The best one-pot recipes

Treat yourself to your favorite meal without a mountain of dishes. From warming soups to hearty macaroni and cheese, these dishes are full of flavor and require no cleanup!

Dinner with less mess

There's no denying that the least exciting part of cooking is cleaning up the mess afterwards. Whether you're cooking a good old-fashioned Sunday dinner or a simple weeknight supper, it seems like dirty pots, pans, and plates always pile up quickly. That's where these one-pot wonders come in. Grab your favorite casserole dish for a hearty dinner, break out your cast-iron skillet and make some rustic chicken and dumplings, or turn on your pressure cookerTo cook shrimp in just 20 minutes, whatever you decide, you'll find these recipes are surprisingly delicious and make cleanup a breeze. Take this American version of goulash, for example. It combines hearty pasta and a host of flavorful spices (including paprika, a nod to the traditional Hungarian dish) for a comforting and satisfying meal that can be cooked entirely in the Dutch oven. What could be simpler?

American goulash

Not to be confused with the Hungarian paprika-spiced stew, this American version of goulash (also known as meat stew) is made with ground beef and pasta. The beef is cooked with a wealth of aromatic herbs and spices and paired with tomatoes, macaroni, and cheese for the perfect soul food. We've added paprika here as a nod to the Hungarian goulash.

Recipe: American goulash with minced meat and pasta

Baked macaroni and cheese

Here's Tyler's fail-safe dish. He uses cheddar and Parmesan to add a twist to classic flavors. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes for a perfectly golden crust.

Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Perfect Simple Chili

The name says it all. Ree's Chili is a quick and easy one-pot dish.

Recipe: Simple but perfect chili

Chicken in a creamy sauce in a frying pan

This simple recipe uses one pan to do four things: fry, sauté, stew, and steam ingredients. Cleanup is kept to a minimum, so you won't have to run the dishwasher.

Recipe: Chicken in a creamy sauce in a frying pan

The Perfect Roast

Ree's roast is the perfect dish for a group; the meat is roasted and then baked in broth for 3 hours. Larger cuts (1.8-2.2 kg) are roasted for 4 hours. The meat is ready when it easily flakes.

Recipe: The Perfect Pot Roast

Chicken and Ramen Noodle Casserole

This easy recipe turns ramen noodles (a favorite college food) into a delicious and filling casserole for a large crowd.

Recipe: Ramen Noodle Casserole with Chicken and Broccoli

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Mac and cheese and cheeseburger lovers will love this flavor combination. This recipe is super quick and budget-friendly, using ingredients you probably already have on hand. The rich, cheesy flavor comes from the cream cheese and generous amount of grated cheddar, while chopped parsley adds a fresh touch. But the best part is that everything is made in one pot—you don't even have to cook the pasta separately!

Recipe: One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Mac and cheese with baked pumpkin and chili pepper

Who says mac 'n' cheese is just for kids? Impress your dinner guests with this sophisticated take on the classic treat. Rachel adds chili powder, oregano, coriander, cumin, garlic, and chili peppers for a flavorful cheesy sauce.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with baked pumpkin and chili

Lobster Mac'n'Cheese

Use tomato paste, heavy cream, and chunks of sweet lobster tail meat to create a thick, decadent mac 'n' cheese perfect for a special occasion.

Recipe: Lobster Mac'n'Cheese

Mac and cheese with cauliflower and smoked cheese

Kids won't turn down vegetables if you serve this cheese dish. The cauliflower adds great texture, but the creamy smoked Gouda cheese plays a key role.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with cauliflower and smoked gouda

Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon

Tyler calls this dish "the best mac 'n' cheese"—and it's no wonder, as it's the perfect combination of sharp white cheddar and crispy bacon. To serve, scatter the bacon mixture over the freshly baked dish. Use a large spoon to scoop out portions, making sure each one has a little bacon in it.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with bacon

Vegetable pot pie

Trisha's vegetarian version of the pie is just as delicious. While the sumptuous filling of peas, carrots, and potatoes can be enjoyed on its own, wrap it in ready-made pie crust to complement the vibrant flavor with a crispy crust.

Recipe: Vegetarian pot pie

Pasta with shrimp scampi in a slow cooker

The beauty of this recipe is that all the ingredients—wine, garlic, shrimp, and even pasta—are cooked together in one pot. Use frozen shrimp, otherwise they'll overcook. The dish doesn't necessarily need to be served with garlic bread, but it's perfect for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.

