10 One-Pot Meal Prep Dinners for Lazy Cooks

Ever had one of those days when you just can’t be bothered to spend hours in the kitchen? I get who really wants to stand over a stove stirring a pot when Netflix is calling your name? If you’re nodding along, this post is for you. We’re diving into 10 one-pot meal prep dinners that make life easier, whether you’re cooking for one, prepping for the week, or just too tired to make something complicated. These recipes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who loves to eat well without the hassle.

No fancy techniques. No endless chopping. Just easy meals with minimal cleanup. Because who needs to deal with a pile of dishes after dinner?

Why One-Pot Meals Are the Ultimate Lazy Cook’s Solution

Let’s start with the obvious: one-pot meals save you from the whole “cleaning up an entire kitchen” ordeal. You throw everything in one pot, and voila, dinner is done. It’s like magic, but better because you get to eat afterward.

Plus, if you make a big batch, you’re set for a few meals. Meal prepping? Check. Weeknight dinners? Done. The lazy cook’s dream, right?

1. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Okay, picture this: you’re craving pasta, but you don’t want to wait 20 minutes for the water to boil (hello, impatience). Try this creamy tomato basil pasta. It’s a one-pot meal that is rich and comforting. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti works)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, broth, and pasta. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the pasta is tender, about 12-15 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and finish with fresh basil.

Pro Tip: Feel free to toss in some parmesan at the end. It’ll make everything even more magical.

2. Chicken & Rice One-Pot Wonder

If you’ve ever made chicken and rice in a single pot, you already know it’s a game-changer. The best part? This dish is super customizable. You can throw in extra veggies, add more spices—whatever your heart desires.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (or thighs, your call)
• 1 cup rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the chicken breasts in a pot, then remove them and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
3. Add the rice, spices, and broth. Stir it up, then place the chicken on top.
4. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is done.

FYI: You can also swap the chicken for tofu if you’re feeling plant-based.

3. One-Pot Chili

Who doesn’t love a hearty bowl of chili? This version has everything you need: beans, meat (or veggie option), and a whole lotta flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers the next day.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, or plant-based crumbles)
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat in a large pot, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Toss in the beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. Stir everything together.
4. Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Note: Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of green onions. You deserve it.

4. Beef Stroganoff (One-Pot)

The creamy, savory goodness of beef stroganoff in one pot? Yes, please. It’s like a hug in a bowl, and you’ll wonder why you’ve been making this in separate pans all along.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef (sirloin or stew meat, sliced thin)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp flour (to thicken)
• 8 oz egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef in a large pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft, then stir in the flour.
3. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and noodles. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
4. Once the noodles are cooked (about 10 minutes), stir in the sour cream and beef. Mix until smooth.

5. Vegetable Curry with Rice

For all the plant-based folks or those just craving veggies, this vegetable curry is a perfect choice. It’s creamy, spicy, and has so many flavors going on, you’ll forget how easy it was to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice (any kind)
• 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, peas, potatoes, etc.)
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onions and ginger in a pot until fragrant.
2. Add the veggies, rice, broth, coconut milk, and curry powder.
3. Stir everything together, then cover and simmer until the rice is cooked and veggies are tender (about 15 minutes).

6. One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Potatoes

This one-pot lemon herb chicken & potatoes meal is a breeze to make and full of flavor. Juicy chicken paired with crispy roasted potatoes, what’s not to love?

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 small potatoes, diced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the chicken in a bit of olive oil until golden on both sides.
2. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Toss the potatoes in the pan with lemon juice, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let them cook for 10 minutes.
4. Place the chicken back on top, cover, and cook for another 20 minutes, until everything is tender.

7. One-Pot Pesto Chicken & Vegetables

Here’s a quick way to make your favorite pesto chicken without heating up the entire kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the chicken in a pan with olive oil until browned on both sides.
2. Add the veggies and pesto, and stir everything to coat evenly.
3. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through (about 15 minutes).

8. One-Pot Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed peppers in one pot? Yep, they’re a thing—and they’re amazing. Skip the oven and make these in a single skillet.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off, seeds removed
• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 1 cup rice (pre-cooked works best)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat in a large pot, then add the onions and cook until softened.
2. Stir in the rice, tomatoes, chili powder, and seasonings.
3. Stuff the peppers with the meat mixture and place them in the pot. Add a bit of water, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes.

9. Shakshuka (One-Pot Eggs in Tomato Sauce)

A fan of breakfast-for-dinner? This Shakshuka is a savory, spiced-up dish with eggs poached in a rich tomato sauce. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft, then add the tomatoes and spices.
2. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Crack the eggs into the sauce, cover, and cook until the whites are set, about 5-7 minutes.

10. One-Pot Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

If you want something comforting and filling but also healthy, this sweet potato and black bean chili is a perfect fit. Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onions until soft, then add the sweet potatoes, beans, tomatoes, and spices.
2. Stir and let simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender (about 20 minutes).

Conclusion

There you have it, 10 easy one-pot meal prep dinners that’ll make your life easier and your taste buds happier. Seriously, if you’re looking for simplicity and flavor in one go, these recipes check both boxes. Plus, the minimal cleanup? Total win.

So, what are you waiting for? Try these out, kick back, and enjoy the fact that you didn’t spend all night cooking. 🙂

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze these one-pot meals?
A: Yep! Most of these dishes freeze really well. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers for the best results.

Q: How can I customize these recipes?
A: Don’t be afraid to play around with ingredients. Swap out meats for veggies, use different grains, or add your favorite spices.

Q: How do I meal prep these?
A: Double or triple the recipe, then store in individual portions. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to eat!

Q: Can I make these recipes in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Most of these recipes can be adapted to the slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients, set the temperature to low, and let it cook for 4-6 hours. For recipes with rice or noodles, it’s best to add them near the end of cooking. This helps prevent them from getting mushy.

Q: What if I’m out of some of the ingredients?
A: Don’t sweat it! These recipes are pretty flexible. You can swap out veggies, meats, or grains based on what you have on hand. No bell peppers? Try zucchini. Out of chicken? Ground beef or even sausage can work just as well.

Q: How do I add more flavor to these meals?
A: If you’re a spice lover, add a pinch of chili flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some extra garlic. Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley are also great ways to add brightness and freshness to any dish. Experiment with your favorite seasonings, and you’ll be surprised at how much flavor you can add with just a few extra touches!

Final Thoughts

Let’s face it: cooking doesn’t always have to be an all-day event. When you’re in the mood for a no-fuss meal that’s both easy to prep and clean up after, one-pot meals are the way to go. Whether you want a hearty chicken and rice dish or a lighter veggie curry, there’s a recipe here for you.

And the best part? You don’t have to be a seasoned chef to pull it off. Just follow the simple instructions, keep it fun, and enjoy the results. So, go ahead—ditch the multiple pans and try one of these lazy cook-approved meals. I promise, your future self will thank you for it!

Remember: the key to successful one-pot cooking is to keep it simple. Try new flavors and, most importantly, enjoy the process. So, grab that pot, toss in your ingredients, and get ready for dinner without all the hassle. After all, who says cooking can’t be fun and easy?