88 Easy One-Pot Meals for Busy Days

From the Recipe Creator: I love this cozy enchilada pasta dish because it is ready in less than 30 minutes and is full of healthy ingredients—just what a busy weeknight meal calls for. —Nora Rushev, Reitnau, AA

From the Recipe Creator: My husband, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays after the grandkids have gone home and we’re too tired to prepare a big meal. It’s comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orange, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: I cooked up this fresh lasagna for vegetarian customers at a local grocery store, where I work part-time. It's absolutely packed with veggies. —Sam Hunsaker, Lawrence, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: Romano cheese, sliced vegetables and pine nuts jazz up this Italian sauteed chicken. It’s easy, and my whole family loves it. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: This ramen stir-fry is unique and flavorful. The whole gang will enjoy the hearty, colorful meal-in-one. —Marlene McAllister, Portland, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I created this pork tenderloin sheet-pan dinner to suit our family’s needs. It’s so quick and easy to clean up since you use one pan for everything! Use any variety of small potatoes—fingerlings or other colored potatoes are a fun and delicious option. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a creamy vegan pasta recipe with tons of fresh sauteed vegetables. The spicy tomato sauce with sweet sun-dried tomatoes is the highlight of this dish. It’s the perfect meal for when you just don’t feel like cooking. —Michelle Miller, Sunkissed Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: I’m still settling into married life and learning how to balance our busy schedules. This quick one-dish ground turkey sweet potato skillet helps keep us on track throughout the week. —Shannon Barden, Alpharetta, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: I grew up with this classic meat loaf recipe, but I adapted it to mini meatloaves so that they would bake more quickly. The sauce topping is always a hit. I added the potatoes and asparagus to make an easy complete meal. —Deanne Johnson, Reading, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: Convenient prebaked crust makes this tasty taco pizza as easy as can be. It's a great recipe, especially if you have teenagers. I keep the ingredients on hand so that we can whip up this filling meal anytime. —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: My family always comes back for seconds when this nicely seasoned skillet supper is on the table. And it’s nicely priced at 72 cents a serving. —Bonnie Morrow, Spencerport, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Who likes cleaning up after making mac and cheese? Not this girl. This one-pot mac and cheese is a family favorite, and my 3-year-old is thrilled to see it coming to the dinner table. We love to add sliced smoked sausage to this creamy mac recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is tasty and quick, and it can easily be doubled for last-minute dinner guests. Cook it in the oven or on the grill, and add the veggies of your choice. —Judy Batson, Tampa Florida

From the Recipe Creator: I love Mexican-inspired food. I also enjoy experimenting with recipes like this one and making them healthier—and downright good! —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: Preparing stuffed cabbage rolls can be time-consuming, but this version with butternut squash has the classic flavors —and it’s table ready in just 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: This is a one-pot meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It is one of my husband’s favorites and uses simple ingredients, so it’s been a go-to recipe in our house for years. —Janice Conklin, Stevensville, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: For our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

From the Recipe Creator: I love to make this pasta bake whenever I need to bring a dish to pass. Fresh tomatoes add a nice touch that's missing from most other meat, pasta and tomato casseroles.—Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: It never hurts to have a few meals that you can whip up in very little time, and this hearty soup is one of my busy-day favorites. Green chiles and chili powder give it some oomph. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I'm a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I threw this sausage recipe together one night to use up produce before going out of town. Who knew it was going to be such a hit! Now it’s a recipe I turn to whenever time is tight. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: I try to make foods that are not only kid friendly, but are also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: I love having breakfast for dinner, especially this combination of eggs, potatoes and cheese. I start cooking it in a skillet on the stovetop, and then I pop it into the oven to bake. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: Everyone needs an easy meal. Try this sheet-pan chicken with roasted potatoes for a simple and tasty meal guaranteed to please the whole family. If you use fresh lemon juice, garnish each serving with a little lemon zest for bright flavor. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California