Recipe: Pasta with shrimp scampi in a slow cooker in 20 minutes

Buffalo Chicken Mac'n'Cheese

This chef-inspired recipe will please everyone, regardless of taste preference. The key to perfect balance in every bite is the order of layers: pasta, chicken, pasta, cheese sauce. Sprinkle with a mixture of breadcrumbs, blue cheese, and parsley and bake until bubbly.

Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken and Buffalo Sauce

Chicken with noodles

"Don't confuse it with chicken noodle soup," says Ree. "This dish is more like a thick chicken stew." For thickness, Ree adds a flour-and-water mixture, which she calls a "cowboy roux"—perfect for a hearty ranch meal.

Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup with Turmeric

Brunswick Stew

Trisha prefers to use a mature chicken over 5 kg for Brunswick stew. This bird is fatter and will produce a richer broth, but it's not always available. Don't worry, regular chicken will work just as well.

Recipe: Silky stew

Mac and cheese with pulled pork

Add shredded pork to the cheddar and mozzarella pasta; season with hot sauce or barbecue sauce, if desired.

Recipe: One-Pot Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork

Beef stew with root vegetables

Ree says the beer infuses this hearty stew with wonderful flavor, while the paprika adds rich color and a subtle spiciness. Complete this delicious meal with cornmeal and cheese.

Recipe: Beef stew with root vegetables

Creamy soup with baked potatoes

Use up leftover baked potatoes from dinner. Alton cuts the potatoes in half, then scoops out the starchy flesh and presses it through a potato masher. The mild flavor of the potatoes pairs perfectly with buttermilk, sour cream, and grated Parmesan.

Recipe: Creamy Baked Potato Soup

Chicken Soup with Matzo Dumplings

Ina starts with homemade chicken broth, which she later uses to cook the matzo dumplings. Don't peel the onion and garlic—they give the soup a golden hue, and you'll strain the dish later anyway.

Recipe: Chicken soup with kneidlach

Closed chicken pie

Ri says there's no need to worry about getting perfect edges on the top crust—it gives the pie a homemade look. Plus, it makes the dish even quicker to prepare!

Recipe: Chicken pot pie

Chicken and Curry Pie

To save time, Alton uses frozen pea and carrot mix and ready-made puff pastry for the pie. Roast the vegetables, combine them with the curried chicken and onion mixture, then cover with the pastry. The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbling.

Recipe: Chicken curry casserole with a puff pastry lid

New England Clam Chowder

When preparing clams, Anne recommends checking for any cracked or broken shells. If you find any, discard them. Steam the clams until they open, reserving the natural juices and seawater for adding to the chowder.

Recipe: New England Clam Chowder

Spicy chili with beef

The recipe uses few liquid ingredients, so each serving is rich and meaty. This chili can be made up to two days in advance—perfect for parties and get-togethers with friends.

Recipe: Spicy chili with beef

Texas-Style Chili

Tyler's Texas chili is incredibly flavorful: seared beef combines with garlic, chipotle and jalapeño peppers, tomatoes, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and Mexican chocolate. Top this hearty dish with queso fresco, cilantro, and lime.

Recipe: Texas chili

Ragu soup with spaghetti and meatballs

If you're having trouble choosing the right meat for lunch, try Rachel's meatloaf stew. The recipe is based on a meatloaf mix, which consists of ground beef, pork, and veal and is available at many butcher shops.

Recipe: Stup with spaghetti and meatballs

Spicy Corn Chowder

The Neelys' corn chowder is rich in flavor and texture, thanks to tender corn kernels, crispy bacon, and red potato chunks. For those who enjoy a little heat, this is the perfect cold-weather dish.

Recipe: Spicy Corn Chowder

Manhattan-Style Clam Chowder

This chef-inspired recipe is on par with New England clam chowder. Because it doesn't require milk or cream, it's lower in calories, and the rich flavor comes from crushed garlic, clams, and coarsely chopped tomatoes.

Recipe: Manhattan Clam Chowder

Fried chicken with dumplings

Leftover roast chicken makes a great choice for this tender skillet dinner. These scone-like dumplings bake into a crisp, flaky crust. They're a cross between chicken and dumplings and a pie.

Recipe: Oven-baked chicken topped with dumplings

Shepherd's pie

Shepherd's pie is the perfect way to feed kids vegetables. This Alton version of the British comfort food is rich in protein and fiber, keeping the whole family full and satisfied.

Recipe: Shepherd's Pie Casserole

Stew with sausage and vegetables

This stew is best served with bread to soak up the delicious, smoky gravy.

Recipe: Winter stew with sausages

Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Alex Guarnaschelli's recipe makes it easy to make homemade gnocchi. When done, the gnocchi will float to the surface of the soup.

