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17 All-in-One Meals That Make Extra Dishes Optional

By: kseniaprints · Updated: Mar 2, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links.

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One-pan, one-pot, and sheet pan meals make cooking easier by keeping everything in a single dish. These meals are filling, balanced, and save time on cleanup. With protein, vegetables, and grains cooked together, there’s no need for extra sides. These 17 all-in-one recipes make dinnertime simple and stress-free.

A bowl of penne pasta topped with shredded meat and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork is placed in the bowl. Red tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves are on the marble surface nearby.
Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Close-up of a plate of seasoned and grilled chicken wings garnished with herbs. Lemon wedges are visible in the background, adding a hint of color. The wings appear crispy and well-cooked, resting on a dark plate.
Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy air fryer chicken wings with Italian seasoning are a quick, flavorful meal with a crispy outside and juicy center. A mix of herbs, garlic, and parmesan gives the wings a bold, savory taste. They cook in about 25 minutes, making them a simple all-in-one dish. The combination of crunch and seasoning makes them satisfying without extra sides.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Four grilled salmon fillets garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices are arranged on a white oval platter. The fillets are seasoned with herbs and pepper. The edge of a striped cloth and a serving of broccoli are partially visible.
Lemon Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Lemon air fryer salmon is a light, flaky dish with bright citrus flavor and a crisp finish. Fresh lemon juice and simple seasonings enhance the natural richness of the fish. It takes about 15 minutes to cook, making it a fast and easy meal. The balance of tangy and buttery flavors makes it both simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

A plate of crispy tofu cubes garnished with cilantro is placed next to a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce in a blue dish.
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy air fryer tofu is a plant-based meal with a crunchy outside and soft, flavorful interior. A simple seasoning blend and high heat create a golden, firm texture. It cooks in about 20 minutes and pairs well with sauces or vegetables. The contrast between the crisp shell and tender center makes it a great meat-free option.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Cajun Style Baked Turkey Breast With Vegetables

A plate with pieces of roasted chicken seasoned with herbs and spices, garnished with parsley. A checkered cloth is partially visible beside the plate.
Cajun Style Baked Turkey Breast With Vegetables. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cajun-style baked turkey breast with vegetables is a one-pan meal with bold, smoky flavors. The turkey stays tender while roasting alongside seasoned vegetables that soak up the juices. It takes about an hour to cook, making it a great hands-off dinner. The mix of spice and roasted goodness makes it hearty and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Style Baked Turkey Breast With Vegetables

Salmon Sheet Pan Casserole Recipe

A baking tray displays roasted cauliflower florets, lemon slices, and olives alongside a piece of salmon. A small bowl of olives and another with a dark sauce are placed nearby on a burlap-covered surface.
Salmon Sheet Pan Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Salmon sheet pan casserole is a well-balanced dish with flaky salmon, roasted cauliflower, and a light seasoning blend. The mix of fresh herbs and lemon complements the rich fish. It bakes in about 30 minutes, making it a simple, all-in-one meal. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a great option for any night.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Sheet Pan Casserole Recipe

One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole

A plate of roasted chicken with crispy skin, garnished with chopped green herbs. Beside the chicken are sliced potatoes and mushrooms. An ornate fork is placed on the plate, which has a decorative floral pattern.
One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

One-pot buttermilk chicken and potatoes casserole is a hearty meal with creamy potatoes and tender chicken. The buttermilk adds a slight tang that balances the savory flavors. It takes about an hour to cook, making it a filling and simple dish. The soft, flavorful potatoes absorb the rich sauce, creating a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes Casserole

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of glazed barbecue chicken drumsticks garnished with small parsley leaves. The chicken is coated in a shiny, dark sauce, suggesting a rich, flavorful marinade. The dish is arranged to highlight the crispy, caramelized skin.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks are a crispy, saucy meal with smoky, slightly sweet flavor. The skin crisps up in the air fryer while the barbecue sauce caramelizes for extra richness. They cook in about 25 minutes, making them an easy all-in-one dish. The balance of crunch and bold flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash

