32 One-Pan Meals that Make Healthy, Delicious, Fuss-Free Dinners
Take the stress off of dinner prep with these dishes.
Fact checked by Emily Estep
Short on time? These healthy dinner recipes are tasty and nutritious and can be cooked in one pan, keeping the work to a minimum and making cleanup a snap. We have more than 30 one-dish recipes for you to try as part of your healthy diet plan.
Skillet Taco Pie
What could be better than flavor-forward tacos that are also nutritious and require minimal clean-up? Luckily, this ground turkey recipe checks off all three boxes—you only need one skillet to make a tasty, healthy dinner in under 30 minutes.
Cajun Vegetarian Gumbo
Grab your slow cooker, a fork, and a plate; if you're patient enough to resist eating this one-pot, healthy, vegetarian gumbo before dinner. With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it for three to six hours, and this flavor-rocking, good-for-you vegetarian dinner, coming in at just about 150 calories per serving, will be ready for you. And if you line the slow cooker there is basically no clean up needed.
Roasted Salmon with Broccoli and Tomatoes
Salmon is already one of our go-to dishes for a quick weeknight dinner, but this one-pan recipe is healthy and should move to the top of the list. It takes just one sheet pan (which minimizes cleanup), and it also makes a tasty roasted broccoli and tomato side dish in the same pan as the salmon. Top your fillet with a zesty mix of lemon juice, honey, and fresh herbs for an unbeatable one-dish meal.
Related: How to Choose the Best Cookie Sheets for Baking Cookies
Mini Meat Loaves, Green Beans, and Potatoes
BLAINE MOATS
You'll have this comfort food classic—meatloaf—on the table from start to finish in only one hour. Making individual-sized meatloaves helps them cook more quickly while also keeping portion size in check. This one-pan recipe includes a comforting side of roasted potatoes and crisp green beans for a balanced family meal.
Chili-Pasta Skillet
There's nothing about cheesy, sloppy joe-filled noodles that your kids won't love—and you won't be able to resist the calorie count (under 300 per serving!). Not only is the one-dish dinner surprisingly healthy, but it also requires just 20 minutes of prep to make.
Skillet Lasagna
Anyone who appreciates Italian flavors will love this easy-peasy one-skillet lasagna. Each bite delivers cheesy, saucy, meaty noodles—and each serving is under 315 calories. Not only is the one-dish dinner surprisingly healthy, but it also requires just 30 minutes to make.
Easy Huevos Rancheros Casserole
Brie Goldman
Frozen potato nuggets (aka tots) are a versatile staple that makes some of the best casseroles. Here, they combine with eggs, cheese, and salsa for an easy take on classic huevos rancheros. Cumin, chili powder, and garlic kick up the flavor.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Cauliflower Rice Bake
This one-dish casserole uses cauliflower rice to replace the usual higher-carb and calorie starch—regular rice or noodles. Adding spinach and light Alfredo sauce further improves the dish's nutritional value. As a bonus, stirring everything together in the baking vessel makes cleanup a breeze.
Related: 25 30-Minute Healthy Chicken Recipes to Break Your Dinner Rut
Hot Chicken Salad Skillet Casserole
Don't let the name confuse you. This is pure comfort food made more healthfully by relying on reduced-fat and reduced-sodium soup, reduced-fat or part-skim cheese, and low-fat yogurt. Chicken breasts add lean protein, while green onions, celery, and bell pepper deliver flavor, color, and a healthy dose of vegetables.
Pressure Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Enjoy this lightened-up version of a takeout classic in a flash thanks to your trusty pressure cooker. We used coconut aminos, a savory seasoning similar to soy sauce to give this one-pot recipe its healthy, deep umami flavor without soy or gluten. Of course, you can substitute soy sauce if that's what you have on hand.
Pan-Fried Garlic Steak
A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is all you need to bring out the great flavor of these ribeye steaks. Pan-fry with garlic and serve with cannellini beans for a 30-minute full steak dinner that's low in carbs (and only 326 calories) but high in protein.
Related: 7 Fast and Fresh Steak Recipes That Fit Your Healthy Meal Plan
Chicken Cacciatore
With just 30 minutes of prep and only 20 minutes of cooking time, you'll have this hearty chicken and veggie one-skillet classic Italian meal on the table in under an hour. Chunky tomato sauce, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and a handful of Kalamata olives enhance the Mediterranean flavor.
Pan-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Carrots, Chickpeas, and Cranberries
Our hearty pork loin roast offers a full dinner in just one dish—pan-roasted carrots, chickpeas, and cranberries accompany the succulent meat. One BHG.com user made it for friends and family, who said it was the best dinner they'd ever had!
Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables
Busy night? Save time by cooking one of our top-rated chicken recipes. This balsamic-glazed one-pan dinner contains lean chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, carrots, and chopped tomato. Using chicken tenderloins allows your quick dinner to finish cooking in 30 minutes.
Greek Chicken Skillet
Our Greek chicken skillet is a complete meal in one pan. Chicken breasts deliver lean protein, Brussels sprouts provide a cruciferous addition, and orzo pasta adds a light, starchy element. Fresh lemon, olives, and feta add Mediterranean flavor.