Recipe: Italian Chicken Soup with Toasted Parmesan Gnocchi

Chicken Dumpling Soup

To form the dumpling dough in this soup, Michael Symon recommends using an ice cream scoop. Drop the dumplings into the hot broth and cover until they puff up and float to the surface.

Recipe: Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Cheese soup with broccoli

Why use just one type of cheese when you can use three? Ree chooses sharp and mild cheddar, as well as Jack cheese, for her thick and creamy soup. If needed, the soup can be thinned slightly with chicken broth.

Recipe: Cheese soup with broccoli

Chickpea and Dumpling Soup

This vegetarian recipe was inspired by a classic homemade chicken and dumpling soup. The chicken broth was replaced with vegetable broth, and the shredded chicken was replaced with chickpeas, which are also rich in protein. At the very end, homemade dumplings are added to the soup, which turn out very fluffy and flavorful thanks to freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh herbs. Not to mention, the entire dish is cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Recipe: Chickpea and Dumpling Soup

Tomato soup with cheese croutons

A hot cheese sandwich and tomato soup is a classic combination that kids love. Aina's simple soup features a rich onion base and golden croutons—a sophisticated dish that adults will appreciate, too.

Recipe: Simple tomato soup with cheese croutons

Mac and Cheese Soup

Two hearty favorites come together in one. Start by making the broth, then add milk, grated cheddar, Parmesan, and pasta, and stir until the cheese melts.

Recipe: Mac and Cheese Soup

Simple Chicken Dumpling Soup

Sunny recommends tying the thyme, parsley, and sage together before adding them to the chicken broth. This will make them easier to remove once they've infused their flavor into the broth.

Recipe: Simple Chicken and Dumpling Soup

Matzo Dumpling Soup

To make his dumplings, Bobby uses sparkling water, an egg, and schmaltz (rendered chicken fat used for frying). True to his style, Bobby infuses the broth with roasted jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Recipe: Matzo Dumpling Soup

Chicken and Bean Stew

Giada's stew is quick and easy to make because you don't need a whole chicken. To save time and effort, use only chicken breasts.

Recipe: Chicken and Bean Stew

Turkey and Chorizo Chili

If you're looking for an alternative to chicken and beef chili, try Rachel's recipe. It calls for turkey and Mexican chorizo—a savory sausage made from ground pork and flavored with chili peppers.

Recipe: Mexican Chili with Chorizo and Turkey

Spicy tomato soup

For a quick and easy meal, Giada recommends buying your favorite marinara sauce, or making your own and using the leftovers for broth.

Recipe: Quick tomato and bean soup

Tender mac and cheese in a saucepan

This version of a beloved dish doesn't require a flour-and-butter roux; cream cheese provides richness and volume. If the mac 'n' cheese gets tough while cooling, simply stir in a little warm water—it'll easily make it silkier.

Recipe: Creamy mac and cheese on the stovetop

Beef chili

Chunks of shoulder roast and three types of beans add vibrant flavor and texture to Ree's simple chili.

Recipe: Chili with beef chunks

Baked macaroni and cheese

This baked mac 'n' cheese is super easy to make and perfect as a side dish or a meal for a crowd. Cream cheese adds richness and subtle flavor.

Recipe: Pasta baked in a two-cheese sauce

Mac and cheese with mushrooms and kale

Don't be surprised by the amount of kale used in this recipe. It will shrink during cooking, and it pairs perfectly with the tender pasta and shiitake mushrooms.

Recipe: Baked kale and mushroom mac and cheese

Baked Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese

This mildly spicy mac 'n' cheese features macaroni and cheese, jalapeños, and a breadcrumb topping. It tastes like stuffed jalapeños!

Recipe: Baked macaroni in cheese sauce under a crust

Pizza flavored Mac'n'Cheese

This dish is a hybrid: it tastes indistinguishable from pizza! Use the remaining oil from a can of sun-dried tomatoes for the topping.

Recipe: Pizza flavored Mac'n'Cheese

Mac and cheese with sausage and potatoes for breakfast

The best part of this breakfast dish is the grated potato topping. It couldn't be easier to make: thaw store-bought grated potatoes and toss with butter to crisp them up in the oven.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with sausage and fried potatoes for breakfast

Baked Pasta Carbonara

This baked mac 'n' cheese contains the best elements of Italian spaghetti carbonara: rich bacon flavor, creamy grated cheese, and spicy black pepper.

Recipe: Mac and Cheese Carbonara

Chicken and Tortilla Casserole

The key to this hearty Mexican-inspired casserole from Trisha is the simple base of chicken and sauce.

Recipe: Chicken and Corn Tortilla Casserole

Baked paella

This paella is a lifesaver when you're short on time: simply assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it the night before, then quickly bake it the day you're ready to serve.