From the Recipe Creator: Whether served for meatless Monday or your family’s everyday vegetarian meal, these unconventional vegetarian skillet enchiladas will satisfy everyone. Garnish with the optional toppings or other favorites like tortilla chips and extra shredded cheese. —Susan Court, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Perfect for fall nights, my simple version of comforting chicken and dumplings is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: I made this simple pierogies and sausage recipe one night when I hadn’t planned anything for dinner. It’s convenient because it uses items I usually have on hand. Plus, there’s hardly any cleanup! —Susan Held, Cooksville, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: I like to make one-pan recipes and this one was proclaimed a winner by my family. Bonus: It’s also easy to clean up. Serve with crusty bread to dip into the sauce. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: In our area we are able to camp almost all year-round. My family invented this recipe using ingredients we all love so we could enjoy them on the campfire. This hearty meal tastes so good after a full day of outdoor activities. —Janet Danilow, Winkleman, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: At our house, we're big on healthy eating. These ultra tender chops with colorful rice and black-eyed peas are a meal fancy enough for a dinner party. —Annie Holmes, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: Mamma mia! What’s the secret to this one-pot spaghetti? A homemade jar sauce and a one-pot cooking method makes this family favorite recipe quick and delicious. —Carol Benzel-Schmidt, Stanwood, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: This tandoori chicken recipe is easy for weeknights since it bakes in one pan, but it is also special enough for guests. The best part? There isn’t much to clean up when dinner is over! —Anwar Khan, Iriving, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I like using boxed rice and pasta mixes to jump-start quick meals. This colorful dish is simple to cook on the stovetop using fried rice mix, tender turkey and convenient frozen vegetables. —Betty Kleberger, Florissant, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: My halibut with a burst of lemon comes together in one pan and stays super moist. Try it with polenta, angel hair pasta or crusty bread. —Danna Rogers, Westport, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: You can also transform this tasty bowl into an Italian version with mozzarella, pesto, tomatoes, spinach and basil. —Renata Smith, Brookline, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: Our comfort food is a big plate of sausage with couscous. Add some onion, celery, a little heat and a sprinkle of feta. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: Beef fajitas get an eastern spin with gingerroot, sesame oil and wasabi, a type of Japanese horseradish. You can find it in the Asian section at your supermarket. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: This zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It contains just a few ingredients, is easy to prep, and tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes this healthy pasta recipe a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This is a fantastic meatless dinner or an amazing side dish. It works well with a variety of sheet-pan-roasted vegetables. We enjoy using zucchini or squash in the summer, and you can also change up the herbs in the dressing. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. —Nicole Ehlert, Burlington, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This is my favorite soup recipe. It's quick to fix on a busy night and full of healthy, tasty ingredients. It originally called for spicy sausage links, but I've found that turkey sausage, or even ground turkey breast, is just as good. —Tracy Fasnacht, Irwin, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: No one will miss the meat when you dish up these satisfying burritos bursting with a fresh-tasting filling. They’re fast to fix and won’t put a dent in your wallet. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: I like this dish featuring kielbasa and veggies for two reasons: It's so hearty, and it’s a one-pan meal. That’s a win-win dinner! —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Dutch oven pot roast recipes are the ultimate comfort food. When juicy pot roast simmers in garlic, onions and veggies, everyone comes running to ask "When can we eat?" The answer? Just wait—it will be worth it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: When I became a new mother, my mom helped me find comforting and simple recipes to have on hand. This terrific roast chicken is a happy discovery. —Sara Eilers, Surprise, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: I love to share my cooking, and this hearty sheet-pan dinner has built a reputation for being tasty. People have actually approached me in public to ask for the recipe. —Laurie Sledge, Brandon, Mississippi

From the Recipe Creator: I'm always up for new ways to cook salmon. In this dish, a sweet sauce gives the fish and green beans some down-home barbecue tang. Even our kids love it. —Aliesha Caldwell, Robersonville, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: Gather zucchini from your garden or farmers market and start cooking. My family goes wild for this wholesome casserole. You can grate the zucchini if you'd like. —LeAnn Gray, Taylorsville, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: My beef and cabbage supper began as an idea for a gluten-free Reuben sandwich. We also make this dish with smoked sausage. It’s comforting on cooler days. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: This sheet-pan chicken is an easy gluten-free, low-carb meal ideal for busy weekdays. The chicken is tender, juicy and so delicious! It’s now on the list of our favorite meals. You can substitute any low-carb vegetable for green beans. —Denise Browning, San Antonio, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: Here's one of my husband's favorite dishes. When it's in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: When you don’t know what to serve, Italian flavors are a good starting point. We combine cannellini and garbanzo beans for this snappy rice dish. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

From the Recipe Creator: I love an easy weeknight meal! This meal comes together quickly and uses up the half block of cream cheese that always ends up in my fridge. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: My family loves this dish! There's nothing better than oven baked boneless chicken thighs for dinner. It looks and tastes like you fussed, but it is really simple to make. These roasted chicken thighs use healthy olive oil and fresh herbs from my garden. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire

