Johann Hunt
Long day? Too tired to cook? That’s where one-pot meals save the night. No endless chopping, stirring, or watching the stove. Just toss the ingredients in a pot, slow cooker, or baking dish, and let the magic happen. Soon, you’ll dig into something warm, comforting, and delicious. Here are the easiest one-pot meals you can make.
Chicken Alfredo & Rice Casserole
Busy weeknights call for creamy, cheesy goodness, and this dish will satisfy your taste buds! Chicken, rice, and Alfredo sauce combine effortlessly with a bubbly cheese layer. Some versions include roasted red peppers and peas, but others use broccoli or sun-dried tomatoes for a tasty twist.
Hot Chicken Salad Casserole
Think of this as a cozy upgrade to your favorite chicken salad. The blend of chicken, mayonnaise, and your choice of yogurt, sour cream, or cream of chicken soup keeps it rich. A crunchy topping of crushed cornflakes, almonds, or fried onions adds the perfect contrast.
Salsa Chicken
This is what happens when Tex-Mex flavors meet effortless cooking. Here, you bake chicken in a flavorful mix of salsa and melted cheese to soak up every bit of taste. Also, add corn if you like. Whether scooped over rice or rolled into warm tortillas, it’s a no-fuss dish with bold, satisfying bites.
Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
Nothing beats the deep, slow-cooked flavors of a rich tomato-based sauce clinging to tender short ribs. Garlic and herbs bring warmth, and as the meat softens, the flavors intensify. Serve it over pasta or smooth mashed potatoes because these meals deserve to feel a little indulgent.
Instant Pot Coconut Pork
For those who love a dish with a little kick and a hint of creaminess, this one is for you. Pork absorbs the rich blend of coconut milk, turmeric, and ginger, creating a balance of spice and subtle sweetness. Serve it over rice for a wholesome experience.
Cheddar Chicken Bake
Some nights call for a hearty meal, and this dish delivers. In a Cheddar Chicken Bake, melted cheddar layers chicken with a crispy golden crust. It’s very fulfilling! Who can resist all that cheese? Plus, you can add some broccoli for extra nutritional value and taste.
Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans
There’s something special about slow-simmered beans in a garlicky tomato sauce. This rich and hearty dish makes the perfect base for dipping crusty bread. It also works as a protein-packed side, but honestly, it’s satisfying enough on its own.
Baked Skillet Gnocchi
The traditional method requires pre-boiling. However, the modern one is quite the opposite. Here, you put everything into a skillet and let the oven do the work. Gnocchi gets filled up with the flavors of a hearty tomato sauce, and mozzarella melts into a bubbly, golden layer on top.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet, garlicky, and packed with flavor, this slow-cooked chicken is quite easy to make. A glaze of honey, soy sauce, and garlic coats each piece. Pineapple can be added to create a juicy contrast if desired. Serve over rice or noodles. It will feel like a restaurant-quality takeout.
One-Pot Chili
This dish is a classic and universally loved one-pot meal. Ground beef (or turkey), beans, tomatoes, and warm spices simmer together to create a rich, hearty chili. Customizing it with different ingredients like corn, bell peppers, or cocoa powder is easy. You can also put in cheese, sour cream, or green onions for extra flavor.