Recipe: Paella in the oven

Tetrazzini with chicken and cauliflower

This tender casserole of mushrooms, boiled chicken and cauliflower requires only a little pre-cooking the day before serving.

Recipe: Tetrazzini with chicken and cauliflower

Vegetarian lasagna with beans

Trisha's vegetable lasagna is anything but boring. Black beans, tofu ricotta, and roasted tomatoes combine for a flavorful, filling dinner that's meat- and dairy-free.

Recipe: Black Bean Lasagna

Baked noodles with tuna

Tuna, peas, fresh mushrooms and plenty of cheese: Sunny prepares an updated version of a casserole for a large crowd.

Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Classic Italian lasagna

To make Giada's traditional lasagna, make each of the layers separately and stack them on top of each other.

Recipe: Lasagne with spinach

Oxtail Stew

This stew is inspired by a Jamaican dish featuring tender oxtails and lima beans seasoned with ginger, allspice, and spicy habanero peppers. The comforting brown sauce takes time: it simmers for several hours, developing a rich flavor and color. The stew is even more delicious the next day, as the beans have time to soften and the oxtails have more time to soak up the sauce. Serve with a dash of hot sauce for extra acidity and heat.

Recipe: Jamaican-Style Oxtail Stew

Sloppy Joe's Macaroni Casserole

Try Rachel's modern take on the classic: Sloppy Joe's casserole. Just add macaroni, cheddar, and dill pickles.

Recipe: Sloppy Joe's Pasta and Meat Casserole

Beef and Bean Casserole

Trisha combines meat, bacon, beans, and barbecue sauce for a simple casserole that serves 12.

Recipe: Meat casserole with beans

Stewed lentils with tomatoes

You've never tasted lentils this delicious. Don't skip the fresh thyme and red wine vinegar—they create a unique flavor together!

Recipe: Stewed lentils with tomatoes

Pasta casserole with baked vegetables

A vegetable lover's dream. Red pepper, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and peas: rich flavor in every bite.

Recipe: Baked pasta with fried vegetables

Sweet potato stew

Michael's hearty stew is loaded with sweet potatoes, beans, and nuts—you'll want to make it again and again.

Recipe: Sweet potato stew

Chicken pie with cheese crust

Save your chicken bones for a cozy dish. Use them to enrich store-bought broth in this chef-inspired recipe.

Recipe: Chicken, mushroom, and cheddar cheese pie

Italian-style baked chicken with pastina

Giada's Chicken and Pasta Casserole will be on the table in less than half an hour.

Recipe: Italian Chicken Pasta Casserole

Spaghetti casserole with chicken

Ree's chicken and spaghetti casserole is pure soul food. To make the dish easier to eat, Ree breaks the spaghetti into pieces.

Recipe: Spaghetti casserole with chicken

Orzo and Broccoli Pasta Casserole

A mild Havarti cheese is perfect for this hearty casserole. This mild Danish cheese comes in a variety of flavors—try dill or caraway for a savory twist.

Recipe: Broccoli and Orzo Pasta Casserole

Chicken and Noodle Casserole

This casserole, based on a favorite soup, will satisfy your craving for a comforting, hearty meal. Partially cooked egg noodles soak up the flavorful sauce without becoming too mushy.

Recipe: Chicken and Egg Noodle Casserole

Coconut and Almond Bread Casserole

The creamy coconut-almond crust makes this casserole truly special and balances the delicate, airy texture of the bread. It's best to assemble the dish a day in advance to allow the bread time to soak up the cream.

Recipe: French Toast Casserole with Coconut Almond Topping

Ham and Cheese Casserole

This colorful, hearty casserole can be prepared in advance and baked the next day—perfect for a brunch with company.

Recipe: Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Meat casserole with beans and tortilla chips

This casserole could be called a "broken enchilada": the soft bottom layer of baked tortilla chips resembles an enchilada. But this dish is much easier to make!

Recipe: Mexican Meat and Bean Casserole

Baked spaghetti

This lasagna-spaghetti hybrid with meat sauce makes a hearty lunch. Using leftover cooked pasta and ready-made tomato sauce, this dish is incredibly quick to prepare. Assemble the ingredients ahead of time and bake just before serving.

Recipe: Oven-baked spaghetti

Chicken with dumplings

Tyler recommends simmering the dumplings in a homemade sauce made from chicken broth and cream. This will allow the rich flavor of the sauce to infuse them.

Recipe: Chicken with dumplings

Smoked Chipotle Mac'n'Cheese

Tired of tubes or penne? Rachel recommends cavatappi (spiral-shaped pasta) for a spicy, smoky version of the traditional dish.

