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Home » Recipe Collections

31 One-Pot Comfort Meals to Get You Through Busy Weeknights

Published: Sep 26, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

One-pot comfort meals are a great way to get through those busy weeknights without making a mess of the kitchen. These recipes are simple, hearty, and perfect for fall when you want something cozy that doesn't take all night to cook. You can whip them up fast and still get something flavorful that the whole family will love. No complicated steps or endless dishes—just easy meals that are big on taste and low on hassle.

An image of instant pot corn chowder in a bowl with a spoon resting on the side.
Instant Pot Corn Chowder. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

A  Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese topped with a golden-brown crust and garnished with sliced green onions.
Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This classic green bean casserole with cream cheese is a one-pot comfort meal that comes together quickly for busy weeknights. Whether using fresh or canned green beans, it’s a versatile dish perfect for family dinners and minimizes cleanup after cooking.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

Nigerian Jollof Rice

A close up image of nigerian jolloff rice garnished with slices of red onion and bay leaves.
Nigerian Jollof Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nigerian jollof rice, cooked in one pot, features rich tomato and pepper flavors that bring bold taste to your fall meals. Ready in just 30 minutes, it simplifies dinner while cutting down on dishes, making it perfect for weeknight cooking.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Jollof Rice

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This one-pot lemon ricotta pasta is a fast, easy meal ready in 15 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights. Whether you’re having a quick dinner or hosting friends, it provides a convenient meal option without the hassle of multiple pots.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Chana Masala

Top view image of chana masala served in a white bowl.
Chana Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chana masala is a flavorful Indian chickpea curry that works perfectly as a weeknight meal. Ready in 30 minutes and cooked in one pot, it simplifies dinner prep and makes cleanup a breeze, making it perfect for fall meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala

Instant Pot Corn Chowder

An image of instant pot corn chowder in a bowl with a spoon resting on the side.
Instant Pot Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot corn chowder brings creamy comfort with sweet corn, potatoes, and cheddar cheese, all cooked in just 15 minutes. It’s a perfect one-pot meal for busy nights, offering a comforting dinner without the need for multiple dishes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Corn Chowder

Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup

An overhead image of instant pot mulligatawny soup being scoop out from the pot.
Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup, packed with hearty vegetables and lentils, is a simple yet flavorful curry option for fall. Cooked in under an hour, this one-pot dish minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for weeknight dinners with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup

Cabbage Soup (Easy, One Pot)

An overhead image of two cabbage soups in a white serving bowl.
Cabbage Soup (Easy, One Pot). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This one-pot cabbage soup is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners. The simplicity of the recipe keeps prep and cleanup minimal, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the meal and less time washing dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Soup (Easy, One Pot)

Easy Cabbage Curry

An overhead image of cooked cabbage curry in a round plate.
Easy Cabbage Curry. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cabbage curry is a quick and easy one-pot dish, ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy fall nights, it offers a flavorful meal without a mountain of dishes, simplifying weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry

Instant Pot Minestrone

An overhead image of a bowl of minestrone soup served in a white bowl, accompanied by a spoon on the side and a white cloth underneath.
Instant Pot Minestrone. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot vegetable soup, filled with fresh veggies and beans, is a nutritious one-pot meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a quick and healthy dinner option that’s both satisfying and easy to clean up after, making it perfect for fall.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Minestrone

Spicy Alfredo Pasta

An overhead iimage of two spicy alfredo pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Alfredo Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy Alfredo pasta brings a creamy red pepper sauce to your table, all made in one pot. It’s a quick dinner solution that adds flavor to your fall weeknights without leaving a sink full of dishes afterward.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Alfredo Pasta

Pinto Bean Soup

An overhead image of pinto bean soup in a green bowl with a spoon on the side.
Pinto Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pinto bean soup is a hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for cold fall evenings. It delivers a filling, comforting dinner with minimal prep and even less cleanup, making it an easy choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Pinto Bean Soup

Ethiopian Cabbage

A close up image of cooked Ethiopian cabbage in a skillet pan with a wooden serving spoon mixing the dish.
Ethiopian Cabbage. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ethiopian cabbage, or Atakilt Wat, is a 30-minute, one-pot stew that brings vibrant spices and veggies to your dinner table. Perfect for fall, it makes mealtime easier with minimal dishes and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty blend of shredded chicken, black beans, and corn, perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under an hour, this one-pot meal keeps dishes to a minimum while delivering a filling, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Curried Butternut Squash Soup in Instant Pot

Curried butternut squash soup in a bowl.
Curried Butternut Squash Soup in Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Curried Butternut Squash Soup, made in the Instant Pot, offers a rich and flavorful option for fall dinners. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s a quick, one-pot meal that simplifies cleanup after a cozy evening meal.
Get the Recipe: Curried Butternut Squash Soup in Instant Pot

