One-Pan Dinners: 8 Easy Weeknight Meals
One pan. One meal. Minimal cleanup. These recipes aren't just convenient — they're genuinely delicious.
One pan. One meal. Minimal cleanup. These recipes aren't just convenient — they're genuinely delicious. When everything cooks together, flavors meld and the crispy bits from the protein season the vegetables. Here are the best one-pan dinners to add to your rotation.
Why One-Pan Cooking Works
It's not just about fewer dishes (though that's reason enough). One-pan cooking creates layers of flavor:
- Protein drippings season the vegetables
- Everything caramelizes together in the same high heat
- Timing is simpler — everything goes in, everything comes out
The key is choosing ingredients that cook at similar rates, or adding them in stages.
The Best One-Pan Recipes
Sheet Pan Classics
Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
Juicy chicken thighs with green beans and feta. Mediterranean flavors, minimal effort.
Sheet Pan Hanger Steak with Mushrooms
Steakhouse quality at home. Caramelized mushrooms soak up all the beef juices.
Sheet-Pan Shrimp Boil
All the flavors of a Low Country boil — shrimp, corn, sausage, potatoes — without the giant pot.
Oven Baked Salmon with Broccoli
Perfectly cooked salmon alongside crispy broccoli. Healthy, fast, and hands-off.
One-Pot Stovetop
Easy Tomato Basil Chicken
Tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce with fresh basil. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.
Chicken Fajitas
Sizzling peppers and onions with seasoned chicken. One skillet, endless topping combinations.
Stir Fried Quinoa with Chicken
Healthy fried rice alternative with protein-packed quinoa. Loaded with vegetables.
Ginger Beef Stir Fry
Restaurant-quality stir fry at home. Fresh ginger and garlic make all the difference.
Tips for Perfect One-Pan Meals
Get the Pan Hot First
Whether sheet pan or skillet, preheat it. A hot pan means better browning and less sticking. For sheet pans, put them in while the oven preheats.
Don't Overcrowd
Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting. Leave space between pieces. Use two pans if needed — still easier than multiple pots.
Cut for Even Cooking
Dense vegetables (potatoes, carrots) need smaller pieces than quick-cooking ones (zucchini, bell peppers). Match the cut to the cook time.
Add Ingredients in Stages
If mixing fast-cooking and slow-cooking ingredients:
- Start dense vegetables first
- Add protein partway through
- Add delicate vegetables last
Use Enough Fat
Don't be stingy with oil. It helps browning and prevents sticking. Toss vegetables thoroughly to coat evenly.
Flavor boost: Roast a sliced lemon alongside your protein. Squeeze it over everything before serving — the caramelized juice is incredible.
One-Pan Meals for Meal Prep
These recipes are perfect for batch cooking:
- Make two sheet pans at once (most ovens fit both)
- Portion into containers with the vegetables already included
- Reheat at 350°F for best results (microwave makes things soggy)
- Store grains separately if texture matters to you
Start Tonight
Pick one recipe from this list. You probably already have most of the ingredients. One pan, maybe 30-45 minutes, and dinner is done.
That's the whole point.
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