20 Effortless Holiday One-Pot Meal Recipes To Simplify Dinner

The holiday season is all about family, food, and making memories. But with all the busy festivities, the last thing you want is a pile of dishes to wash after dinner. That’s where one-pot meals come in. They simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor, making it easy to feed your loved ones. From hearty stews to savory casseroles, these 20 effortless holiday one-pot meal recipes are designed to bring warmth and comfort to your table, leaving you with more time to enjoy the season and less time spent cleaning up. These meals are simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for the holiday rush.

1. Classic Beef Stew

This classic beef stew is perfect for a cozy holiday dinner. The tender beef, rich broth, and hearty vegetables come together in a single pot to create a satisfying meal. Simply brown the beef, add your veggies and broth, and let it simmer. It’s that easy! This meal pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. If you’re looking for a more affordable twist, swap the beef for chicken or pork.

2. One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

This creamy chicken and rice recipe is a one-pot wonder. The tender chicken thighs cook perfectly with the rice, creating a rich, creamy dish. A simple combination of chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings brings out the flavors. You can customize it by adding mushrooms or peas for extra veggies. This recipe is great for feeding a crowd and can be made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

3. Holiday Ham and Potato Chowder

This holiday ham and potato chowder is perfect for a cold winter night. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy base makes for a comforting, satisfying dish. The best part is that it all comes together in one pot, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup. Add a side salad for a well-rounded meal, or serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

4. One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

This one-pot spaghetti bolognese is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic Italian dish without all the fuss. Simply brown the ground beef, add the tomato sauce and pasta, and let it all cook together. The flavors meld beautifully in one pot, and the dish is hearty enough to be a main course at your holiday dinner. Add a side of garlic bread to complete the meal.

5. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This slow cooker turkey chili is perfect for a holiday gathering. The turkey keeps it light, but the hearty beans, tomatoes, and spices create a flavorful, comforting dish. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. By the time your guests arrive, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready to serve. It’s perfect for large gatherings or cozy family dinners.

6. One-Pot Vegetarian Lasagna

Vegetarian lasagna in one pot? Yes, please! This one-pot vegetarian lasagna is packed with flavor and perfect for your holiday table. Layer the noodles, sauce, ricotta, and spinach right in the pot, then cook everything together until it’s bubbling with cheese. It’s a comforting, meatless option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Add some garlic bread or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.

7. Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a holiday classic that’s as comforting as it is easy to make. The chicken cooks in a savory broth, and the dumplings are light and fluffy, soaking up all the delicious flavors. This dish comes together in one pot, making it perfect for busy holiday nights. You can even prep the dumplings ahead of time to save some extra time on the day you cook it.

8. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff

This one-pot beef stroganoff is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Tender pieces of beef cook with mushrooms and onions in a creamy sauce made with sour cream and beef broth. Serve it over egg noodles for a comforting, satisfying dinner. The best part? It all cooks in one pot, so you won’t have to worry about washing multiple dishes.

9. Holiday Stuffing Casserole

For a holiday dinner, this holiday stuffing casserole is a perfect one-pot side dish. Combine breadcrumbs, sausage, vegetables, and herbs in a casserole dish, then bake until golden brown. It’s a flavorful, hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey or ham. The great thing about this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

10. One-Pot Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a Southern favorite that’s easy to make in one pot. The shrimp cook in a savory broth with butter, garlic, and spices, then serve over a creamy bed of grits. It’s a rich, flavorful dish that will impress your guests with minimal effort. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking and add a touch of cheese for extra creaminess.

11. One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken

This Mediterranean chicken recipe is bursting with flavor. The chicken cooks in a mix of olives, tomatoes, and herbs, creating a tangy, savory dish. It’s light yet satisfying and pairs perfectly with a side of rice or couscous. This one-pot meal is not only easy but also packed with fresh, vibrant flavors.

12. One-Pot Chili Mac

Chili mac is a comforting dish that combines two favorites: chili and mac and cheese. The pasta cooks in the same pot as the chili, absorbing all the rich flavors of the beef and beans. Add cheese for a creamy finish, and top with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. This meal is perfect for a busy holiday night when you want something filling and easy.

13. One-Pot Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in one pot. The chicken cooks with bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasonings, creating a flavorful base for the meal. Serve it with warm tortillas and a squeeze of lime for a perfect, easy dinner. This dish is great for a casual holiday dinner or a weeknight meal.

14. One-Pot Lasagna Soup

This lasagna soup is a fun twist on traditional lasagna. All the flavors of a classic lasagna are combined in a single pot, and the noodles are cooked directly in the broth. Top it with mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan for the perfect cheesy finish. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for any holiday gathering.

15. One-Pot Beef Tacos

These beef tacos are a simple and flavorful one-pot meal. The beef cooks with onions, bell peppers, and taco seasonings, creating a savory filling for your tacos. Serve them with warm tortillas, salsa, and your favorite taco toppings. These tacos are perfect for a quick and easy holiday dinner that everyone will love.

16. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

This one-pot chicken Alfredo is a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners. The chicken, pasta, and creamy Alfredo sauce cook together in one pot, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. You can add veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal that’s easy to prepare and clean up afterward.

17. One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This beef and vegetable stir-fry is a healthy and quick one-pot meal. The beef is stir-fried with an assortment of colorful vegetables and tossed in a savory sauce. It’s light yet filling, making it perfect for those looking for a balanced meal during the holidays. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dish. This meal is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients.

18. One-Pot Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a delicious and easy one-pot meal. The peppers are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground beef, and veggies, then simmered in a tomato-based sauce. This meal is full of flavor and looks beautiful when served. You can make it ahead of time and bake it just before serving. The cheese topping adds a rich finish that will impress your guests.

19. One-Pot BBQ Chicken

This BBQ chicken is a crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering. The chicken cooks in a tangy barbecue sauce with onions and bell peppers, infusing it with delicious flavor. You can serve it with cornbread, coleslaw, or any of your favorite sides. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for a casual holiday dinner or a weeknight meal when you’re craving some comfort food.

20. One-Pot Veggie and Bean Chili

For a hearty, vegetarian option, try veggie and bean chili. Packed with fiber and flavor, this chili combines kidney beans, black beans, corn, and bell peppers in a rich tomato-based broth. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that comes together in one pot. Top it with a dollop of sour cream, cheese, or avocado for extra flavor. This is an easy meal that will warm you up on a chilly holiday evening.

Conclusion

One-pot meals are a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. They simplify dinner prep and cleanup, allowing you to focus more on enjoying the company of family and friends. Whether you’re making a classic beef stew, a creamy chicken dish, or a cozy lasagna, these 20 effortless holiday one-pot meals will keep you stress-free while offering flavorful, satisfying meals. Try them out this holiday season for an easy, no-fuss dinner option!