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Chicken casserole with baked cheese inside a white dish.
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole combines broccoli, bacon, and ranch in a creamy, one-pot dish. Perfect for busy fall evenings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal cleanup and is great for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Weeknight Paella

A plate of bright yellow saffron rice topped with chorizo and shrimp.
Weeknight Paella. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

This easy one-pot paella brings together seafood and chorizo, perfect for fall meals. It’s a simple solution for weeknight dinners that require little effort and leaves you with fewer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Paella

Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Goulash inside white casserole.
Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Instant Pot Beef Stew, also known as Hungarian goulash, is a comforting, hearty meal cooked in just one pot. Ready in no time, it’s perfect for quick fall dinners that won’t leave a mess in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

A white bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Stew sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with a red linen on a white marble counter.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Instant Pot Chicken Stew combines shredded chicken thighs and savory vegetables in a hands-off, one-pot meal. With most of the work done by the Instant Pot, it’s a convenient and hearty choice for busy fall weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Beer Cheese Soup

Soup with bacon, beer and cheese in a bowl.
Beer Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Beer cheese soup is a creamy, cheesy one-pot dish that fits perfectly into your fall dinner routine. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes for an easy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner with minimal dishes afterward.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole is a one-pot meal that brings together seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish is comforting without leaving a pile of dishes to clean.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Uzbek Chicken Plov

Close-up image of uzbek chicken plov.
Uzbek Chicken Plov. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Uzbek Chicken Plov combines chicken, rice, and spices into one flavorful pot. It’s a simple fall dinner option that makes both preparation and cleanup easy, perfect for feeding the whole family on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Uzbek Chicken Plov

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant pot chicken adobo in a bowl atop cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo, a Filipino-inspired one-pot dish, delivers sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken in 40 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner option, making weeknight meals less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup, made in one pot, is a great fall dinner option ready in 45 minutes. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that simplifies cleanup, perfect for those cool autumn evenings.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Bowl of Instant Pot beef stew with carrots and potatoes.
Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Beef Stew with apple cider brings tender beef and a slightly sweet gravy to your fall meals. This one-pot dish makes weeknight cooking and cleanup much easier while delivering a comforting, robust dinner.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Plate of spaghetti and meatballs made in an Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs simplifies a classic comfort meal with tender meatballs and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick, one-pot meal that fits perfectly into busy weeknights when you need something comforting without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Instant Pot Chicken Mushrooms

Instant Pot Chicken and Mushroom in an Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Chicken Mushrooms. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Instant Pot Chicken and Mushrooms is a wholesome, low-carb option that comes together in just 40 minutes. Made in one pot, it’s a simple weeknight dinner solution that everyone can enjoy with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Mushrooms

Vegetarian Stew

An image of Vegetarian Stew.
Vegetarian Stew. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This vegan and vegetarian stew, packed with hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots, is a perfect one-pot meal for fall. Ready in under an hour, it’s a filling, easy-to-clean-up option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Stew

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken on wooden cutting board.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken, with tender chicken thighs in a rich sauce, is a great choice for busy evenings. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot meal simplifies dinnertime with less effort and fewer dishes to handle.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Pumpkin Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk

Overhead image of pumpkin chickpea curry with coconut milk with rics on a plate.
Pumpkin Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Pumpkin Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for fall weeknights when you want a quick, comforting dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk

Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup

A picture of cabbage carrot sausage in broth soup..
Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Egg Roll Soup brings your favorite egg roll flavors into a hearty, one-pot dinner. Perfect for busy fall nights, this easy recipe keeps things simple, both in preparation and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Deconstructed Egg Roll Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Close-up image of chicken pot pie soup in a bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup, made creamy and topped with biscuits, brings the comfort of a classic dish into one pot. It’s perfect for fall dinners, offering a cozy meal with fewer dishes to handle afterward.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

An overhead image of pinto bean soup in a green bowl with a spoon on the side.
21 One-Pot Meals for When You Want Something Tasty with Zero Cleanup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Enjoy hassle-free dinners with these 21 one-pot meals, delivering delicious flavors and zero cleanup for your busiest nights!
Read it Here: 21 One-Pot Meals for When You Want Something Tasty with Zero Cleanup

An image of Pasta e Piselli served in a bowl.
31 Fall Dinner Recipes That Are Shockingly Simple to Make. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cozy up with these 31 simple fall recipes that make weeknight dinners a breeze—delicious meals for busy days ahead!
Read it Here: 31 Fall Dinner Recipes That Are Shockingly Simple to Make

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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