When you are a busy parent, the last thing you need is a complicated dinner recipe to follow – never mind lots of pots and pans to clean up. We have picked some of our favourite ideas for one pot meals that work well for family meals, and taste amazing!

Sign up for our free Newsletter stuffed full of ideas, competitions and offers. PS Did we mention it’s free?

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 parents would find doable!

The one pot meals below are straight-forward to prepare and designed to make family dinners less stressful.

You May Also Enjoy Stuck for Family Dinner Ideas? Try Our Free 14 Day Dinner Plan

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 get any easier, plus it’s healthy and brimming with delicious flavour! This is one of those 20-minute meals that is sure to satisfy.

#2. Lasagna Soup

Image: Carlsbad Cravings

Yes, you read it right – Lasagna Soup! It tastes just like lasagna, without all the layering and dishes.

This quick and super easy recipe from Carlsbad Cravings is one to have in your back pocket for when you have hungry kids and need to rustle up something quickly.

#3. Burrito Bowls

Image: I Heart Naptime

I Heart Naptime has this delicious recipe for burrito bowls, with heart-healthy black beans, cheese, tomatoes and salsa, all made in one pot in 30 minutes.

You May Also Enjoy 10 Super Cheap Dinner Recipes Perfect For Rumbly Tummies

#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 add shrimp near the end to make it even more authentically Cajun style.

#5. One Pot Pasta

Image: Martha Stewart

Ever made pasta with tomato sauce in the same pot? So no separate boiling of water for pasta and no need to make a separate sauce? Me either, until I tried this one pot pasta ready in 9 minutes. 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 kid favourite, using chicken thighs and easy ingredients for a quick meal without the clean up.

You May Also Enjoy 9 Sizzling Sausage Recipes The Whole Family Will Enjoy

#7. Cheesy Chilli Mac

Image: Budget Bytes

This cost-effective recipe from Budget Bytes for cheesy vegetarian chilli mac uses beans, tomatoes and has a thick, tangy sauce combined with cheddar for a scrumptious but also easy meat-free dinner option.

#8. Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata

Image: The Recipe Critic

This recipe from The Recipe Critic for creamy lemon chicken piccata is a quick and easy one pot meal that is on the dinner table in 30 minutes, using tender breaded chicken in a creamy lemon sauce that the entire family will love.

#9. Mushroom Spinach Pasta with Beans

Image: Crunchy Creamy Sweet

If your gang aren’t fussy about mushrooms, then 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!

You May Also Enjoy 10 Tempting Vegetarian Pasta Recipes Perfect for Family Dinner

#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 full of fibre, protein and minerals, and uses a spoonful of miso for some added flavour. If you are not vegan, you could grate some cheese or parmesan on top before serving.

You May Also Enjoy 7 Delicious Vegan Dinner Recipes Your Family Will Love

#11. Beef Vegetable Skillet

Image: Roxanna’s Home Baking

This recipe for beef vegetable skillet from Roxana’s Home Baking takes about 40 minutes to cook and uses vegetables such as carrots, celery, potatoes with the beef slow-baked in a red wine and tomato sauce.

You May Also Enjoy Have You Tried Uuni Feta Pasta Yet? This Viral TikTok Dinner is AMAZING!