15 One-Pot Dinners That Save You From Drowning In Dirty Dishes

15 One-Pot Dinners That Save You From Drowning In Dirty Dishes

No one likes a pile of dirty dishes after cooking dinner. Luckily, one-pot meals exist to save you from drowning in kitchen cleanup. These recipes not only make dinner easy, but they also keep things exciting with bold flavors and minimal fuss. From cozy chili to creamy risotto, these meals give you everything you need in just one pan. Grab a spoon and dig in knowing there’s not a mound of clean-up left for you in the kitchen.

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili

A skillet full of meat and beans in a pan with a wooden spoon.A skillet full of meat and beans in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This spicy hummus turkey chili is creamy and comforting, making it a great one-pot meal for cold days. Plus, fewer dishes to clean up afterward!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili

Mexican Vegetable Soup

Mexican vegetable soup with quinoa in a bowl.Mexican vegetable soup with quinoa in a bowl.
Mexican Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Packed with quinoa and veggies, this Mexican vegetable soup is ready in under 20 minutes. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s hearty and quick to customize with what you have.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Vegetable Soup

Pineapple Fried Rice

Pineapple fried rice with Thai vegetables in a metal bowl with wooden serving spatula.Pineapple fried rice with Thai vegetables in a metal bowl with wooden serving spatula.
Pineapple Fried Rice. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pineapple fried rice brings Thai flavors, sweet pineapple, and veggies into one pan. A simple, meatless dinner that keeps dishes to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice

Short Rib Chili

A bowl of chili with noodles and sour cream.A bowl of chili with noodles and sour cream.
Short Rib Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spicy porter short rib chili is the comfort food you need on a chilly day. It freezes well, making it a great one-pot dish to enjoy now or save for later.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili

Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

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

Ground beef, sausage, mushrooms, and escarole come together in this Italian tomato pasta soup. It’s a cozy one-pot meal that will satisfy your need for comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Chicken Lime Soup

Spicy chicken lime soup in bowls.Spicy chicken lime soup in bowls.
Chicken Lime Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken lime soup is a spicy mix of chicken noodle and tortilla soup without the noodles. It’s a great one-pot choice when you’re craving something with a little extra kick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lime Soup

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is a grownup take on hamburger helper. Loaded with veggies and real cheddar, it’s ready in 30 minutes and saves you from extra dishes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

A bowl of chili with apples, beans and sour cream.A bowl of chili with apples, beans and sour cream.
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy chicken apple cheddar chili brings together white beans, cheddar, and fall flavors. It’s a non-traditional one-pot meal that’s perfect for cozying up in cooler weather.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Butternut squash noodles with spinach, ricotta and garlic in a cast iron skillet.Butternut squash noodles with spinach, ricotta and garlic in a cast iron skillet.
Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Butternut squash noodles, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes come together in this easy one-pan meal. A comforting vegetarian dish with minimal cleanup needed.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Brisket Chili

Brisket chili in a bowl topede with green onions and avocado.Brisket chili in a bowl topede with green onions and avocado.
Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brisket chili is the perfect way to use up leftover brisket. Loaded with beans, peppers, and corn, this one-pot chili brings big flavors without piling up the dishes.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Turmeric chicken with chickpeas over rice.Turmeric chicken with chickpeas over rice.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy turmeric chicken with chickpeas is an easy, one-skillet meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice for a flavorful dinner with hardly any cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Turkey Stew

A bowl of turkey stew with carrots and potatoes.A bowl of turkey stew with carrots and potatoes.
Turkey Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This turkey stew combines shredded turkey, veggies, and fresh herbs in one pot. It’s the kind of meal that simmers together perfectly for a cozy night without the dish overload.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stew

Turkey Chili Pie

Turkey chili pie in a skillet and serving bowls.Turkey chili pie in a skillet and serving bowls.
Turkey Chili Pie. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey chili pie is a leaner chili baked with a cornbread topping in one skillet. Perfect for when you need a hearty meal without making a mess of your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie

Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Pork ramen stir fry in a blue cast iron skillet with chop sticks.Pork ramen stir fry in a blue cast iron skillet with chop sticks.
Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pork ramen stir fry is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s sweet, spicy, and full of vegetables, making it a great one-pan alternative to takeout on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This dairy-free mushroom risotto is rich and packed with flavor. A one-pan dish that’s creamy, comforting, and saves you from a mountain of dirty dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto


Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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