Top One Pot Meals

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 04/21/23
Cajun Jambalaya

The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

Warm and satisfying one-pot meals make dinnertime an easy task, and with only one skillet, pot, or baking dish, there's very little cleanup. There are some wonderful soups, stews, and roasts that do well with very little preparation time. And many adjust easily to the ingredients you have on hand.

For some dishes, you might want to add store-bought or homemade biscuits or crusty bread. A simple tossed green salad goes nicely with a casserole.

Whether you are looking for a recipe for the slow cooker, a casserole dish, skillet, or stockpot, you are sure to find the perfect meal here.

  • 01 of 50

    Chicken Pot Pie With Cheese Biscuit Topping

    Chicken Pie With Cheese and Green Onion Biscuits

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    This baked chicken pot pie is topped with homemade cheese biscuits. Add a salad or sliced fresh tomatoes for a fabulous family meal.

  • 02 of 50

    Cajun Jambalaya

    Cajun Jambalaya

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

    This Cajun jambalaya gets its full flavor from the holy trinity of onion, celery, and green bell pepper and andouille sausage. The main differences between Cajun and creole jambalaya are that Cajun jambalaya does not contain shrimp or tomatoes. But don't worry! You won't miss them at all.

  • 03 of 50

    Spicy Pasta With Ground Beef and Tomatoes

    A serving of macaroni with ground beef and tomatoes.

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    This one-pot pasta and ground beef dish will quickly become a staple in your household. Use Mexican or Cajun spices and tomatoes in the dish, or use your favorite flavor profile.

  • 04 of 50

    Breakfast Casserole With Sausage, Eggs, and Biscuits

    Breakfast Casserole With Sausage and Biscuits

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    This breakfast casserole is all you need for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch.

    Continue to 5 of 50 below.
  • 05 of 50

    Cauliflower and Sausage Roast With Cheddar Cheese

    Cauliflower and Sausage Roast with Cheddar Cheese

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    This cauliflower, cheese, and sausage casserole is a complete low carb meal. Add a tossed salad or sliced fresh tomatoes.

  • 06 of 50

    Roasted Chicken Dinner With Potatoes

    Roasted Chicken Dinner

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Use a halved or quartered chicken or use whole chicken legs in this all-in-one chicken and vegetable dinner.

  • 07 of 50

    Beef and Guinness Stew

    Beef and Guinness Stew Recipe

     The Spruce

    This delicious stew gets amazing flavor from bacon, Guinness Stout, and a variety of seasonings. The beef stew is simmered to perfection on the stovetop.

  • 08 of 50

    Perfect Pot Roast With Potatoes

    Southern Pot Roast recipe, on a plate

    The Spruce / Priscilla Jia

     A pot roast is always a good choice if you're looking for something to cook in one pot. This one is a stovetop version with potatoes, carrots, and some herbs. Some red wine is included, but if you don't cook with alcohol, that can be replaced with more beef broth or some apple cider.

    Continue to 9 of 50 below.
  • 09 of 50

    Pork Chop and Hash Brown Potato Bake

    Pork Chop and Hash Brown Bake
    Diana Rattray

    This easy, cheesy casserole is topped with pork chops, cheese, and french fried onion rings.

  • 10 of 50

    Shrimp and Rice Casserole

    Shrimp and Rice Casserole

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Garlic and butter flavor this fabulous shrimp and rice bake. Pecans add crunch but may be omitted.

  • 11 of 50

    Baked Beans and Hot Dogs With Biscuit Topping

    Beans and Hot Dog Casserole With Biscuits

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    This budget-friendly beans and hot dog casserole is topped with biscuits and shredded cheese.

  • 12 of 50

    Classic Hungry Jack Beef and Biscuits Casserole

    hungry jack casserole on a plate with biscuit
    Diana Rattray

    This mixture of beef and beans is well-seasoned and makes a great everyday family dinner. With a biscuit topping, it's a complete meal in one dish.

    Continue to 13 of 50 below.
  • 13 of 50

    Easy Burrito Casserole

    Easy Burrito Casserole Recipe

    The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn

    If you like burritos, you'll love this all-in-one burrito casserole. Beef, refried beans, and spicy sausage are among the ingredients. The high-flavor beef filling is layered with flour tortillas and baked to perfection.

  • 14 of 50

    Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Dinner

    Unstuffed Cabbage Skillet Dinner

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    We served this meal with steamed mixed vegetables on the side, but it could just as easily be served in a bowl with crusty bread or biscuits. Add a side salad or fresh sliced vegetables if you like.

  • 15 of 50

    Loaded Pizza Pasta Casserole

    Pizza casserole

    The Spruce Eats/Diana Mocanu

    Serve this scrumptious pizza casserole with toasted garlic bread and a simple green salad.

  • 16 of 50

    Crock Pot Pot Roast With Potatoes and Gravy

    Slow Cooker Pot Roast With Potatoes

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Use lean chuck, bottom round, or a rump roast in this easy slow cooker pot roast. Potatoes and carrots round out the meal. Feel free to add rutabagas or parsnips.