Slow Cooker Indian Chicken Stew
This warmly spiced slow cooker stew takes only 15 minutes to prep. Then, walk away for eight hours, and dinner will be waiting for you. Chicken thighs stand up to the long cooking time, and using a disposable slow cooker liner makes clean-up a breeze.
Related: Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes for Delicious Meals Any Day
Mexican Skillet Dinner
Pull together this spicy Mexican-inspired dinner recipe in no time at all. Chorizo sausage and chili powder bring spice to corn, rice, and tomatoes. It's a two-step, one-pan dish you'll crave regularly.
Spicy Scallop-Pineapple Stir-Fry
Easy, quick, and delicious, this one-skillet 20-minute stir-fry calls for sambal oelek, a spicy red chili sauce popular in Southeast Asia. For this recipe, look for one without sugar added and add it a little at a time to get the heat level exactly where you want it.
Lemon-Pepper Air-Fryer Shrimp and Veggies
This no-muss, no-fuss complete carb-smart meal takes only 20 minutes to make with the help of your air fryer. Lemon, garlic powder, and lemon-pepper seasoning add flavor to extra-large shrimp, zucchini, and carrots. This meal comes in under 220 calories per serving.
Savory Egg and Sweet Potato Scramble
Just one skillet and 35 minutes are all you need to put our savory egg skillet on the table. Fresh spinach, green onion, and sweet potato turn these scrambled eggs into a veggie- and protein-packed healthy dinner recipe.
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Jason Donnelly
For a healthy yet flavorful twist on eggplant Parmesan, this slimmed-down version saves you nearly 600 calories per serving compared to the typical restaurant version. This recipe is mainly hands-off time, and it's baked on a sheet pan for easy clean-up. Salting the eggplant is key to making it crispy.
Moroccan Chicken and Cauliflower Stew
This one-pot meal is highly versatile. All you need is 20 minutes of prep time, and then you can cook it in a Dutch oven on the stovetop, speed things up and cook it in a pressure cooker, or slow things down and have dinner waiting for you by turning to your slow cooker. Regardless of how you choose to cook this flavor-rocking stew, the warm spices will tingle your taste buds.
Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan
Kelsey Hansen
Quick-cooking chicken breasts and a few pantry staples combine to make this easy weeknight-friendly chicken Parmesan. Using a sheet pan and a few tips, you can get this no-fuss meal on the table in 35 minutes that the entire family will enjoy.
Summer Stew
Our savory one-pot summer meal features beef, carrots, and garlic-laced potatoes. Pre-cooked beef and ready-to-use vegetables slash prep time for a speedy dinner the entire family will devour.
Related: 19 Easy Summer Recipes to Get Dinner on the Table in 30 Minutes or Less
Beef Sirloin Tips with Smoky Pepper Sauce
All you need is a skillet to prepare these juicy, tender sirloin tips. Bottled barbecue sauce and a jar of roasted red peppers make this hearty one-pot meal easy to assemble. Serve over a bed of polenta (pre-cooked options will save you time!).
Easy Slow Cooker Cilantro-Lime Pork
Five ingredients, 10 minutes of prep time, and a slow cooker are all you need to have an easy, pulled pork dinner on the table six hours later. You can fill tortillas with the pork mixture for tacos or quesadillas or add it to grain bowls.
Greek Lamb Wraps
Add flavor and fiber to a healthy handheld meal by loading it with veggies. Your flour tortilla will burst with flavors thanks to our delicious slow cooked lamb recipe, fresh spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and a creamy sauce. You won't believe this filling meal only had 323 calories.
Related: 20 Healthy Brown Bag Lunch Ideas for School, Work, and Life On-the-Go
Copycat Turkey Chili
Brie Goldman
The ingredient list for this turkey chili may seem long, but many are canned ingredients that you simply dump in or spices that just need to be measured. Inspired by a popular chain restaurant's turkey chili, with only 30 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, this version is ready in under an hour and is less than 325 calories per serving.
Frijoles Rancheros
Named after Mexican horsemen, this hearty stew with pinto beans, chorizo, poblano chile peppers, and cilantro was meant to sustain ranch hands through long hours of work. One skillet, beans, meat, vegetables, spices, and 45 minutes equals a one-pan recipe that's healthy and delicious for the family.
Quick Air-Fryer Pork Chops with Brussels Sprouts
Cooking the pork chop and sprouts together in the air fryer saves time—both cooking and cleaning. The air fryer locks in moisture so the pork doesn't come out dry, but be sure to temp it with a meat thermometer. Maple syrup in the mustard sauce adds a little sweetness to the dish.
Chicken Marsala
This easy, one-skillet chicken Marsala with mushrooms recipe cooks in just minutes and has less than 300 calories per serving. You can swap in veal for the pounded chicken breasts for a 260-calorie dish. While not traditional, you can bulk up the dish by adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and bell peppers for color, flavor, and added nutrition.
Bibimbap Rice Bowl
Brie Passano
This one-pot grain bowl dinner has meat, grains, veggies, eggs, a lot of flavor, and more. It comes together easily; the most time-consuming part is cooking the rice. But with only 20 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking time, this Korean favorite will have you returning for more.
Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens
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