically follows. This recipe is about enjoying the hearty and comforting flavors you desire, without the sink full of dishes you don’t. It’s a win-win for taste and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.