Simplify busy nights with these one-pot wonders. They’re big on flavor, low on cleanup, and perfect for any night of the week. With minimal effort and just one dish to wash, these meals make weeknights feel effortless.

French Onion Chicken

Close-up of a piece of cooked chicken topped with melted cheese and herbs, being lifted from a skillet with a spatula.
French Onion Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

French onion chicken makes a delicious midweek dinner paired with your favorite sides (which you can whip up as the onions caramelize!)
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken

Hibachi Chicken

A plate of grilled chicken pieces, vegetable stir-fry, and fried rice served on a white dish.
Hibachi Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Savor this tasty hibachi chicken recipe paired with fried rice and fresh veggies. It makes a light, healthy and tasty dinner for the family.
Get the Recipe: Hibachi Chicken

Easy Lamb Pilaf Recipe: Authentic Xinjiang Style

A bowl of rice pilaf with pieces of meat, carrots, raisins, and garnished with cilantro.
Easy Lamb Pilaf Recipe: Authentic Xinjiang Style. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This lamb pilaf combines tender lamb pieces, aromatic spices, and other ingredients, making this dish a wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lamb Pilaf Recipe: Authentic Xinjiang Style

Turkey Tenderloin

Sliced herb-crusted turkey tenderloin in a skillet, garnished with sprigs of rosemary and sage, with a gravy dish nearby.
Turkey Tenderloin. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This is a flavorful herb-roasted turkey tenderloin recipe that’s just perfect for any occasion. It comes out so juicy and succulent.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tenderloin

One Pot French Onion Pasta

A plate of rigatoni pasta with shredded cheese and herbs, next to a fork on a white dish. An onion and parsley are in the background.
One Pot French Onion Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This simple, One-Pot French Onion Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for those chilly winter nights. Made with just a handful of ingredients and ready in under an hour, this hearty dish will warm you up from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: One Pot French Onion Pasta

Dutch Oven Chicken Breast and Vegetables

Four seasoned chicken breasts simmer in a pot with chopped carrots, celery, onions, and herbs in a savory broth.
Dutch Oven Chicken Breast and Vegetables. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Get juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then slow-cooked with carrots, celery, and fresh herbs in one pot that does all the work for you. The secret to this dish is the rich sauce made by scraping up those flavorful browned bits, turning simple ingredients like garlic, onions, and chicken broth into something seriously tasty. If you want a dinner that’s easy on cleanup but big on flavor and texture, this recipe has your name on it.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Chicken Breast and Vegetables

Italian Sausage Pasta

A plate of creamy macaroni pasta with herbs and vegetables, garnished with chopped parsley, on a wooden board with spinach leaves nearby.
Italian Sausage Pasta. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This Italian Sausage Pasta comes together in under 30 minutes with just one pot, making dinner easy and cleanup quick. It features spicy Italian sausage, roasted red peppers blended into a creamy sauce, and fresh spinach stirred in for a hearty meal the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Pasta

One Pot Steak and Black Beans Chili

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices, accompanied by pieces of cornbread.
One Pot Steak and Black Beans Chili. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

One of the reasons I love this one pot steak and black beans chili recipe is because of its versatility. You can follow the recipe exactly as written and cook it on the stovetop in a single pan. Or, you can dump all of the ingredients in the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Leave out the meat and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian chili.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Steak and Black Beans Chili

Za’atar Crusted Chicken with Farro

A plate with seasoned grilled chicken, farro, and diced vegetables including tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, with a fork on the side.
Za’atar Crusted Chicken with Farro. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This amazing za’atar crusted chicken with farro makes a wonderful weeknight dinner. The Middle Eastern flavors are so bold and rich.
Get the Recipe: Za’atar Crusted Chicken with Farro

Chicken Fried Rice

A white bowl filled with chicken fried rice featuring peas, carrots, and chunks of chicken, with a wooden spoon inserted.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Make delicious homemade chicken fried rice in just 30 minutes. Quick, easy and satisfying, this is a tasty dish that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Kung Pao Beef

A bowl of rice topped with stir-fried beef, red bell peppers, onions, peanuts, and fresh cilantro makes for one of the perfect weeknight dinners, with chopsticks resting on the bowl.
Kung Pao Beef. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Discover how to make quick and easy kung pao beef that’s packed with flavor. This 30-minute dish is perfect for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Beef

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A stainless steel pan filled with cooked beef steak bites, garnished with herbs, sits on a counter near a plate, butter, and seasonings—perfect for easy dinners or quick weeknight dinners.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Juicy, succulent, tender, and so flavorful, these garlic butter steak bites always make a popular meal paired with rice, potatoes or salad.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Dutch Oven Beef Stroganoff

A bowl of beef stroganoff with sliced mushrooms and parsley on top of egg noodles, with a fork on the side.
Dutch Oven Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Dutch Oven Beef Stroganoff is made with sirloin steak, onions, mushrooms, all slow cooked until rich and tender. It’s a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Beef Stroganoff

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Read More About Me

Follow Lucy on social media:

Posted in:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *