Easy One-Dish Dinners

May 08, 2009
Greg Dupree
Make meal planning easy by preparing one of these tasty one-dish entrées for dinner tonight.If you’re in need of an easy recipe for tonight, nothing is better than a one-dish dinner recipe. Whether you’re throwing the ingredients together in one-pot or a sheet-pan, one-dish dinner recipes are perfect for easily preparing meals. You might think one-pot recipes can only be pastas or casseroles, but it can be anything from our Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl to Skillet Pork Chops with Apples and Onions. For a light dinner, go with the Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad. For a meal everyone can gather around the table for, the Creole Seafood Jambalaya perfect. These easy one-pot dinners are perfect for any night of the week. Check out the entire list of Easy One-Dish Dinners and prepare one of these tasty one-dish recipes tonight.
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Easy One-Dish Dinners

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Greek Pork Chops with Squash and Potatoes

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Greek Pork Chops with Squash and Potatoes

A zesty marinade livens up this pork-and-veggie one sheet pan supper. Flavorful roasted squash, zucchini, and red potatoes make the perfect bed to serve pork loin chops. Pay attention when purchasing the pork chops, and opt for frenched pork rib chops – chops taken from the rib bone, and cut so that the rib bone is exposed and the meat is removed from the bone. In addition to making the cut’s presentation more appealing, frenching adds flavor. When preparing the dish, be sure to allow enough time for the pork chop to marinate. We recommend chilling the marinating pork for at least 8 hours to ensure it soaks up every last bit of lemon, garlic, and oregano flavor from the Greek marinade.

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Chicken-and-Collards Pilau

Greg Dupree

Recipe: Chicken-and-Collards Pilau

Chicken, rice, and greens fill one soulful pot in our family-friendly take on a Lowcountry staple. Quick-cooking basmati rice helps turn this recipe into dinner in no time and stays fluffy throughout the entire cooking process.

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One-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: One-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce

This dish is a revelation. Throw all of your ingredients into one pot over medium-high heat, and about 25 minutes later you'll have noodles perfectly coated in a luscious tomato-basil sauce.

Watch: How To Make One-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce

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Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl

Greg Dupree

Recipe: Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl

Spice up dinner with a Tex-Mex classic at home with this easy, warming Southwest chicken recipe, served on a bowl of flavorful rice and topped with a sprig of cilantro. Lime juice gives it a summery zest while cayenne and jalapeño pepper add a nice kick. Perfect for pairing with margaritas.

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Pork Chops with Roasted Apples and Brussels Sprouts

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Pork Chops with Roasted Apples and Brussels Sprouts

Although you may not expect apples and brussels sprouts to taste so good, trust us – these pork chops are sure to please. Combining smoky flavors of paprika, chili powder, and red pepper with sweet brown sugar and subtle rosemary makes a complex and special weeknight dinner. For the zestiest flavor, rub the chops with the brown sugar mixture the night before, and let them chill overnight. When its time to cook, pull out one pan and you’ll be set. After baking the chops for about 25 minutes, you’ll broil the apples and brussels sprouts on high for a crispy, glazed finish.

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Spring Pea Pasta with Ricotta and Herbs

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Spring Pea Pasta with Ricotta and Herbs

Our one-pot primavera brings together seasonal favorites: fresh herbs, crunchy sugar snap peas, and sweet peas. Combining ricotta cheese with the salty water left over from boiling the pasta makes a super-easy, creamy sauce.

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Three-Bean Cassoulet with Cornmeal Dumplings

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Three-Bean Cassoulet with Cornmeal Dumplings

A mixture of beans gives this dish contrasting textures and colors.

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Grilled Chicken and Toasted Couscous Salad with Lemon-Buttermilk Dressing

Greg Dupree

Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Toasted Couscous Salad with Lemon-Buttermilk Dressing

This hearty dish can take down the biggest of appetites. It begins with tender chicken marinated in olive oil, garlic, and lemon, which is then added to a tasty medley of fresh asparagus, couscous, and red onions. All of that is covered in a rich, lemony buttermilk dressing.

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Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon with Veggies and Oranges

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon with Veggies and Oranges

Here's the delicious proof that you can serve a complete, no-mess fish dinner in less than 25 minutes. This recipe only uses one pan making cleanup a breeze. Just pile everything on your sheet pan and follow our instructions for perfectly broiled fish that will be on the table in no time.

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Skillet Rice with Shrimp and Chicken

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Skillet Rice with Shrimp and Chicken

Simple substitutions give these hearty dishes flavorful twists: Swap sausage for chicken, crabmeat for shrimp, or make a vegetarian option by subbing vegetable stock and omitting proteins.

