17 One-Pan Wonders That’ll Have You Ditching Complicated Recipes

If you’re looking for a way to simplify your cooking routine, these 17 one-pan dishes are the answer. They offer the perfect balance of ease and flavor, without the mess of multiple dishes. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with more complicated recipes.

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Paprikash

Three pieces of chicken smothered in a creamy, orange-hued sauce topped with chopped herbs, served on a white rectangular plate.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If comfort could be captured in a meal, Chicken Paprikash would be it. This dish is a simple yet robust one-pan wonder, featuring succulent chicken drenched in a creamy paprika-spiced sauce. With minimal ingredients and a single skillet needed, you can bring a touch of Hungarian cuisine to your dinner table effortlessly. End your day with this heartwarming dish that promises a no-fuss cooking experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform your leftover brisket into a sensational Brisket Fried Rice that won’t disappoint. This dish blends juicy chunks of brisket with fluffy rice and a medley of vegetables, all stir-fried to perfection in just one pan. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it merges simplicity with bold flavors, making it a reliable go-to for a quick and easy meal. Wrap up your evening with a dish that reinvents leftovers most deliciously.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a refreshing twist on salad, try Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. This dish balances lean protein, and sweet cranberries creating a delicious contrast of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a breeze to prepare, requiring just one bowl for mixing, making cleanup as effortless as the preparation. Serve this inviting salad for a light yet fulfilling meal that will keep you and your kitchen stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Recreate a fan-favorite with Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. These croquettes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and are sure to impress with their homemade charm. Even novice chefs can whip up this dish in a single pan, proving that gourmet meals need not be complicated. This dish is a splendid choice when craving something special without the hassle of a lengthy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turn up the heat with Chicken Tinga, where shredded chicken meets a spicy tomato sauce infused with smoky chipotle. This bold Mexican classic is deceptively simple to prepare in one pot, and the flavors only intensify as they simmer together. Perfect for tacos or tostadas, it’s a meal that makes weeknight dinners both uncomplicated and unfailingly flavorful. Satisfy your cravings for spice and simplicity in one fell swoop.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter transforms the classic steak dinner with a mouthwatering herbed butter. This one-pan dish is all about sizzling steaks paired with a buttery sauce that’s rich with herbs and spices. Whether it’s a special occasion or just because you can serve a luxurious meal with none of the expected fuss. Finish off your evening on a high note with a steak that’s as stress-free as it is impressive.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4 ingredient slow cooker chicken on a black platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Keeping things uncomplicated, 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. This meal offers tender chicken that practically falls apart after simmering in a slow cooker with just a handful of ingredients. Ideal for those busy days, you can set it and forget it until dinnertime. Enjoy the ease of this flavorful, minimal-effort dish that makes home cooking utterly effortless.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Beefy John Wayne Casserole is a nod to robust flavors and hearty appetites. Combining ingredients and a layer of cheesy goodness, this one-dish wonder is baked to perfection and easy to pull off. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day. Bring a bit of the Old West to your dinner table with a meal that’s as rugged as it is straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring the classic Italian lemon-caper sauce to the forefront in this one-pan creation with Chicken Piccata. Thinly pounded chicken breasts are quickly sautéed and then enrobed in a bright, tangy sauce. This dish proves that you don’t need a multitude of pots and pans for a sophisticated meal. Indulge in a slice of Italy at home with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Infuse your pasta with a pizza twist in Pizza Pasta Salad. This playful dish artfully combines your favorite pizza toppings with pasta in a tangy dressing—all in one bowl. It’s a perfect choice for picnics or potlucks, offering the flavors everyone loves without the oven. With this dish, enjoy the novelty of pizza and the ease of a pasta salad.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turkey à la King is not only a clever way to use leftover turkey, but it’s also a dish that wraps comfort in a creamy sauce. Serving up a fulfilling mix of your ingredients, it’s prepared all in one pan for convenience. Ideal for a cozy meal, it’s a homestyle favorite that speaks of home cooking without the complexity. Relish this classic comfort food that simplifies your time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

A plate of cottage cheese toast with blueberries, next to a honey dipper.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Your antidote to mundane breakfasts is Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries. This simple yet nourishing dish offers a high-protein start to your day with the added sweetness of fresh blueberries. Prepared on your favorite toast, it requires no cookware at all—just assemble and enjoy. It’s a splendid way to kick-start your morning with health and ease intertwined.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the best of both worlds with Steak & Pasta Salad. This dish unites tender, grilled steak slices and al dente pasta dressed in a vibrant vinaigrette. With everything tossed together in one bowl, it’s the perfect meal to prepare when you want a dinner that’s both hearty and refreshing. Revel in the balance of flavors with a dish that’s easy to make and even easier to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Chicken Divan

A fork is lifting a portion of Chicken Divan from one of the bowls.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Chicken Divan is the ultimate in easy-yet-elegant casserole dining. This dish features chicken and broccoli smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden crust. Prepared in one dish, it’s an ideal solution for busy evenings when you crave something more refined. This one-pan classic is a celebration of simplicity and taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Recreate the comfort of a diner with Diner Style Salisbury Steak. It’s a flavorful blend of seasoned ground beef patties drenched in a rich mushroom gravy, all in a single skillet. Perfect for those nostalgic for simpler times, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction with straightforward preparation. Gather around the table for a timeless meal that’s as uncomplicated as it is flavorsome.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Pastitsio

A square piece of pastitsio dish served on a stack of black plates.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring a taste of Greece to your kitchen with Pastitsio. This comforting layered baked pasta dish combines perfectly cooked pasta and a flavorful meat sauce, capped with a creamy béchamel topping. It’s surprisingly easy to put together in one pot, making for a Mediterranean escapade without leaving your home. This dish is a testament to the harmony of simplicity and indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baja Fish Tacos capture the essence of coastal cuisine with their beer-battered fish and crispy slaw. All the magic happens in just one pan, reflecting the simplicity of beachside cooking. They are quick to make and easier to clean up, ensuring a stress-free path to a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Turn any day into a seaside getaway with a dish that’s casual yet full of character.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

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