Already have an account?
Get back to the
Food

Our Test Kitchen’s 10 Easy One-Pot Dinner Recipes That Will Make Prep Time and Cleanup a Breeze

These one-pot wonders will have you saying goodbye to a sink full of dishes on busy weeknights

Dinner can often feel like a lot of work, especially when you’re left with multiple dirty pans and hours of prep time. But it doesn’t have to be that way! The Woman’s World test kitchen has crafted 10 easy one-pot dinner recipes to save the day. From comforting lentil stew to cheesy meatball skillets, each dish is made in just one pan, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying. Whenever you want a tasty, fuss-free dinner with minimal cleanup, have these in your back pocket.

1. One-Pot Lentil Stew

one-pot lentil stew recipe
Canva

Hearty, wholesome and loaded with plant-based goodness, this one-pot lentil stew is the perfect comfort meal. With tender lentils (that are high in protein and fiber), rich vegetables and savory herbs, this stew brings warmth and flavor to your bowl. And the leftovers make for a great weekday lunch.

2. One-Pot Beef Stew

One-Pot Beef Stew

Classic beef stew, made easier. Tender chunks of beef, carrots and potatoes all come together in one pot for a rich, savory meal that practically cooks itself. Whether you’re craving something cozy for a chilly night or just want an effortless dinner, this stew delivers big flavors with minimal effort.

3. One-Pot Turkey Tetrazzini

one pot turkey tetrazzini recipe

You may remember this casserole classic from your childhood — and it’s comfort food at its finest. But our recipe cuts down prep time by cooking everything on the stovetop, from the creamy sauce to the spaghetti. It comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for using up leftover turkey or for a weeknight dinner that feels fancy.

4. Cheesy Meatball Skillet

Cheesy Meatball Skillet recipe

Love meatballs? Then you’ll adore this cheesy meatball skillet! Juicy store-bought meatballs are pan-seared then smothered in a tomato sauce and melted fontina cheese for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Plus, a splash of dry red wine and a sprinkle of dried herbs add a depth of flavor straight from Italy.

5. Skillet Pizza Pie

skillet pizza pie one-pot dinner recipe

Pizza night just got a whole lot easier! This recipe gives you all the cheesy, saucy goodness you love with a crispy, golden crust — no pizza stone required. Everything bakes in one skillet, (which evenly distributes heat) plus store-bought dough and sauce make for easier prep.

6. Meatball ‘n’ Egg Skillet

Meatball ’n’ Egg Skillet recipe

Breakfast for dinner, anyone? This hearty shakshuka-inspired recipe combines store-bought meatballs with perfectly cooked eggs and butternut squash in a savory tomato sauce, all topped with breadcrumbs. It’s rich, flavorful and cooks up in one pan in 35 minutes, leaving you with all the deliciousness and none of the hassle.

7. Skillet Mac ‘n’ Cheese

one-pot skillet mac 'n' cheese recipe

Say goodbye to boxed mac and cheese! This creamy, cheesy skillet mac cooks up in just 30 minutes and tastes far better than the store-bought version. With just a few simple ingredients, including Dijon mustard and two kinds of cheese, you’ll have a rich, gooey mac ‘n’ cheese that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.

8. Skillet Rice with Meatballs

one-pot skillet rice with meatballs recipe

Who said rice had to be a side dish? This skillet combines frozen mini meatballs and your favorite pantry rice for almost too-easy dinner in 35 minutes. With hints of onions, herbs and jarred pasta sauce, it’s sure to please the whole family. And you don’t even have to cook the meatballs separately!

9. Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

Skillet Shepherd's Pie recipe
Getty

Normally, one would likely shy away from making a shepherd’s pie on a weeknight. But this one-skillet recipe is ready in just 35 minutes with savory ground turkey, frozen veggies and creamy mashed potatoes. We like to sprinkle on some cheese and pop it under the broiler for bubbly perfection.

10. Giant Sesame Skillet

Giant Sesame Skillet recipe

Why settle for small when you can go big? This giant sesame skillet recipe is a fun and flavorful way to serve up dinner in one go. With a nutty sesame oil, heart-healthy cabbage and all your leftover veggies and chicken, it’s a unique dish that’ll impress everyone at the table. And best of all, it takes just 20 minutes to make!

Conversation

All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items. Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Use escape to exit the menu. Use up and down arrow keys to explore. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list.