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Skillet Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Skillet Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

This one-pan dish is as impressive as it is easy to make. Once you complete this hearty dish of savory apples and whipped cream, you’ll also finish with a side and a sauce all-in-one. The Granny Smith apples add sweet notes to the otherwise savory flavor profile, and pull richness from the bourbon. Out of bourbon? Just use scotch or whiskey as a replacement. When you stir in the liquor into the hot sauce, you’ll immediately see the alcohol evaporate from the pan. Be sure to brown the chops well so they'll give the mustardy pan sauce deep flavor.

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Ancho Chile Flank Steak and Sweet Potato Tacos

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Ancho Chile Flank Steak and Sweet Potato Tacos

For an extra burst of flavor, stir a few tablespoons of pan drippings into your sour cream.

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King Ranch Chicken

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken

Hailing from an era when casseroles were king, this Tex-Mex dish still reigns supreme at everything from family dinners to church suppers and neighborhood potlucks. Though not an invention of the famed King Ranch--it's more likely the creation of a ladies' Junior League--the spicy flavors of chili powder, roasted peppers, and toasted cumin never fail to please. Seeded jalapeño and poblano peppers add mild spice, garlic adds bite, and Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and sour cream add richness to the casserole’s creamy texture. If you’re in a rush, use a large rotisserie chicken in place of smoked chicken. It’s hard to mess up this age-old crowd pleaser.

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Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots

The trick to extra-savory veggies is cooking the chicken atop the potatoes and carrots.

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Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Skillet Casserole

This rustic meal, a company's-coming riff on the old-school chicken-and-rice number, is held together by a tangy gravy flavored with country ham and mushrooms.

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Skillet Orzo with Fish and Herbs

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Skillet Orzo with Fish and Herbs

Cook the orzo like rice, paella-style, on the stove, then top with fish, and bake. Feel free to substitute salmon for any flaky white fish.

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Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

This winner of a chicken dinner is our new favorite roasting-pan supper for weeknights or easy entertaining with friends.

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Bratwurst with Peppers and Onions

Recipe: Bratwurst with Peppers and Onions

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap hoagies in foil, and reheat in a 350° oven for 15 minutes.

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Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad

Reinvent the Caesar by roasting the lettuce to caramelize it, and jazz up store-bought dressing to make it taste like homemade.

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Creole Seafood Jambalaya

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Creole Seafood Jambalaya

"My family has been making a version of this dish for generations." —chef John Besh

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Simple Whole Chicken with Roasted Broccoli-Mushroom Rice

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Simple Whole Chicken with Roasted Broccoli-Mushroom Rice

Each member of the family can enjoy his or her favorite piece of the bird with this recipe.

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Peanut-Broccoli Stir-fry

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Peanut-Broccoli Stir-fry

Vegetarian or not, you'll love this healthy and satisfying meat-free dish for its delicious sauce: a flavorful combination of creamy peanut butter, fresh ginger and sweet chili sauce.

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Italian Brunch Casserole

Recipe: Italian Brunch Casserole

This make-ahead Italian brunch casserole features sweet Italian sausage, green onions, diced zucchini, roasted red bell peppers, Italian bread, sharp Cheddar cheese, milk, and of course—eggs. Serve with fresh fruit.

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Chicken-and-Sausage Gumbo

Southern Living

Recipe: Chicken-and-Sausage Gumbo

A symbol of Creole cooking, gumbo is ubiquitous in homes and restaurants across Louisiana. Andouille sausage and file powder make this chicken-and-sausage gumbo a classic and, as in any good gumbo, a deep, rich roux thickens the stew.

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Shrimp Casserole

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Buffy Hargett; Food Styling: Vanessa McNeil Rocchio

Recipe: Shrimp Casserole

Take a break fom the usual chicken and rice combo and make this creamy, hearty seafood casserole.

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Tuscan Pasta With Tomato-Basil Cream

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Tuscan Pasta With Tomato-Basil Cream

This elegant pasta dinner will have your family thinking you worked in the kitchen all day long. The secret, though, is refrigerated ravioli and jarred Alfredo sauce that's heated with white wine, chopped fresh tomatoes, and fresh basil. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for a tasty finishing touch.

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Tomato 'n' Beef Casserole With Polenta Crust

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Tomato 'n' Beef Casserole With Polenta Crust

A flavorful cornmeal-based crust is topped with hearty ground beef, tomato paste, and sharp Cheddar cheese in this easy Italian casserole.

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Black Bean Chili

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Black Bean Chili

Ready in only 30 minutes, this quick, meatless chili is made with black beans, meatless burger crumbles, and canned tomatoes. You can substitute ground beef for the meatless burger crumbles, if desired. Top with a dollop of sour cream, corn chips, and chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.

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Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

No rolling pin is needed for this pot pie. Refrigerated pie crusts give you a leg up in the preparation of this classic comfort dish.

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Easy Enchiladas

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Easy Enchiladas

These enchiladas are perfect for weeknights when you're craving Tex-Mex. Look for fresh salsa in the refrigerated section or the deli counter at your supermarket, or feel free to use your favorite jar of tomato salsa.