Ah, life with little ones! Between diaper changes, feeding schedules, and nap-time battles, finding time to cook dinner can feel impossible, right? Especially for expectant and new moms, balancing it all can be overwhelming. That’s where the one-pot meal recipes comes to the rescue! These meals are perfect when you’ve got a baby in one arm and need something quick, delicious, and easy to clean up. Plus, we’ve made sure these recipes use easily available ingredients in your local stores, making your life just that much simpler.
Whether you’re navigating your third trimester or adjusting to life with a newborn, these one-pot meal recipes will save you time and stress. Let’s get into five delicious options that are perfect for busy nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
Easy Recipes For The One-Pot Meals
Let’s get into five delicious options that are perfect for busy nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Time: 30 Minutes
This comforting one-pot meal recipe is as simple as it gets—tender chicken, flavorful rice, and veggies all cooked in one pot. The best part? You can customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Perfect for those nights when you’re running low on energy!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer)
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add to the pot. Brown the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Add the veggies: Toss in the chopped onion, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the rice and broth: Pour in the rice and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Fluff the rice, check the seasoning, and dinner is done!
Why It’s Great for New Moms
Of all one-pot meal recipes, this is packed with nutrients from the chicken and veggies, and it’s super simple to make. Plus, the leftovers are perfect for tomorrow’s lunch!
2. One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Time: 25 Minutes
Sometimes, you just need some comforting pasta, and this creamy tomato version is a lifesaver. It’s quick to prepare, uses minimal ingredients, and the kids will love it too! This is a wonderful among one-pot meal recipes that requires very little effort.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for topping
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic: In a large pot, sauté the minced garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add pasta and liquid: Add the uncooked pasta, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Stir everything together.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Add the cream: Stir in the heavy cream or milk, letting the sauce become creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some basil if you have it. Enjoy!
Why It’s Great for New Moms
This one of all one-pot meal recipes takes just 25 minutes and only one pot to clean, which is a blessing when you’ve got a baby needing your attention. It’s creamy, filling, and comforting—a perfect weeknight meal!
3. One-Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew
Time: 45 Minutes
If you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this one-pot meal recipe for beef stew is a lifesaver. It’s rich in flavor and perfect for chilly nights, but it doesn’t take forever to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb stewing beef, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 tbsp flour (optional for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches for 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the veggies: In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the broth and potatoes: Return the beef to the pot, add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes, until the beef is tender.
- Finish with peas: Stir in the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. If you like a thicker stew, mix 2 tbsp of flour with some water and stir it in.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish.
Why It’s Great for New Moms
This stew is a classic one-pot meal recipe perfect for batch cooking—make extra and freeze portions for future dinners. Plus, it’s packed with protein and veggies to keep your energy up!
4. One-Pot Coconut Curry Chicken
Time: 35 Minutes
For a meal that’s rich in flavor but light on effort, this coconut curry chicken is a perfect choice. It’s a creamy, comforting dish with just the right amount of spice, and you can adjust the heat to make it family-friendly. Another amazing one-pot meal recipe that delivers!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup rice (white or jasmine)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté the chicken: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
- Add the veggies and spices: Toss in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the curry powder.
- Add rice, broth, and coconut milk: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Why It’s Great for New Moms
This among all one-pot meal recipes is quick, flavorful, and has a creamy texture that’s comforting after a long day. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and clean up!
5. One-Pot Vegetarian Chili
Time: 40 Minutes
This vegetarian chili is hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein. It’s perfect for meatless Mondays or any night when you want something filling but easy. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté the veggies: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the beans and spices: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, chili powder, and cumin. Let everything cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese if desired.
Why It’s Great for New Moms
This chili is a warm, comforting one-pot meal recipe that’s easy to make and loaded with plant-based protein. It’s a great option to cook ahead and have on hand when you need a quick, nutritious dinner!
These one-pot meal recipes are designed with busy, tired, and overwhelmed moms in mind. Whether you’re juggling the demands of a newborn or just need something fast and easy after a long day, these dishes will simplify your life and help keep your family well-fed without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your pot, and let’s make dinner a breeze!