Recipe: Mac and cheese with smoked cheddar and chipotle peppers

Roast with vegetable sauce

When the beef is tender, Guy Fieri purees the vegetables for a silky sauce.

Recipe: Pot roast with porcini mushroom sauce

Braised brisket with onions, mushrooms and balsamic sauce

For a bright, sweet sauce for beef brisket, Ann uses a generous amount of balsamic vinegar.

Recipe: Braised beef brisket with onions, mushrooms and balsamic vinegar

Macaroni and Cheese with Pimento Peppers

Pimentos are sweet and aromatic, pairing perfectly with sharp yellow cheddar. For added heat, Rachel adds paprika and dry mustard to the béchamel sauce.

Recipe: Mac 'n' cheese with pimento peppers

Chicken stewed in beer

This savory chicken stew is packed with flavor. The recipe calls for brown ale, brown sugar, and bacon.

Recipe: Chicken stewed in beer

Orzotto with broccoli and cheddar

Kids will love Ree's cheesy creamy dish (and they won't even say no to the broccoli!).

Recipe: Orzotto with broccoli and cheddar

American meat sauce

This is a twist on the Italian sauce we all know and love. The American version is a bit sweeter, with a distinct green pepper flavor.

Recipe: American meat sauce

Baked pasta with sausage and ricotta

No need to boil a large pot of water. For a filling dinner, layer uncooked rigatoni pasta, ricotta, and Italian sausage directly in the baking dish—no extra dishes to wash after baking.

Recipe: Bulk pasta and sausage casserole

Mac and cheese in one container

This wonderful dish is based solely on milk and pasta. As the pasta cooks, it releases starch, which helps thicken the milk to create the perfect sauce base. Cheese and seasonings are added at the very end, and everything comes together like magic.

Recipe: One-Pot Mac and Cheese

Stewed beef with vegetables

Tyler's roast is simmered for 3 hours in a rich blend of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and tomato puree.

Recipe: Stewed beef with vegetables

Mac and cheese with bacon

With the addition of crispy bacon and fiery cayenne pepper, mac 'n' cheese takes on a whole new flavor.

Recipe: Mac 'n' cheese with baked bacon and bread topping

Beef and Okra Stew

Cardea's cozy stew is just what you crave on a chilly evening. Ground ginger adds a warm flavor to this hearty dish of beef, okra, and onions. Even better, it's ready in less than an hour!

Recipe: Beef and Okra Stew

Beef Chili Without Beans

Chili powder, red pepper flakes, and cinnamon provide a vibrant flavor in this meaty chili. Spiced sour cream is the perfect accompaniment.

Recipe: Bean-Free Beef Shoulder Chili in a Slow Cooker

Spaghetti in fresh tomato sauce

This recipe is perfect for beginners: everything except the cheese is cooked in one pan, where the magic happens. The tomato paste serves as a "safety net" in case the tomatoes don't capture their full flavor; if you're cooking out of season, you can add an extra spoonful of paste.

Recipe: Spaghetti in fresh tomato sauce in one pot

Hangover Soup

This soup with bacon, sausage, pork loin, and vegetables lives up to its name: it's the perfect dish after a long night of partying. But we think you'll appreciate its invigorating properties even if you don't wake up with a headache.

Recipe: Hangover Soup

Perfect Simple Chili

Ree's chili is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a game-watching party or just a warming dinner. She takes a classic beef and bean combo and adds a vibrant flavor with smoked chili powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Serve the chili with gooey cheddar, fresh onions, and crisp tortilla chips for family-friendly toppings.

Recipe: A simple chili with perfect flavor

Corn chowder with cheese

Ina's creamy bacon chowder features tender potatoes, juicy corn, and 8 ounces of sharp white cheddar. This cozy soup can be made with frozen or fresh corn.

Recipe: Corn Chowder with Cheddar

Spicy Mac and Cheese

Missing her mom's cooking, Sunny came up with this spicy, silky version of mac 'n' cheese, which she makes between trips to her parents' house. Buttery croutons add a nice crunch.

Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

Caesar Mac and Cheese with Fried Chicken

To recreate the bold flavor of Caesar dressing, Rachel uses anchovy paste in this dish. For a balanced dinner, serve with shredded escarole or romaine lettuce, drizzled with lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil.

Recipe: Caesar Mac and Cheese with Fried Chicken

White chili with chicken

White chicken chili is a great alternative to tomato-based chili. Jalapeños, poblano peppers, and chili powder add a rich flavor, while sour cream and lime add a vibrant finishing touch.

Recipe: White Chili with Grilled Chicken