When you're starting out with meal prep, one-pot dinners are like a goldmine. They save you time and make cleanup super easy! I've tried a few beginner-friendly and tasty one-pot recipes that I’d love to share with you.

1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This classic meal is really easy and needs just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup of long-grain rice
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
• Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning (garlic powder is great!)

Instructions:

1. Heat a large pot and cook the onion until it’s clear.
2. Add the chicken and brown it on all sides.
3. Mix in the rice and vegetables.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, add seasoning, and bring it to a boil.
5. Cover the pot, lower the heat, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked.

This meal is filling and tastes great when reheated!

2. One-Pot Pasta Primavera

If you want something lighter, this vegetable-filled pasta is just the thing.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz of pasta (any type you like)
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 2 cups of chopped veggies (like bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat some olive oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until it smells nice.
2. Add the chopped vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
3. Pour in the pasta and vegetable broth.
4. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it cook until the pasta is done, about 10 minutes.
5. Add parmesan on top if you want.

This dish is colorful and healthy!

3. One-Pot Taco Quinoa

Want to spice things up? Try this tasty taco quinoa dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed
• 1 pound of ground turkey or beef
• 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 cup of corn (frozen or canned)
• Taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, cook the ground meat until it’s brown.
2. Drain any fat, then add the quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning, and 2 cans of water.
3. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and let it cook for 20 minutes.
4. Fluff it with a fork and serve!

This meal is full of protein and perfect for taco night!

4. One-Pot Coconut Curry Chickpeas

This is a yummy vegetarian dish with a creamy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of curry powder
• 1 cup of vegetable broth
• 2 cups of spinach (or any leafy greens)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, mix the chickpeas, coconut milk, curry powder, and vegetable broth.
2. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt.
4. Add salt and pepper before serving.

This is great served over rice or quinoa for a filling meal!

Conclusion

These one-pot dinners are easy to make and can be adjusted to fit what you like to eat. The best part? They make awesome leftovers! Meal prep doesn't need to be hard. Start with these recipes, and soon you'll be whipping up all kinds of tasty meals. Happy cooking!