School nights can be hectic, and the last thing parents want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where easy one pot dinners come to the rescue! These kid-friendly meals are quick to prepare, require minimal cleanup, and are packed with nourishing ingredients that keep little tummies full and happy.
Whether you’re juggling homework, after-school activities, or just need a stress-free dinner solution, these one pot recipes will save time without sacrificing flavour.
Why One Pot Dinners Work for Busy Families
When school nights get hectic, one pot dinners make life so much easier for the chef. With everything cooked in a single pan, pot, or skillet, you cut down on both cooking time and cleanup. The recipes I am sharing here are also flexible—perfect for those picky eaters and feeding kids with different tastes. No mom wants to cook several different meals for each family member! Whether you’re rushing home from soccer practice or juggling homework at the kitchen table, one pot recipes ensure your family still gets a hearty, home-cooked meal with nutritional benefits.
Tips for Making One Pot Meals Kid-Friendly
I get it, not every child loves the same ingredients, but that’s the beauty of one pot meals. You can easily swap veggies, play around with different proteins, or lay off the spices to suit your kids’ preferences. Try sprinkling in cheese, letting kids pick their own toppings, or be the sneaky mom who hides in finely chopped vegetables for added nutrition. One pot dinners are family-friendly meals that work for toddlers, older kids, and even adults who want something simple yet satisfying.
Time-Saving Hacks for Stress-Free Dinners
One pot meals are already quick, but with a few hacks, they become even faster:
- Prep ahead: Chop veggies on the weekend and store them in the fridge in air-tight containers
- Use leftovers: Repurpose leftovers or toss in pre-cooked chicken, veggies, rice, or beans
- Batch cook: Make double portions and freeze extras for another busy night or for tomorrow’s lunch
- Invest in the right cookware: A good Dutch oven or nonstick skillet makes one pot cooking a breeze and eliminates unwanted toxins (that’s what we’re all about here at Mama Bare Wellness!)
One pot meals to add to your weekly meal plan
Here are 5 one pot dinners to try this week:
The viral One Pan Spaghetti | When you only have 10 minutes to get dinner going on busy nights, start this super quick one pan spaghetti. It’s creamy, protein-rich, and full of nutrients you feel good about feeding the fam.
Sheetpan Dinner with Pork Chops | A naturally sweet, one pan meal with pork chops, apples and sweet potato. This time-saving recipe is one the whole family will love.
One Pot Lazy Lasagna | Call it One Pot Lazy Lasagna or Busy Mom Lasagna, either way, this recipe comes together in 30 minutes. It requires just one pot for easy clean up, you don’t have to spend time layering, and you don’t have to turn the oven on.
Hearty Chili Without Tomatoes | This Hearty Turkey Chili without tomatoes still maintains it’s flavour and heartiness, but with less acidity. This is a great recipe for those with inflammation, or intolerant to nightshades.
The Best Chicken Pot Pie Soup | A healthy twist on a classic comfort food recipe that the kids will devour. Chicken Pot Pie Soup is everything but the pie crust and makes a lightened-up, yet hearty dinner that is perfect on busy school nights.
Final Thoughts
Busy school nights don’t have to mean takeout or cereal for dinner. With these easy one pot dinners, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time helping kids with homework, running them around for activities, or around the table together as a family.
