Why One-Pot Meals Are a Game-Changer

Think about it: one pot, one dish, less hassle of cleaning up afterward. That's just one recipe for success, especially when time is of the essence. Why are one-pot meals such a total game-changer?

• Effortless cleanup: You'll be giving farewell to mountains of dirty dishes. And since that means only one pot, that's one less thing to wash. Hallelujah!
• Nutrient-rich meals: You can add just about anything to them for a healthy and balanced meal.
• Budget-friendly: One pot means less energy usage, which further means lower utility bills and a little more cash on hand. Versatility is key: From hearty stews to flavorful curries, there's a one-pot meal for every mood and occasion. It's like having a whole restaurant in your kitchen!

Core Ingredients for One-Pot Meal

Before we get into some recipes, let's delve into what you should have on hand to get started with your one-pot cooking journey.

• Dutch oven: This kitchen workhorse is great for braising, simmering, and roasting. Tough as nails, it conducts heat wonderfully and is available in almost any size you could want.
• Large pot: Ah, the good ol' stockpot. This kitchen mainstay works great for boiling pasta, making soups, and creating large batches of sauces.
• Crock pot: Who doesn't love coming home to a nice warm, comforting meal just waiting for them? Slow cookers are the one-pot meal dream! Great to throw ingredients together in the morning and let them simmer all day. Instant Pot: This baby of a pressure cooker makes life so much easier on weeknights. It literally cooks food way faster. Use it for all intents and purposes when you need speed, but don't try making popcorn in this baby. just sayin'!

One-Pot Meal Inspirations

Ready to get inspired? Here are some of my favorite one-pot meal recipes. They're quick, easy, and so delicious!

• Chicken and vegetable stew: This hearty stew is just right for a cozy night in. Simply toss chicken and vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions into a pot with broth, herbs, and spices, and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Shrimp scampi: Who could imagine, but this rich pasta has been prepared within less than 30 minutes, either. Boil the pasta in a huge pot along with shrimp, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice. Add to that some heavy cream and parmesan cheese, and voilà! Black bean soup: Healthy, full, vegan. Place black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, onions, and spices in a pot and simmer until the soup is thickened. Top with a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado for extra flavor.

Tips for One-Pot Meal Success

Here are a few tips that will help you conquer the world of one-pot meals:

• Do not overcrowd your pot: Give your ingredients adequate space to cook.
• Start with the ingredient that takes the longest to cook: For example, if you're making stew, start off with the meat or potatoes.
• Use a good quality broth or stock: It enhances the flavor and depth of the dish.
• Be experimental: The one-pot meal is designed for trying new recipes and flavors.
• Keep it simple: One-pot meals are all about ease. Do not overcomplicate things. The goal is to make your life easier, not harder!

One-Pot Meal Inspiration: My Go-To Chili Recipe

On mornings when time is of essence and food must be prepared in a jiffy, there's nothing quite like a hearty pot of chili simmering away on your stovetop. Well, here's my go-to chili recipe that I always swear by. Hearty, flavorful, and a real crowd-pleaser, it's the perfect way to make good use of whatever leftover ingredients lie inside of your fridge.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (28-ounce) of crushed tomatoes *
• 1 can (14.5-ounce) diced tomatoes *
• 1 cup beef broth *
• 1 tablespoon chili powder *
• 1 teaspoon cumin *
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano *
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a big pot over a medium heat setting, brown ground beef. Drain excessive fat.
2. Add onion, green pepper, and garlic in the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
4. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions.

Pro tip: Throw in a can of corn or some diced potatoes for a seriously hearty chili.

One-Pot Wonders: The Easiest Solution for Busy Lives

One-pot meals save busy people like ourselves. They are very easy to make, super healthy, and delicious. So, next time you feel like you will run out of time, try one-pot cooking. You never know-you might love it! So, what is your favorite one-pot meal? Let me know down in the comments section!