From the Recipe Creator: I love playing around with different ingredients and spices in my stir-fry recipes. As my children get older, I have more evenings when I need to whip up dinner quickly, and this dish with chicken strips and ramen noodles fits the bill deliciously. —Heather Chambers, Largo, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: With toppings similar to a Greek salad, this veggie pizza reminds us of the Mediterranean. Want some extra protein? Add a little deli turkey. —Angela Robinson, Findlay, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: I like to change things up during the holidays with pork loin recipes that incorporate my favorite herbs and veggies. This showpiece dish really dazzles my family. —Kim Palmer, Kingston, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: While living in California, I enjoyed a delicious chicken-lemon soup at a local restaurant. When I returned to Texas, I experimented with many versions before landing on this one. —Brenda Tollett, San Antonio, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: My whole family loves this Szechuan chicken. My husband prefers it without peppers, but he is happy to let others have his! I use the ginger paste that comes in a tube and pre-shredded carrots to save time. —Christine Snyder, Boulder, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: This delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and taste that makes it vanish fast. Our family of four can't get enough of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider it when you need a different main dish or brunch item. —Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas

From the Recipe Creator: My family and I have made this Easy Stovetop Lasagna recipe many times over the past few months. It’s the perfect solution when you feel like lasagna but don’t have time to bake it in the oven! Serve with salad or garlic bread. —Wendy Masters, East Garafraxa, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: I like the challenge of cooking lighter meals that pack big flavor. This one, which came from a dear friend, fits the bill. My son rated it a 10 out of 10! —Beverly Batty, Forest Lake, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: We love a homemade meal at the end of the day. But the prep involved? Not so much. My Greek-inspired pasta is lemony, herby and, thankfully, easy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

From the Recipe Creator: I've liked the chicken and artichoke combo for a long time. Here's my own lemony twist. With all the praise it gets, this dinner is so much fun to serve. —Carly Giles, Hoquiam, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: Dirty rice from a restaurant or box can end up having a surprisingly high amount of sodium and fat. This fast recipe is a hearty, healthy way to trim it down. —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma

From the Recipe Creator: My mom is famous for her Spanish rice recipe, the ultimate comfort food. When I want a taste of home, I whip up this dish. Punch up the flavor with a little lime and extra chili powder. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Facebook fans of my blog, Chef in Training, inspired me to make this creamy pasta casserole out of ingredients I had on hand. Success! I took the dish for another flavorful spin and added a bit of smoky bacon and toasted bread crumbs. —Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: This is not a drill. These buffalo chicken enchiladas—filled with tender rotisserie chicken, lots of cheese and, of course, Buffalo sauce—are a craveworthy, easy and delicious meal. The entire family will ask for them again and again. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: This flavorful entree won’t leave you hungry since it uses convenient canned beans in place of meat. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: A co-worker shared how to replace pizza crust with crescent rolls. I used that idea to turn an awesome sandwich recipe into an even more fabulous pizza. After baking, top with shredded lettuce. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: This is a delicious, nourishing and economical dish. The flavor improves if you make the stew the day before you serve it. —Margery Richmond, Fort Collins, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I love dumplings, and this mild-tasting, homey dish has flavorful ones floating on a tasty turkey and vegetable stew. It really hits the spot on chilly fall and winter days. —Rita Taylor, St. Cloud, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: Ham, rice and mushrooms make a tasty combination in this homey stovetop dish. It goes from start to finish in just 25 minutes. —Susan Zivec, Regina, Saskatchewan

From the Recipe Creator: Portobello mushrooms add an earthy flavor to this creamy classic, while shredded rotisserie chicken makes it a snap to prepare. You'll savor every bite. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to my hearty chili. Folks will come back for seconds. —Julie Neuhalfen, Glenwood, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: Our Aunt Renee always brought this casserole to family picnics in Chicago. It became so popular that she started bringing two or three. I have also made it using dark rye bread or marbled rye, and ham instead of corned beef—all the variations are delicious! —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: Bacon adds flavor to this comforting stovetop supper my mom frequently made when we were growing up. Now I prepare it for my family. —Kelli Jones, Peris, California.

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I are trying to add more fish and healthy entrees to our diet and this one makes it easy. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it's perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California

From the Recipe Creator: My mom used to make super succulent chicken with broccoli for our family in Montana. The few lucky guests invited for supper could not stop raving. —Jessy Drummond, Springfield, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: I've been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It's a one-pan meal that's become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona