Why make a mess? These 23 one-pot dinners keep it simple

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One-pot dinners are a lifesaver when you’re tired of turning your kitchen into a dish-filled disaster zone. These recipes keep things easy, with just one pot to clean up, so you can spend more time relaxing and less time scrubbing. Everything comes together in one spot, making a great meal without the mess. If you’re looking to keep your sink from overflowing with dirty dishes, these 23 one-pot dinners are perfect for keeping it simple.

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

For a night when you want big flavor with little cleanup, Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce delivers. This dish is a straightforward mix of juicy chicken thighs and a creamy mushroom sauce, cooked in one pan within 30 minutes. The mushrooms add a rich flavor that complements the chicken well, making it a hit for dinner. It’s the kind of meal that feels a bit fancy without the effort. And since it’s all done in one pot, you can forget about a mountain of dishes. Just one pot, 30 minutes, and you’re done.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole packs all the good stuff — bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and cheese — into one pot for an easy dinner fix. It’s like having stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing anything. Ready in under 45 minutes, this casserole dish is a busy weeknight’s best friend. It cuts down on dishes and stress, making it a perfect pick for family dinners. Just one pot, less than an hour, and you’ve got a meal that keeps everyone happy and your kitchen clean. Who knew dinner could be this easy?
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup

A bowl of creamy soup topped with croutons and chopped green onions, with a spoon in the bowl. Another bowl of soup is partially visible on the right.
Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup is a cozy one-pot recipe, perfect for when you want something comforting and easy. With sharp cheddar, veggies, and a good Wisconsin lager, this soup comes together in about an hour. You’ll sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until soft, stir in the flour, and slowly add the broth and beer. Let it simmer to thicken, then mix in the cheddar for a creamy, flavorful finish — all in just one pot.
Get the Recipe: Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A hand holding a spoon serves a portion of fried rice mixed with beef, cabbage, and garnished with chopped herbs from a beige bowl.
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls make the classic recipe easier by putting everything into one pot. In just an hour, you’ll have all the great flavors without the hassle. Start by browning the beef and onions, then toss in cabbage, rice, and seasonings. Everything simmers together in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. Plus, it stores well for an easy meal later.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a meal that’s as simple as it is scrumptious. This dish brings together shrimp, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and plenty of garlic — all cooked in less than 30 minutes in just one pan. It’s a great choice for a light dinner that won’t leave you with a sink full of pots. Not only does it save you time, but it also spares you the cleanup. Perfect for those evenings when you want to eat well but stay out of the kitchen post-dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your shortcut to a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy juicy chicken cooked to perfection and slathered in a rich garlic butter sauce. With just chicken, butter, garlic, and a few herbs, this dish keeps it straightforward but loaded with flavor. Perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or convenience.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A bowl of soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup serves up comfort in one pot. With sweet potatoes, red peppers, cream, and a dash of spices, this soup melds sweet and spicy in a creamy texture. Ready in about an hour, it’s great for a no-stress dinner that warms you up from the inside out. Plus, the one-pot approach means less washing up and more winding down.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you love the idea of a chicken pot pie but not the effort it takes, the Chicken Pot Pie Soup is your shortcut to comfort. Everything you love about pot pie — chicken, mixed veggies, a creamy broth — all in one pot. It cooks for about an hour, turning those classic flavors into a soup that’s every bit as comforting as the pie itself. Great for evenings when you want to keep things simple and heartwarming. Plus, with only one pot to clean, you’ll have plenty of time to unwind after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner recipe is about keeping dinner straightforward and delicious. Throw sausages, broccoli, zucchini, and peppers onto a sheet pan, bake until caramelized, and you have dinner in 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate in easy prep and even easier cleanup. This dish is a lifesaver for anyone who dreads the post-dinner tidy-up. Just one sheet and a few ingredients, and you’ve got a meal that covers all the bases — flavorful, hearty, and stress-free. It’s exactly what you need when you’re too tired to deal with a mountain of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy chicken dish garnished with bacon and herbs in a skillet.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken has got you covered if you need a quick fix for dinner without a mountain of dishes afterward. This dish features tender chicken and crispy bacon bits, all in a creamy Dijon sauce. It’s all about making your evening meal as effortless as possible — ready in 30 minutes and just one pan to wash! You’ll enjoy a relaxing dinner that’s good enough to impress but easy enough to be a regular on your meal rotation. And hey, with cleanup this easy, you might have time for that extra episode on Netflix tonight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is the go-to dish for a fast, delicious dinner that keeps kitchen chores to a minimum. With sausages, cabbage, onions, and a sprinkle of spices cooked together in one pan, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes flat. This meal is perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty but not complicated. Plus, the one-pan method means you can kick back sooner rather than later. It’s all about getting a great meal on the table fast, with barely any cleanup. Perfect for when you’d rather chill than scrub pots.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re after a cozy meal that feels like a hug, this Hungarian Mushroom Soup is your go-to. It blends earthy mushrooms with a touch of cream, all simmered together in one pot. Prep and cooking total about 45 minutes. It’s a great dinner option that’s both filling and heartwarming. Plus, it saves you the hassle of washing pots and pans. One pot, one delicious meal, and minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whenever you want to spice things up but keep dinner simple, this Sausage Curry nails it. Throw sausages, some hearty veggies, and a bright curry sauce together, and boom, dinner’s ready before you know it. It’s all done in one pan, which means you can say goodbye to a sink full of dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to get a flavorful meal on the table fast — because who has time for complicated on a Tuesday night? Not only does it make your life easier, but it also keeps your kitchen clean. That’s right; you have more time to relax and less time to clean.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a dish that’s bound to be a hit: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Just grab some chicken thighs, toss them in a skillet with sun-dried tomatoes and a creamy sauce, and let it all come together in about 30 minutes. It’s fast, straightforward, and seriously cuts down on dish duty. Great for a no-stress dinner after a long day. You get a rich, flavorful meal with barely any cleanup — talk about a win-win. One skillet, less mess, and a meal that keeps both your belly and kitchen spotless.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. It combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes for a rich, creamy texture. It’s a simple recipe that keeps cleanup quick, making it perfect for those nights when you want something comforting without the hassle of a messy kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A dish of seasoned shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage slices, and potato chunks garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is packed with flavor and only needs one pan. Baby red potatoes, corn, andouille sausage, and shrimp come together in less than an hour, seasoned with Old Bay and fresh lemon slices. Perfect for busy weeknights, and any leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Tuna Melt Quesadillas