    Continue to 17 of 50 below.
  • 17 of 50

    Crock Pot Swiss Chicken Casserole

    Swiss Chicken, Slow Cooker

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Chicken is slow-cooked to perfection with stuffing, and it's super easy to make. Simple steamed broccoli, corn, or peas make it a well-rounded dinner.

  • 18 of 50

    Slow Cooker Chicken With Biscuits

    Slowcooker chicken and biscuits

    ​The Spruce Eats / Victoria Heydt

    Make this easy slow cooker chicken dish with frozen or refrigerated biscuits, or use the included recipe for homemade biscuits.

  • 19 of 50

    Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

    Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

    The Spruce / Rachel Riesgraf

    Beef stroganoff is a creamy pasta dish with delicious beef and tender mushrooms. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's quicker and easier in the Instant Pot. Plus, it only leaves one dirty dish.

  • 20 of 50

    Ham Pot Pie

    Ham Pot Pie

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

    Pot pie isn't just for chicken. This recipe using leftover ham has all of the familiar pot pie ingredients and flavors but takes full advantage of that extra ham from the holidays. A mixture of vegetables, including carrots, are combined with the ham and a white sauce and baked in a puff pastry until golden brown.

    Continue to 21 of 50 below.
  • 21 of 50

    Crock Pot Turkey and Rice Casserole

    Crockpot turkey and rice casserole

    ​The Spruce

    This slow cooker turkey and rice casserole is a nice way to use leftover turkey, and it's easy to prepare and cook. Leftover turkey is combined with rice, condensed soup, and water or broth and slow cook to perfection. The vegetables are added about 20 to 30 minutes before the dish is done.

  • 22 of 50

    Taco Cheeseburger Macaroni

    Taco Cheeseburger Macaroni

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    This easy dish will quickly become a family favorite. Taco seasoning adds great flavor to this cheeseburger macaroni dish, and it's quick and easy to prepare in the skillet.

  • 23 of 50

    Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

    Instant Pot chicken and dumplings with parsley garnish.
    Diana Rattray

    Simple drop dumplings thicken the stew slightly as this Instant Pot recipe cooks, and a small amount of heavy cream is added just before serving for richness.

  • 24 of 50

    Crock Pot Beef and Bean Dinner

    One-Pot Beef and Beans Meal

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    You'll want to add hot crusty rolls, cornbread, or biscuits to this tasty one-pot beef and bean dish.

    Continue to 25 of 50 below.
  • 25 of 50

    Crock Pot Smoked Sausages With Potatoes and Cabbage

    Slow Cooker Kielbasa Sausage in Beer and Mustard Sauce

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    Apple juice and vinegar add flavor to this sausage, potato, and cabbage dinner.

  • 26 of 50

    Pressure Cooker Beef Short Ribs

    Pressure Cooker Beef Short Ribs

    The pressure cooker is a great way to cook beef short ribs to tender, succulent perfection. Potatoes make it a one-pot meal.

  • 27 of 50

    Macaroni and Cheese With Sausage

    Macaroni and Cheese With Sausage
    Diana Rattray

    Pork sausage, tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, and spicy seasonings make this a hearty and tasty macaroni and cheese. The casserole is baked with a buttered bread crumb topping.

  • 28 of 50

    Tex-Mex Beef and Biscuit Casserole

    Tex-Mex Style Beef and Biscuits
    Photo: Diana Rattray

    This dish is like a hearty chili beef stew with easy biscuits. The Tex-Mex seasonings and a sour cream and cheese topping make this casserole stand out.

    Continue to 29 of 50 below.
  • 29 of 50

    Enchilada Casserole with Ground Beef

    Beef Enchilada Casserole
    Diana Rattray

    This Tex-Mex casserole features layers of chile seasoned beef, ripe olives, Mexican cheese, and flour tortillas.

  • 30 of 50

    Louisiana Mussels With Pasta

    Louisiana Mussels with Pasta
    Louisiana Mussels with Pasta. Diana Rattray

    These Louisiana-style mussels are flavored with a spicy sauce. The sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, and the "holy trinity" of Cajun cooking.

  • 31 of 50

    Easy Brunswick Stew with Pork and Chicken

    Brunswick Stew with Pork and Chicken
    Diana Rattray

     This classic Brunswick stew is made with a combination of chicken thighs, pulled pork, beans, and tomatoes are among the ingredients. Add cornbread to make a satisfying meal. Try it and see why it's a southern favorite. 

  • 32 of 50

    Country Captain Chicken

    country captain on rice
    Diana Rattray

    This remarkable Southern dish combines chicken and optional shrimp with aromatic curry flavors. It isn't clear how the dish made its way to Georgia and South Carolina — and even farther up the East coast — but it is fabulous stew.

    Continue to 33 of 50 below.
  • 33 of 50

    Tater Tot Casserole, Slow Cooker or Oven

    Tater Tot Casserole, Slow Cooker or Oven

    The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn

    This is always a hit, and it's super easy to prepare. Cook this tater tot casserole in the slow cooker or in the oven.

