17 One-Pan Meals That Keep Your Sink Empty and Everyone Happy
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One-pan meals are the secret to getting dinner done fast without turning the kitchen into a disaster zone. These recipes cut down on cleanup, come together in a snap, and still manage to taste like something worth sitting down for. Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or you just don’t feel like doing dishes, these are the meals that keep everyone full and your sink empty.
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
These honey garlic pork chops are a true one-pan wonder that makes cleanup a breeze. Juicy pork chops are seared to perfection, then simmered in a rich honey garlic glaze that adds bold, sweet-savory flavor in every bite. Ready in about 20 minutes, this dish proves you can serve something crave-worthy without stacking up dishes.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Chicken Francese
Chicken Francese brings restaurant-style flair to your dinner table with just one pan. The chicken breasts are lightly dredged, pan-fried until golden, and simmered in a tangy lemon-butter sauce that tastes anything but basic. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for hectic nights when there’s no time or patience for a sink full of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Francese
Rump Roast
This rump roast is as easy as it is delicious, just one pan and a handful of ingredients is all it takes. The beef cooks low and slow until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up all the savory herb and spice flavors along the way. Serve it straight from the pan with roasted veggies, and you’ve got a full dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Rump Roast
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Parmesan crusted chicken is everything a one-pan meal should be: crisp, flavorful, and fast. The chicken gets coated in a cheesy breading and pan-seared until golden, delivering big flavor with barely any mess. It’s a great go-to when you want a comforting dinner that doesn’t require an entire sink full of pots.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
This cheesy taco skillet is a low-effort, all-in-one dinner solution made entirely in one pan. Ground beef, spices, and melty cheese come together with your favorite taco toppings for a no-fuss, family-approved meal. It takes 30 minutes tops and leaves behind almost no dishes, ideal for nights when time is tight but flavor still matters.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Herb-crusted chicken is a no-mess, high-flavor option for when you need dinner on the table fast. Juicy chicken breasts are coated with dried herbs, then pan-seared until crispy and golden. All it takes is one pan and 20 minutes for a delicious meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests, cleanup is quick, and the compliments are guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
This Italian beef and cauliflower rice skillet is the definition of a smart, delicious one-pan meal. Ground beef cooks in a creamy tomato sauce with riced cauliflower, then gets topped with mozzarella for that extra cheesy touch. It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making dinner a breeze and cleanup even easier.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
Cabbage and sausage Alfredo is the perfect example of how one pan can deliver major comfort. Italian sausage and cabbage are simmered together in a creamy Alfredo sauce, making a filling meal with just the right amount of richness. You get protein, veggies, and a velvety sauce all in one skillet, a kind of dish that makes everyone full and happy, without filling the sink.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This slow cooker beef stew checks all the boxes for an easy, hearty dinner that practically cooks itself in one pan. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it delivers that slow-simmered flavor you crave with zero stovetop supervision. Since everything cooks together in the slow cooker, cleanup is as simple as it gets.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Sheet Pan Chicken
Sheet pan chicken is a total weeknight lifesaver, giving you a full dinner with one pan and zero stress. Chicken and vegetables roast together with seasoning until tender and golden, with just enough crisp on the edges. It’s ready in 30 minutes, and there’s barely anything to wash after, that’s a win-win on any busy night.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground beef and cabbage stir fry is fast, filling, and comes together in just one skillet. A handful of basic ingredients turn into a hearty meal with great texture and a little kick of flavor. In under 20 minutes, you’ve got a balanced dinner and only one pan to clean, a kind of recipe that turns chaos into calm.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Salsa chicken in the slow cooker is effortless and versatile, ideal for hectic nights or meal prep. Chicken breasts slow-cook in your favorite salsa, turning juicy and full of flavor without any extra steps. Use it for tacos, bowls, or serve it as-is; the slow cooker handles it all in one go, less mess, more options, and everyone leaves the table full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
This one-pan ground beef and broccoli casserole is a total comfort meal without the mess. Creamy, cheesy, and full of hearty flavor, it combines beef, broccoli, and a trio of cheeses in one skillet. Ready in 30 minutes or less, it’s the kind of dish that saves dinner when time and energy are running low.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
Blackened Pork Chops
Blackened pork chops bring big flavor to the table with just one pan and hardly any fuss. Seasoned with smoky spices and seared until crisp outside and juicy inside, they’re a simple dinner fix that delivers every time. Serve with a salad or steamed veggies, and the cleanup is basically done; it’s a bold, delicious meal that keeps the kitchen chaos to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Pork Chops
Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
This egg roll in a bowl transforms ground beef, cabbage, and seasonings into a one-pan dinner that satisfies those takeout cravings. It has all the flavor of your favorite egg roll without the wrapper or the mess, and leaves behind just one skillet. Simple, tasty, and totally clean-up-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
Cheeseburger Skillet
Cheeseburger skillet is a fast and fun one-pan take on a classic comfort food. Ground beef, cheese, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce come together in under 20 minutes for a meal that feels indulgent without the fast-food guilt. Best part? No bun needed, no dishes piling up, and definitely no complaints at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This one-pan ground beef and broccoli stir fry delivers all the flavors of your favorite takeout in half the time and with way fewer dishes. Beef and broccoli simmer in a savory sauce that’s rich, salty, and just a little sweet. Serve it as-is or over a quick side, and cleanup is over in minutes, it’s the go-to dinner when simplicity and deliciousness are the priority.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