Four quesadilla slices on parchment paper, filled with melted cheese and tuna, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuna Melt Quesadillas. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Melt Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal you can whip up in just 30 minutes. These one-pan quesadillas combine tuna, cheddar, and flour tortillas, all cooked on the stovetop until golden and crispy. They’re great for a fast family dinner, and leftovers store well for later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Melt Quesadillas

Loaded Tater Tots

A close-up of loaded tater tots topped with melted cheese, bacon, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of creamy sauce being added from a white spoon.
Loaded Tater Tots. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Tater Tots are ready in 35 minutes and are a fun, simple family dinner. You’ll bake the tater tots until crispy, top with cheddar, sour cream, bacon, and green onions, and serve—all in one pan. Leftovers (if there are any!) store well for next-day snacking.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Reuben Bowls are a quick, one-pan meal ready in just 30 minutes. Deli corned beef gets browned and tossed with cabbage, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, then finished with a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing. They’re perfect for a fast dinner!
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re all about throwing things in a pot and magically having dinner appear, Chicken Tortellini Soup is your kind of recipe. It’s got chicken, tortellini, a bunch of veggies, and delicious broth, all ready in just 40 minutes. The flavors are a classic mix — herby, hearty, and just plain comforting. It’s a soup that fills you up without needing a kitchen full of pots and pans. The quick cleanup means more time for whatever else you’ve got going on. This soup is like that reliable friend who’s always cool to hang out with — no drama, just great food.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is an easy, one-pan dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken, garlic, cream, and Parmesan, it delivers a rich, comforting flavor without being too heavy. Everything cooks in one skillet, keeping cleanup quick and simple. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want a hearty meal but don’t want to spend the evening washing dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Ground meat dish topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs in a skillet.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice when you need a hearty meal without a heap of dishes. This one-pan wonder combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, cream cheese, cheddar, and a touch of heavy cream for a hearty and low-carb meal. It’s all about getting the maximum flavor without the hassle of cleanup. Ready in 30 minutes, this skillet dish is perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but big on hunger. Plus, the minimal dish duty means more you-time after dinner. It’s practically a lazy person’s dream: great food, less cleaning, more relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of creamy soup with vegetables and chunks of chicken, garnished with parsley. A spoon is lifting a portion from the bowl.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When simplicity is key, Chicken Corn Soup steps up. Just toss chicken, creamed corn, potatoes, and some broth into a pot and let it do its thing for under an hour. The result? A soup that’s hearty, comforting, and just the right kind of sweet. With everything done in one pot, cleanup is a breeze, giving you more time to chill out. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just making sure you’ve got leftovers for days. And honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that practically takes care of itself?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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