15 recipes that prove one pan is all you need

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When you’re looking for easy meals with minimal cleanup, one-pan dinners are the perfect solution. Whether you’re using a crock pot, skillet, or sheet pan, these recipes offer delicious, hearty meals without all the extra dishes. From comforting casseroles to flavorful meatball bakes, these one-pan dinners come together quickly and are great for any night of the week. Each recipe is designed to give you all the flavors you love in one simple dish. So if you’re short on time but still want something satisfying, these meals have you covered!

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.

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 hearty, throw-together dish that’s perfect for using up whatever you have on hand. Traditionally made with a mix of beef, potatoes, vegetables, and broth, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to customize.
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 to perfection in the crock pot, resulting in tender meat coated in a rich, savory gravy. This is a simple, hands-off meal that’s great for busy days, offering a comforting dish that pairs well with mashed potatoes or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

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.

This chicken and stuffing casserole brings together juicy chicken and flavorful stuffing in one simple dish. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty without the hassle. Serve with a side of green beans for a complete dinner.
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 combines tangy balsamic vinegar with a rich cream sauce, all in one pan. The tender chicken cooks quickly, and the sauce comes together effortlessly, making it a great option for a fast, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Meatball Pasta Bake

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

This meatball pasta bake is an easy way to serve up a comforting, hearty meal in one dish. The meatballs bake right in with the pasta and sauce, creating a cheesy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s a simple meal that feels like a treat.
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.

Philly cheesesteak casserole offers all the flavors of the classic sandwich but in a convenient, easy-to-make dish. Loaded with beef, peppers, and cheese, this casserole bakes in one pan and makes for a satisfying, quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Enchilada Meatballs

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

These enchilada meatballs are a fun twist on a classic, combining the flavors of enchiladas with hearty meatballs. Everything bakes together in one dish, making this a convenient option for a flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

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 a timeless, hearty dish that requires little effort. The roast becomes tender and flavorful as it slowly cooks with vegetables, making this an easy dinner that’s perfect for gathering around the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

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: .

This unstuffed zucchini casserole is an easy way to enjoy the flavors of stuffed zucchini without the hassle. With ground meat, vegetables, and cheese all baked together, this dish makes for a satisfying and healthy meal in one pan.
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.

This Cajun rice casserole is full of bold flavors, with sausage, rice, and spices cooked together in one pot. It’s a quick, filling meal that offers a little bit of spice and a lot of comfort, perfect for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cajun Rice Casserole

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This dish features tender chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce that’s made right in the pan. It’s a simple, rich meal that pairs beautifully with rice or pasta, making it a great choice for an easy yet comforting dinner.
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 the flavors of a fajita in one dish. Chicken, peppers, and rice are baked together with spices, creating a flavorful and filling meal that’s easy to serve and clean up.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Fajita Rice Casserole

Classic Homemade Sloppy Joes

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

This classic sloppy joe recipe brings all the messy, sweet, and tangy goodness you love into one skillet. Perfect for quick dinners, these homemade sloppy joes are a family favorite and can be served with buns for a complete, satisfying meal.
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.

Chicken piccata is a zesty dish featuring chicken cooked in a buttery lemon sauce. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that comes together in one pan, making it a great choice for a simple yet elegant dinner.
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 makes dinnertime easy with minimal cleanup. Pork chops roast alongside seasoned vegetables, creating a balanced meal in one pan that’s both hearty and quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

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