One-Pot Meal Plan: 5 Dinners, Minimal Washing Up

✅ Find Healthy One-Pot Recipe Books Here!

Cooking delicious dinners doesn’t need to mean spending hours in the kitchen – or scrubbing dozens of pans afterwards. With this One-Pot Meal Plan, you can enjoy five tasty, budget-friendly dinners that use just a single pot or pan. Perfect for busy nights, students, or anyone who wants to cut down on time and hassle while still eating well.

Why Choose One-Pot Meals?

Saves Time: Fewer pots means quicker cooking and even quicker cleaning.

Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients keep the weekly shop affordable.

Beginner-Friendly: Minimal steps make these recipes easy to follow.

Versatile: Works for families, couples, or solo cooking.

The 5-Day One-Pot Meal Plan

Day 1: One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

A classic made easier – cook the pasta straight in the sauce for fewer dishes.

Ingredients: mince (or veggie mince), pasta, chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, Italian herbs.

Cooking Time: ~30 minutes.

Day 2: Chicken & Rice Casserole

Comfort food made simple, with everything cooked together.

Ingredients: chicken thighs, rice, stock, peas, carrots, seasoning.

Cooking Time: ~40 minutes.

Day 3: Vegetarian Chilli

A hearty one-pot dish that works perfectly for batch cooking.

Ingredients: kidney beans, black beans, chopped tomatoes, onion, peppers, chilli powder, cumin.

Cooking Time: ~35 minutes.

Day 4: Sausage & Lentil Stew

Hearty, warming, and filling – perfect for colder nights.

Ingredients: sausages, red lentils, stock, onion, garlic, carrots.

Cooking Time: ~40 minutes.

Day 5: One-Pan Salmon & Veg Tray Bake

Technically a tray instead of a pot – but still just one dish!

Ingredients: salmon fillets, potatoes, broccoli, olive oil, lemon.

Cooking Time: ~30 minutes.

Shopping List (Approx. £30 for the Week)

Protein: chicken thighs, sausages, salmon fillets, mince (or veggie alternative).

Carbs: pasta, rice, potatoes, red lentils.

Veg: onions, carrots, peppers, broccoli, peas, garlic.

Tins: chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans.

Extras: Italian herbs, chilli powder, cumin, olive oil, stock cubes.

Tips for Success

Batch cook the chilli or stew – leftovers taste even better the next day. Swap proteins for vegetarian options to save more money. Freeze extra portions for busy nights.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Meal Plan is designed to keep things easy, affordable, and stress-free. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, you’ll save time and still enjoy home-cooked dinners all week long.

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