17 One-Pan Meals to Keep Things Simple Because The Rest of Life Is Already Complicated Enough
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Some days, even thinking about mealtime feels like too much work. That’s where these one-pan meals come in, easy recipes that keep the dishes and the stress to a minimum. When life is already throwing enough chaos around, having simple, hearty dishes that cook up with barely any cleanup is the kind of win everyone needs.
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Honey garlic pork chops are the kind of easy, crave-worthy dinner that keeps life from feeling any more hectic than it already is. The pork chops sear up golden and juicy in one pan, then get coated in a sticky-sweet garlic glaze that feels way fancier than the effort it takes. Minimal prep, no fuss, just real flavor fast.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Chicken Francese
When everything else in life feels complicated, chicken Francese brings that light, bright, fancy restaurant feeling to the table, without the work. This one-pan meal serves up tender, lemony chicken with a crisp golden crust and a silky sauce that comes together almost by magic. It’s proof that dinner can be both simple and special at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Francese
Cheeseburger Skillet
For nights when there’s no energy left but dinner still needs to happen, a cheeseburger skillet saves the day. It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger, creamy, cheesy, beefy goodness, but cooked up quickly in one pan, no drive-thru needed. Dinner ready in 20 minutes? That’s exactly the kind of simplicity real life needs.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a bowl of taco soup that feels like a hug. This protein-packed, one-pot wonder is hearty, flavorful, and totally low-effort, perfect for when life is hectic but a good dinner is non-negotiable. Top it with avocado and cheese, and it practically serves itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Parmesan crusted chicken is a one-pan meal that always hits the spot when things are pretty hectic. With its crispy, cheesy coating and juicy center, it feels like comfort food but is so simple to pull off with just a few ingredients. When the week gets chaotic, this dinner keeps everything on track without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
This cheesy taco skillet has all the flavor of taco night but none of the cleanup hassle. It’s a quick, one-pan dinner full of beef, cheese, and spice that’s ready in 30 minutes or less. When schedules are slammed, having a meal this delicious and simple is a lifesaver.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
When you need dinner to be easy but still feel special, this Italian beef skillet has you covered. Creamy tomato sauce, seasoned beef, and melty mozzarella, all in one simple pan. It’s easy and no-fuss to make, delicious, and a total lifesaver when the to-do list just won’t slow down.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Herb-crusted chicken is the kind of one-pan meal that turns hectic nights into something more manageable. The crispy, flavorful herb coating locks in the juiciness of the chicken, making every bite tender and full of bold, savory flavors. It all comes together easily without any complicated steps, so you can enjoy a meal that feels fancy but doesn’t add any extra stress.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Crusted Chicken
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
When you need a dinner that practically makes itself, slow cooker beef stew is your go-to. Just toss everything into one pot, set it, and let the slow cooker work while you handle the rest of your day. By dinnertime, you’ll be greeted with a rich, hearty bowl of comfort, tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth that’s perfect for cozying up with.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
Cabbage and sausage Alfredo keeps meal prep simple without giving up any of the creamy, cozy goodness that makes dinnertime worth looking forward to. It’s a one-pan recipe that takes less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when complicated just isn’t an option. Plus, it’s hearty enough to keep everyone full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This ground beef and cabbage stir-fry is total weeknight magic. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s hearty, savory, and incredibly easy. No stress, no need to juggle multiple pots, just a quick, delicious meal that fits perfectly into your busy life
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
A ground beef and broccoli casserole is a comforting meal that busy nights crave. Everything bakes together in one dish, from the savory ground beef to the tender broccoli, all topped with melty cheese that creates a rich layer of flavor in every bite. It’s hearty and on the table in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice when you need a quick yet comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole
Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
Craving the flavors of a crispy egg roll but want to skip the deep-frying and mess? This ground beef egg roll in a bowl gives you all the savory goodness with none of the hassle. Packed with tender beef, crunchy veggies, and perfectly balanced seasoning, it’s a one-pan meal that’s as flavorful as it is easy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
Blackened Pork Chops
Blackened pork chops bring a bold, smoky flavor to your dinner plate with minimal effort. A quick sear in a hot pan gives them a beautifully crispy, flavorful crust, while keeping the inside juicy and tender. This easy, one-pan meal is ready in under 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Pork Chops
Sheet Pan Chicken
Sheet pan chicken is a total lifesaver when the goal is minimum effort, maximum reward. Roasted chicken and colorful veggies bake together on one pan for a complete, hearty dinner with practically no cleanup. It’s simple and easy, fresh, and exactly what a hectic night calls for.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken
Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup
Deconstructed egg roll soup takes everything good about an egg roll and turns it into a cozy one-pot dinner. With bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s a simple, fuss-free meal perfect for chaotic nights. Plus, it’s naturally light and healthy without even trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ground beef and broccoli stir fry is the weeknight hero no one talks about enough. Ready in 30 minutes flat and made in just one pan, it’s packed with savory flavor and hearty enough to keep everyone full. When life is hectic, having a meal this easy in the back pocket is pure gold.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