  • 34 of 50

    Meaty Baked Ziti With Ground Beef and Italian Sausage

    Baked ziti with ground beef

    The Spruce

    This crowd-pleasing meaty ziti casserole is similar to a lasagna, but it's much less time-consuming. The ziti is cooked and tossed with the ricotta and meat sauces, then it's layered with more sauce and cheese.

  • 35 of 50

    Chicken, Cheese, and Penne Pasta Bake

    Chicken, Cheese, and Penne Pasta Bake
    The Spruce

    Use quartered artichoke hearts in this cheesy chicken and pasta bake, or use another vegetable.

  • 36 of 50

    Turkey, Ham, and Swiss Casserole

    Turkey, Ham, and Swiss Cheese Casserole

     The Spruce

    Diced ham and Swiss cheese make this family-pleasing pasta casserole flavorful, and the buttery bread crumb topping is the perfect finishing touch.

    Continue to 37 of 50 below.
  • 37 of 50

    English Pea Pesto Pasta with Ham

    Ham, Spaghetti, and English Pea Pesto Casserole
    Diana Rattray

    This casserole is a combination of ham, cooked spaghetti, and the tasty pea pesto. The green pea pesto is made with walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and basil.

  • 38 of 50

    Mexican Enchiladas

    Enchiladas

    Leah Maroney

    This recipe shows you how to make authentic Mexican enchiladas with your choice of filling, whether it's meat, sauteed veggies, cheese, or a combination. You can make your own enchilada sauce or use store-bought for a quick meal.

  • 39 of 50

    Sandy's Slow Cooker Shepherd's Pie

    Slow Cooker Shepherd's Pie (Cottage Pie)
    Diana Rattray

    This slow cooker shepherd's pie is made with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and green beans. This version with ground beef is better known as a "cottage pie." For a traditional shepherd's pie, use ground lamb.

  • 40 of 50

    Creole Shrimp Etouffee

    Creole Shrimp Etouffee
    Diana Rattray

    All you need is rice to make this a complete meal. The word etouffee is a French word meaning "smothered," or "suffocated." As you can see in the photo, the shrimp is smothered with a combination of chopped vegetables and tomatoes in a rich brown roux.

    Continue to 41 of 50 below.
  • 41 of 50

    Chicken and Sausage Gumbo With Tomatoes

    Chicken and sausage gumbo recipe

    The Spruce Eats / Teena Agnel

    Your family will love this rich, flavorful chicken and sausage gumbo. Scale the recipe up for a party or game day gathering.

  • 42 of 50

    Chicken a la King Casserole With Noodles

    Chicken a la king casserole recipe

    The Spruce

    This easy chicken casserole is easy and versatile. Chicken a la king flavors stand out in this dish.

  • 43 of 50

    Easy Ham and Potato Hash

    Ham and Potato Hash
    Diana Rattray

    This skillet hash is a snap to make with cooked potatoes, ham, and seasonings. Use red or green bell peppers or a combination. 

  • 44 of 50

    Cheesy Penne Bake with Ham and Peas

    Penne Pasta With Ham and Peas
    Diana Rattray

    This cheesy ham and pasta casserole is baked with a buttered bread crumb topping. It's an excellent way to use leftover ham.

    Continue to 45 of 50 below.
  • 45 of 50

    Crock Pot Ground Beef and Hash Brown Dinner

    Crock Pot Hash Brown and Ground Beef
    Diana Rattray

    This easy slow cooker hash brown dinner takes just minutes to assemble, and it's an excellent choice for a busy day. Just set the slow cooker, and you're free for the rest of the day.

  • 46 of 50

    Southwestern-Style Beef and Potato Bake

    Southwestern Style Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
    Diana Rattray

    This casserole is a mixture of lean ground beef, corn, thinly sliced potatoes, and cheese. Add jalapeno pepper or use mild chile peppers. 

  • 47 of 50

    Budget Chuck Steak Dinner in Foil

    Budget chuck steak dinner in foil recipe

    The Spruce / Emily Baker

    A thick, budget-friendly chuck steak and vegetables make a tender, delicious family meal using this easy oven method. This recipe has long been a popular way to cook the tougher but flavorful chuck.

  • 48 of 50

    Roasted Potato and Sausage Dinner

    Roasted Potato and Sausage Dinner
    The Spruce

    This is an easy sausage and vegetable roast with carrots, potatoes, and smoked sausage. Simple seasonings flavor this dish.

    Continue to 49 of 50 below.
  • 49 of 50

    Fast and Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast Meal

    Fast and Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast
    Diana Rattray

    No browning, no fussing, just put the roast in the crockpot in the morning, add a few cans of soup and vegetables, and you have a delicious meal in 8 to 10 hours.

  • 50 of 50

    Corned Beef Noodle Casserole With Cheese

    corned beef and noodle casserole
    Diana Rattray

    Use leftover or deli corned beef in this flavorful casserole, and top it off with French fried onion rings or breadcrumbs. If you use canned corned beef, refrigerate the can for a few hours so it will be firm enough to cut into cubes.