5 Easy One Pot Meals
These recipes are designed to be forgiving. You can swap vegetables, change spices, and use what you have without breaking them.
1. Hearty Bean and Vegetable Stew
This is a classic comfort meal that uses pantry staples.
In a large pot, sauté chopped onion and garlic in oil until soft. Add diced carrots, potatoes, and any other vegetables you have. Stir in cooked beans, canned tomatoes, and enough water or broth to cover everything. Season with salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you like. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the broth thickens.
This stew gets better the next day and freezes well.
2. Simple Chicken and Rice Pot
This is filling, warm, and perfect when you need real food fast.
In a pot, add chicken pieces, chopped onion, and garlic with a little oil. Let them cook for a few minutes. Add rice, water or broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Add frozen or fresh vegetables near the end if you like.
It is easy, cheap, and deeply comforting.
3. Lentil and Vegetable Soup
This is a powerful plant based winter meal.
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to a pot with oil and cook until soft. Add dried lentils, water or broth, and spices like garlic powder, cumin, or bay leaf. Simmer until the lentils are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with bread or on its own for a warm, nourishing meal.
4. One Pot Sausage and Potato Skillet
This is rich, savory, and perfect for cold nights.
Slice sausage and brown it in a pot with a little oil. Add chopped potatoes, onions, and any sturdy vegetables like cabbage or carrots. Pour in a small amount of water or broth, cover, and let it simmer until everything is tender and lightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
This meal is filling and easy to stretch.
5. Creamy Pasta and Vegetables
This feels like comfort food but uses simple ingredients.
Add pasta, chopped vegetables, water or broth, and a little butter or oil to a pot. Bring to a boil and cook until the pasta is tender. Stir in milk or cream and a little cheese if you have it. Add salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
You get a creamy, satisfying meal with just one pot and a spoon.
These one pot meals keep winter cooking simple, warm, and stress free. They are perfect for busy homestead days, cold nights, and everything in between ❄️
