17 One-Pan Dinner Recipes That Make Cleanup Almost Too Easy

Who knew dinner could be this simple? These 17 one-pan recipes deliver big flavor, juicy proteins, and perfectly cooked veggies—all without creating a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. Toss everything together, let the pan do its magic, and enjoy a meal that looks impressive but barely required effort. Bonus: you’ll feel like a kitchen wizard while your sink stays happy and empty.

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

One pan, 20 minutes, zero stress. This Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans recipe is your go-to for a quick, hearty, and healthy meal. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh green beans come together fast—so you can eat well without spending forever in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Cast Iron Chicken Thigh in Creamy Tomato Sauce with a spoon in a cast iron skillet. — Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

One skillet, big flavor! This Cast Iron Keto Chicken Thigh Recipe in Creamy Tomato Sauce is rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple. It’s dairy- and gluten-free, but you’d never guess—because it’s just that good!
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Meatballs made simple! These Cast Iron Keto Meatballs cook up fast, stay super juicy, and take less than 30 minutes on the stove. Easy, flavorful, and low-carb perfection!
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in a white bowl with red pepper flakes, a spoon, and a fork. — Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Brussels sprouts, but better! Toss them in a cast iron skillet with crispy bacon, and you’ve got a 5-ingredient side dish that’s quick, easy, and loaded with flavor—no fuss, no mess!
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The secret’s out! Making delicious Black Pepper Chicken at home is easier than you think. Skip the takeout and enjoy this flavorful Chinese classic anytime!
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice. — Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Need a speedy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This ground pork stir fry mixes up savory meat and colorful veggies into a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of garlic butter shrimp pasta. The combo of succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce is pure comfort on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Prepare for a deliciously creamy chicken breast skillet that’s both simple and indulgent. With cream cheese adding the perfect touch, this is a dinner you’ll want to make again and again!
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Thai Turkey Meatballs

These Thai Turkey Meatballs in Red Curry Sauce are the ultimate easy dinner or appetizer. Baked in the oven for no-fuss cooking, they’re perfect over rice with veggies on the side—flavor-packed and hassle-free!
Get the Recipe: Thai Turkey Meatballs

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes. — Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This one-dish taco rice skillet is ready in 20 minutes with only 8 ingredients—perfect for a busy night when you want something easy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot. — Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget the boxed stuff—this one-pot turkey mac and cheese is loaded with spinach, peppers, and real cheddar for a tasty, healthier version that’s ready in 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl. — Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Craving something simple and delicious? This bucatini pasta with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet. — Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pan garlic chicken bites dinner is ready in 20 minutes, with tender chicken, mushrooms, onions, red peppers, and fresh herbs—easy, healthy, and packed with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

General Tso Shrimp

Get your General Tso shrimp fix in just 10 minutes! This one-skillet recipe brings the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, so you can skip the delivery and make it at home instead.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

A one-pan wonder, this southwestern ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a meal everyone will enjoy. Bonus: it’s perfect for meal prepping, and the leftovers are even better!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet and sour tofu in a bowl with rice and chopsticks on the side. — Sweet & Sour Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Make this sweet and sour tofu in under 30 minutes for a veggie-friendly version of the classic Chinese takeout favorite. Crispy tofu and a sticky sauce make it a meal you’ll love!
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This 30-minute ground beef and cabbage skillet is an Asian-inspired stir fry that’s bursting with texture, spices, and a light savory sauce. A weeknight winner that’s both quick and delicious!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet