What are some easy one pot meal ideas?

Easy one pot meal ideas include dishes like chili, pasta with marinara, and chicken and rice. These recipes are simple to prepare and require minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pot.

Are one pot meals healthy?

Yes, one pot meals can be healthy when made with lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables. Options like quinoa with vegetables, lentil soup, or turkey chili are nutritious and balanced.

What types of cookware are best for one pot meals?

For one pot meals, a large Dutch oven, a deep skillet, or a slow cooker are ideal. These can handle a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to pasta and casseroles.

Can I meal prep one pot meals?

Yes, you can meal prep one pot meals by chopping vegetables and pre-cooking proteins ahead of time. Many one pot dishes, like soups and stews, also reheat well for leftovers.

Slow Cooker Dinner Ideas for Easy Meals

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting, hearty meal filled with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and a rich, savory broth. It’s an easy set-it-and-forget-it dinner perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lbs beef stew meat, cubed
3 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Season the beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides for 4-5 minutes. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the tomato paste and garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
If a thicker stew is desired, whisk flour with a bit of water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of red wine when deglazing the pan.
Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 400
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg