When you’re a busy parent, the last thing you need is a complicated dinner recipe – never mind a sink full of pots and pans afterwards. We’ve picked some of our favourite one pot meals for family dinners that are quick to make, easy to clean up, and taste amazing.
I once followed a recipe created by the wife of a very famous chef (not naming any names) that ended up using eight different pots and pans to create an “easy” family meal. That is not something most busy parents would find doable on a weeknight!
The one pot meals below are refreshingly straightforward and designed to make family dinners a little less stressful.
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Family-Friendly One Pot Meals
#1. Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Image: Cooking Classy
This one pan balsamic chicken and veggies from Cooking Classy couldn’t be easier, plus it’s healthy and brimming with flavour. It’s one of those 20-minute meals that always satisfies.
#2. Lasagna Soup
Image: Carlsbad Cravings
Yes, you read that right – lasagna soup! It tastes just like lasagna, without any of the layering or extra dishes. This quick and easy lasagna soup recipe from Carlsbad Cravings is one to keep in your back pocket for hungry kids and busy evenings.
#3. Burrito Bowls
Image: I Heart Naptime
I Heart Naptime has a delicious recipe for burrito bowls, with heart-healthy black beans, cheese, tomatoes and salsa, all made in one pot in around 30 minutes.
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#4. Jambalaya Pasta
Image: Favorite Family Recipes
This recipe for jambalaya pasta from Favorite Family Recipes uses smoked sausage, bell peppers and pasta noodles like spaghetti or linguine. You can also stir in shrimp near the end for a more authentic Cajun touch.
#5. One Pot Pasta
Image: Martha Stewart
Ever made pasta with tomato sauce in the same pot – no separate pot for boiling water, no separate saucepan for the sauce? This one pot pasta ready in 9 minutes makes it look effortless. So easy and so quick.
#6. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Image: Dinner At the Zoo
This cheesy chicken and broccoli rice casserole from Dinner At the Zoo is a proven kid favourite, using chicken thighs and simple ingredients for a quick meal with hardly any clean-up.
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#7. Cheesy Chilli Mac
Image: Budget Bytes
This budget-friendly recipe from Budget Bytes for cheesy vegetarian chilli mac uses beans and tomatoes in a thick, tangy sauce with cheddar stirred through – a scrumptious, easy meat-free dinner.
#8. Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata
Image: The Recipe Critic
This recipe from The Recipe Critic for creamy lemon chicken piccata is a quick, easy one pot meal that’s on the table in around 30 minutes, using tender breaded chicken in a creamy lemon sauce the whole family will love.
#9. Mushroom Spinach Pasta with Beans
Image: Crunchy Creamy Sweet
If your gang aren’t fussy about mushrooms, this one pot creamy mushroom spinach pasta from Crunchy Creamy Sweet is a super simple vegetarian dish that takes only 20 minutes to make – ideal for a busy weeknight.
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#10. One Pot Lentils, Quinoa and Spinach
Image: Simply Quinoa
This simple recipe for one pot lentils and quinoa with spinach from Simply Quinoa is packed with fibre, protein and minerals, and uses a spoonful of miso for extra flavour. If you’re not vegan, try grating some cheese or parmesan on top before serving.
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#11. Beef Vegetable Skillet
Image: Roxanna’s Home Baking
This recipe for beef vegetable skillet from Roxana’s Home Baking takes about 40 minutes, using vegetables such as carrots, celery and potatoes with the beef slow-cooked in a red wine and tomato sauce.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes one pot meals so useful for busy families?
One pot meals cut down on both cooking time and washing up, since everything cooks together in a single pan, pot or skillet. That means less time at the sink and more time with the family after dinner.
Can one pot meals still be healthy?
Yes. Many of the recipes above use lean proteins, vegetables, beans and wholegrains, so you can put together a balanced meal without needing separate side dishes.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options among these one pot meals?
Yes, several recipes here – including the chilli mac, the mushroom spinach pasta and the lentil, quinoa and spinach dish – are meat-free, and some can easily be made vegan.
Can I prepare these one pot meals ahead of time?
Most of these dishes are quick enough to cook fresh on a weeknight, but leftovers generally reheat well, making them handy for lunches the next day.
More Family Dinner Ideas
If this list has you planning tonight’s dinner, you might also like our free 14-day dinner plan, our round-up of budget-friendly dinner recipes, and our collection of vegetarian pasta ideas – all linked throughout this article.
Save This for Busy Weeknights
Bookmark this page or add it to your recipe folder so you’ve always got a one pot meal ready to go the next time everyone’s hungry and you’re short on time.
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