17 One-Pan Meals To Make So You Can Spend Less Time Cooking And More Time Relaxing
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Weeknights get a whole lot easier with one-pan meals that cut down on dishes without cutting out flavor. They’re easy, no-fuss, and designed to give you hearty dinners without leaving the kitchen looking like a disaster zone. With these recipes, you’ll spend less time scrubbing pots and more time actually enjoying your evening.
Cheeseburger Skillet
Cheeseburger skillet delivers all the cheesy, meaty flavors of a classic burger in one creamy, saucy dish. It cooks quickly in a single pan, making it a perfect solution when time is short but comfort food is calling. Served hot and bubbling, it’s a meal that feels fun and familiar with hardly any effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet
Sheet Pan Chicken
Sheet pan chicken delivers juicy roasted chicken alongside colorful veggies, all cooked together for a dinner that looks as good as it tastes. With just one pan, cleanup is quick, making it a lifesaver on nights when the goal is to eat well without extra work. The combination of flavors and textures feels hearty, cozy, and perfect for slowing down after a hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Honey garlic pork chops balance sweet and savory flavors in a glaze that clings to golden-seared meat, creating a dinner that feels restaurant-worthy without leaving the kitchen in chaos. Cooking everything in a single pan keeps the process simple while still delivering big, bold flavor. It’s a dish that feels comforting yet special, perfect for hectic weeknights or cozy weekends alike.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Parmesan-crusted chicken combines juicy meat with a cheesy, crispy coating that’s impossible to resist. Using one pan keeps the prep and cleanup quick while still delivering bold flavor in every bite. It’s an easy way to make dinner feel comforting and just a little special.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Slow cooker beef stew transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal packed with tender beef and vegetables. Letting it simmer away on its own makes it a true hands-off comfort food classic. Served straight from the pot, it’s the ultimate dish for gathering around the table without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Chicken Francese
Chicken Francese offers golden, pan-fried chicken bathed in a tangy lemon cream sauce that feels bright yet comforting. Everything cooks in one skillet, keeping the process simple while delivering a meal that tastes like something from a bistro. Elegant but easy, it’s a dish that fits both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Francese
Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
Ground beef and broccoli casserole layers seasoned beef, tender florets, and plenty of melted cheese into a dish that feels like instant comfort. Since it comes together in a snap in one pan, it’s an easy option that brings a lot of flavor without a lot of fuss. Warm, creamy, and filling dinner that makes evenings feel more relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Herb-crusted chicken brings juicy, tender meat coated in aromatic herbs and spices, creating a dish that’s full of flavor without extra effort. Cooking it in one pan means less mess while still getting that golden crust everyone loves. It’s a recipe that feels both weeknight-friendly and elegant enough for company.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ground beef and broccoli stir fry come together in under 30 minutes with a savory sauce that coats every bite. The single pan approach means less time cooking and more time enjoying a warm, flavorful dinner. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome choice that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Salsa chicken in the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into tender, flavor-packed meat you can use in tacos, burritos, or salads. The hands-off cooking means dinner practically makes itself while you go about your day. Versatile and easy, it’s a stress-free meal prep staple that tastes far from ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Cheesy ground beef taco skillet combines juicy beef, gooey cheese, and all the best taco toppings in one bubbling pan. It’s a family favorite that comes together fast, making busy weeknights feel a little easier. With bold flavors and minimal cleanup, it’s a meal that keeps everyone happy without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Blackened Pork Chops
Blackened pork chops deliver a perfect balance of crispy, spice-crusted edges and juicy, tender meat at the center. Simple to prepare in just minutes, they bring bold flavor to the table whether cooked in a stovetop skillet or the backyard grill. Paired with a fresh salad or simple sides, they create an easy weeknight dinner that feels both hearty and a little indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Pork Chops
Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Italian beef and cauliflower rice skillet blends rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and cheesy goodness into one hearty dish. The cauliflower rice keeps it light while still delivering that creamy, comforting texture. Everything cooks together in one pan, so you get all the flavor without the pile of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Rump Roast
Rump roast makes an impressive yet effortless main dish with beef that turns tender and flavorful after slow cooking with herbs and spices. The rich aroma fills the kitchen, setting the stage for a hearty meal that feels special without requiring extra work. Served with roasted vegetables or simple sides, it delivers a comforting dinner that works just as well for weeknights as it does for celebratory gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Rump Roast
Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup
Deconstructed egg roll soup takes all the bold, savory flavors of a classic egg roll and turns them into a cozy, one-pot meal. Packed with veggies, ground meat, and warm spices, it’s hearty enough for dinner while still feeling light. Since it’s made in a single pot, cleanup is minimal, leaving more time to relax after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ground beef stir fry comes together in one pan with just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients, making it perfect for hectic nights. The rich flavors and tender vegetables give it that comforting take-out taste, but with a lighter, healthier spin. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers a wholesome, fuss-free dinner that saves time without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
Cabbage and sausage Alfredo gives a fun twist to pasta night by swapping noodles with tender cabbage ribbons. The creamy Alfredo sauce and savory sausage make every bite rich and flavorful, while the one-pan prep keeps things easy. It’s comfort food with a lighter touch that still feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground beef and cabbage stir fry turns basic ingredients into a quick, hearty dinner loaded with flavor. Everything cooks in one pan in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for nights when energy is low but dinner still needs to get done. With its mix of protein and vegetables, it’s simple, wholesome, and weeknight-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
