Winter break means kids everywhere, constant chaos, and endless hunger. One-pot meals cut the nonsense. They’re fast, easy, and keep your kitchen from becoming a disaster zone. These recipes handle dinner without piling on the work—comforting soups, hearty casseroles, and more to keep everyone happy. You don’t need a million dishes or extra effort when all you want is a solid meal and some peace.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is like the grown-up version of a childhood favorite. Packed with spinach, peppers, and real cheddar, it’s great for getting dinner on the table fast while sneaking in some veggies.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
This creamy one-pot chicken dish with chickpeas is ready in under 30 minutes. Great for serving over rice with a sprinkle of cilantro for a fast, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
This one-pot pork ramen stir fry is sweet, spicy, and packed with veggies. It’s great for when you want a quick dinner that’s way better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
This mushroom risotto is rich and creamy without dairy, making it a great one-pot meal for dinner. Packed with umami and peas, it’s both hearty and easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Turkey Chili Pie
A hearty turkey chili topped with cornbread, all baked in one skillet. It’s great for when you want a cozy meal that’s easy to make and serves everyone in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie
Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon
This one-pot pasta is everything you need during winter break—quick, cheesy, and bright with lemon flavor. It’s great for busy nights when you’re juggling holiday chaos and want something satisfying without a mountain of dishes afterward.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon
Turkey Meatball Stroganoff
A lighter spin on a classic, this stroganoff swaps out beef for turkey meatballs but keeps all the creamy goodness. With everything cooking in one pot, including the egg noodles, it’s a perfect choice for a no-mess dinner the whole family loves.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatball Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff
Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this one-pot beef stroganoff is a true winter classic. It’s not overly complicated, making it a great option when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff
Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein
This one-pot chicken lo mein is loaded with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a flavorful sauce. Ready in no time, it’s great for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast but still want something the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein
Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup
This hearty soup combines tender chicken, potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich broth all in one pot. It’s perfect for cold nights when you need something comforting and filling that doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Ground beef and green beans come together in a creamy sauce with a crispy onion topping. This one-pot wonder is great for when you want an easy dinner that’s still loaded with flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
Sheet Pan Broiled Cod with Lemon Herb Sauce
This sheet pan cod recipe is a lifesaver during winter break. With a zesty lemon herb sauce, it’s a great way to have a flavorful meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for nights when you need something quick but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Broiled Cod with Lemon Herb Sauce
Mexican Taco Pasta
Tacos and pasta in one dish? Yes, please! This one-pot meal combines taco-seasoned beef, veggies, and pasta in a creamy tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese. Great for taco lovers who don’t want the mess of separate bowls and toppings.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Taco Pasta
Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls
This one-pot meal combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a savory teriyaki sauce. It’s a perfect way to keep dinner simple, with easy customization—just throw in your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls
Pappardelle Pasta Primavera
Wide pappardelle noodles and fresh vegetables cook together in a light, creamy sauce for a perfect one-pot dinner. Great for adding some brightness to winter break meals without spending extra time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pappardelle Pasta Primavera
Vegetarian Chili with Beans
Loaded with beans, veggies, and bold flavors, this one-pot chili proves you don’t need meat to make a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s great for feeding a crowd or for making ahead to have leftovers during a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Chili with Beans
Arroz con Pollo
A colorful one-pot arroz con pollo brings together tender chicken, fluffy yellow rice, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for when you want something flavorful and filling that’s easy to clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Arroz con Pollo
Cottage Cheese Potato Soup
Creamy without using heavy cream, this one-pot potato soup is packed with protein from cottage cheese. It’s great for cold nights when you need something hearty and nutritious to keep everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Potato Soup
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
This one-pot gumbo combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a flavorful roux for a meal that warms you up on even the coldest days. It’s great for bringing a bit of Cajun flair to your winter table with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Vegetable Curry
This one-pot vegetable curry is packed with bold spices, tender veggies, and hearty chickpeas. Great for cleaning out the fridge and making a flavorful, comforting meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Curry
Parmesan Potatoes
These crispy, cheesy Parmesan potatoes are quick to make in the air fryer and perfect as a snack or side dish. A great way to add something fun to the table without spending extra time.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Brunswick Stew
Packed with pulled pork, chicken, and a mix of fresh and frozen vegetables, this one-pot Brunswick stew is great for a make-ahead winter meal. It’s flavorful, hearty, and easy to reheat for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Brunswick Stew
Lebanese Freekeh with Chicken and Apricots
This one-pot meal combines freekeh, a nutty Middle Eastern grain, with chicken and apricots for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Great for switching things up when you’re stuck in a dinner rut.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Freekeh with Chicken and Apricots
Dutch Oven Pot Roast
This fall-apart tender pot roast with perfectly cooked vegetables is the one-pot meal that keeps things cozy during winter. Great for Sunday dinners when you want something hearty without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Pot Roast
Tomato Orzo
Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pot tomato orzo is simple, flavorful, and great for weeknight dinners. It’s a comforting dish that feels like more effort than it actually takes.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Orzo
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
