19 irresistible one pot favorites that save time without skimping on flavor

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Life gets busy, and sometimes, the thought of cooking dinner can feel overwhelming. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor or resort to takeout. These 19 one-pot dishes offer the perfect solution: minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

Ham and Potato soup in a gray and white bowl with a spoon.
Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

It’s like taco night and rice dinner had a baby! Quick to cook and even quicker to serve, this skillet simplifies your taco cravings. Slide it from the burner to the table, and you’re all set.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in a white bowl topped with basil.
Instant Pot Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Classic Italian comfort, straight from your Instant Pot to your bowl. This soup is packed with veggies and pasta, making meal prep a breeze. Just pop the lid, serve, and watch everyone dive in!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Pork Medallions with Apples

Pork chops with apples and onions in a skillet.
Pork Medallions with Apples. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The perfect autumnal stovetop delight. Tender pork and sweet apples sizzle together, offering a meal that’s both heartwarming and hassle-free. It’s a dish that’s ready to impress without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Pork Medallions with Apples

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Top view of Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Craving some southern comfort? Whip up this creamy classic in your Instant Pot. Once it’s done, just ladle it out, and your homey dinner is served.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Here’s a bowl of creamy, chicken-y goodness with the added joy of pillowy gnocchi. Straight from the pot to your plate, this dish brings the comfort without the clutter.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Guinness Beef Stew

Top view of a bowl of Guinness beef stew with a black checked napkin and a spoon.
Guinness Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into a robust, beer-infused stew that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. It’s a hearty meal that effortlessly transitions from cooking pot to dining spot.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Plate of spaghetti and meatballs topped with parmesan.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who can resist this timeless duo? Perfectly cooked pasta and juicy meatballs are ready in a snap. When dinner’s this effortless, you can go from cooking to cozy dining in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato soup in a gray and white bowl with a spoon.
Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This soup is the very definition of comfort. With the Crock Pot doing all the heavy lifting, you just toss in the ingredients and wait. Then, it’s straight from the pot, into your bowl, and onto pure bliss.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Zucchini Sausage Casserole

Zucchini Sausage Casserole in baking dish.
Zucchini Sausage Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A delightful combo of zesty sausage and fresh zucchini, all baked to perfection. This one-pot wonder is all about flavor, simplicity, and the joy of serving straight from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Sausage Casserole

Instant Pot Dirty Rice

Dirty rice with ground beef in a bowl topped with green onions.
Instant Pot Dirty Rice. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Experience the rich and spicy soul of the south, without the fuss. This dish cooks up fast in the Instant Pot, making it super simple to go from prep to plate. Perfect for when you want bold flavors without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Dirty Rice

Skillet Pork Chops with Stuffing

Pork chops in a skillet with vegetables on a plate.
Skillet Pork Chops with Stuffing. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Juicy pork chops meet fluffy stuffing in a skillet symphony. A stovetop gem that guarantees flavor in every bite and simplicity in every step. Serve straight from the skillet and let the compliments roll in.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Pork Chops with Stuffing

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get ready for a slurp-worthy treat. With the Crock Pot handling the intricacies of this Asian classic, you’re left with an aromatic broth and tender noodles. Just pour into bowls and experience a culinary journey.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a one-pot dish that can be made in only 30 minutes! It is creamy, flavorful, nutrient-dense, and yields a perfect side dish for weeknight family dinners or as an addition to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Introducing the delectable Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole – a mouthwatering blend of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and ooey-gooey melted cheese. This hearty one-pot wonder is sure to satisfy your cravings with its irresistible combination of savory flavors and comforting textures. Indulge in a delightful dish that will leave you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Carne Picada

A white bowl filled with carne picada topped with a lime wedge and sour cream.
Carne Picada. Photo credit: Foodie and Wine.

This one-pot Carne Picada recipe is filled with beef, tomatoes, peppers, and onions and is the perfect weekday meal!
Get the Recipe: Carne Picada

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut on a cast iron plate.
Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Embark on a flavorful journey with our Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut Recipe, a comforting one-pot meal that marries the rich flavors of roasted bratwurst and tangy sauerkraut. Crafted with homemade low carb sausages, this keto-friendly dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Let the cast iron do the magic as it transforms this humble combination into a savory masterpiece that’s fully low carb, gluten-free, grain-free, and diabetic-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Italian tomato soup with pasta in a mug with a spoon.
Italian Tomato Pasta Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One-pot Italian tomato pasta soup is filled with hearty ground beef, sausage, mushrooms and escarole. It’s the perfect bowl of comfort when you’re craving a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Meatball & Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta.
Meatball & Pasta Bake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

If you’re looking for a simple recipe you’ll love this easy meatball casserole recipe! Simple dump the ingredients into one pan, stir and bake.
Get the Recipe: Meatball & Pasta Bake

Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience the succulent and flavorful delight of our Instant Pot Carnitas recipe. Tender and juicy pulled pork, infused with a blend of spices in the Instant Pot with no other pots needed, resulting in a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that will have you coming back for more. Get ready to enjoy authentic flavors and irresistible tacos or burritos right at home.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas

Chicken and Pea Risotto

Image shows Chicken and pea risotto on a spoon with more in a green bowl behind it.
Chicken and Pea Risotto. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Enjoy a quick and flavorful twist on chicken and pea risotto, a comforting dish made with ease in just one pot. This cheater recipe incorporates tender rotisserie chicken and peas into a creamy risotto-style dish, sans the traditional arborio rice and extensive stirring. With a hint of Parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs, this dish offers a delightful shortcut without compromising on taste. Experience the creamy, satisfying goodness of chicken and pea risotto without the fuss, perfect for a weeknight meal that’s ready in a jiffy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto

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