Easy One Pot Meals for Busy Weeknights

When you’re short on time but still want a satisfying dinner, one pot meals are the answer. These recipes use simple ingredients, require minimal cleanup, and deliver big flavor. Perfect for anyone balancing work, family, or just a packed schedule.

Easy One Pot Meals for Busy Weeknights

One pot meals are perfect for busy nights—fewer dishes, fast prep, and lots of flavor. These recipes will save time while keeping dinner delicious.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Easy Chicken and Rice

• 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts cut into chunks
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

One Pot Pasta with Veggies

• 12 oz pasta
• 1 zucchini sliced
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups broth or water
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste

Beef and Bean Skillet

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can black beans
• 1 cup corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 tsp chili powder

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Skillet with Lid

Method

 

1. For Chicken and Rice: Heat oil in a pot. Brown chicken pieces and set aside.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot. Add rice, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
3. Return chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
4. For Pasta with Veggies: Add all ingredients to a large pot. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring often, until pasta is cooked and sauce thickens.
6. For Beef and Bean Skillet: Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain fat.
7. Add beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and chili powder. Cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

Customize with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or grains. Add greens, herbs, or cheese for extra flavor. Great for leftovers and meal prep.

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Why One Pot Meals Work

They’re fast, practical, and save you from a pile of dishes. You toss everything into one pot or pan and let the flavors cook together. No juggling multiple pans. Just one dish, one lid, and a hearty meal.

Basic Pantry Staples to Keep on Hand

• Rice or pasta
• Canned beans
• Broth (chicken, veggie, or beef)
• Diced tomatoes
• Onions and garlic
• Olive oil
• Spices (salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder)

Easy Chicken and Rice One Pot

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a pot. Brown chicken pieces and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic.
3. Add rice, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
4. Return chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

One Pot Pasta with Veggies

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups broth or water
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Add all ingredients to a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
3. Simmer uncovered, stirring often, until pasta is cooked and sauce thickens.

Beef and Bean Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can black beans
• 1 cup corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 tsp chili powder

Steps:

1. Brown beef in a skillet.
2. Drain any fat, then add beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and spices.
3. Cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes.

Tips to Make One Pot Meals Even Easier

• Chop veggies ahead of time.
• Use rotisserie chicken or canned beans for shortcuts.
• Batch-cook and freeze extras for later.
• Season as you go to build flavor.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a big batch and store in containers for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Most one pot meals store well and taste even better the next day.

Great Add-Ins

• Spinach or kale (stir in at the end)
• Shredded cheese
• Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro

Why You’ll Love One Pot Meals

Less mess, fewer dishes, and easy cleanup. Plus, they work for any dietary style—meat, vegetarian, or plant-based. You can easily swap ingredients to fit your taste or what’s already in your fridge.

Final Thoughts

One pot meals are ideal for busy weeknights when you need something quick, simple, and tasty. With just one pan, you can make comfort food that feeds the whole family. Try one tonight and see how easy dinner can be.