A dish filled with mashed sweet potatoes topped with chopped nuts, a pat of butter, and a sprig of thyme. The dish is placed on a wooden board, with a few thyme sprigs scattered around.
Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash . Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow cooker butternut squash is a soft, naturally sweet dish that requires minimal effort. The squash cooks down to a creamy, tender texture with hints of warm seasoning. It takes about four hours in the slow cooker, making it a hands-off meal. The smooth, rich flavor works well on its own or as a side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Butternut Squash

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Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake

A bowl of pasta salad featuring mushrooms, asparagus, and a creamy green sauce. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of nuts and some greenery are in the blurred background.
Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Creamy vegan pasta bake is a plant-based meal with a rich, dairy-free sauce and perfectly baked noodles. The cashew-based sauce creates a smooth, cheesy texture without any actual cheese. It bakes in about 40 minutes, making it a simple, filling dish. The golden-baked top adds a slight crunch to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake

Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy zucchini casserole being served with a spoon. The dish features layers of melted cheese, sliced zucchini, ground meat, and herbs, with a golden-brown crust.
Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Ground beef zucchini and rice casserole is a hearty, all-in-one meal with tender zucchini, seasoned beef, and soft rice. The ingredients cook together, absorbing the flavors of garlic and herbs. It takes about an hour to bake, making it a simple, satisfying dish. The combination of textures makes it comforting and filling.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers

A plate of chicken stir-fry with sliced carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms, garnished with cilantro and almond slices. A fork rests on the plate, and a yellow cloth is visible in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Instant Pot chicken and peppers is a quick, hearty meal with tender chicken and softened bell peppers. The light tomato-based sauce and simple spices create a balanced flavor. It takes under 30 minutes to cook, making it a great choice for busy nights. The mix of juicy chicken and sweet peppers makes it both easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers

Mushroom Leek Pasta Bake

A white dish filled with creamy pasta topped with mushrooms and herbs is placed on a blue and white striped cloth.
Mushroom Leek Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Mushroom leek pasta bake is a creamy, comforting dish with a golden-baked top. The mix of mushrooms and leeks creates a deep, earthy flavor that blends well with the pasta. It bakes in about 40 minutes, making it a convenient, all-in-one meal. The creamy sauce and slight crunch on top make it rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Bake

Authentic Rice and Lentil

A white dish filled with cooked lentils and rice, topped with chopped cilantro and caramelized onions. A wooden spoon rests on a patterned napkin next to the dish.
Authentic Rice and Lentil . Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Authentic rice and lentil dish is a simple, balanced meal with hearty grains and legumes. The lentils add a rich, earthy flavor, while the rice provides a soft texture. It takes about 50 minutes to cook and pairs well with caramelized onions. The combination of flavors makes it a satisfying, complete dish.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Rice and Lentil

Baked Turkey Tenders

A plate of breaded chicken tenders is arranged around a small bowl of red dipping sauce, garnished with a sprig of parsley, on a paper-lined plate.
Baked Turkey Tenders. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Baked turkey tenders are a simple, crispy meal with lean, seasoned meat and a crunchy coating. The light breading adds texture without making the dish too heavy. They bake in about 30 minutes, making them a quick all-in-one option. The balance of crisp and tender makes them a great alternative to fried versions.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Tenders

Festive Chicken Recipe With Pomegranate

A close-up of a cooked dish featuring several pieces of meat topped with vibrant green parsley leaves and scattered pomegranate seeds. The dish is placed in a dark pot.
Festive Chicken Recipe With Pomegranate. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Festive chicken with pomegranate is a flavorful dish with juicy, roasted chicken and a slightly sweet glaze. The tartness of the pomegranate balances the savory seasoning. It takes about an hour to cook, making it a great option for a complete meal. The mix of sweet and savory flavors makes it stand out.
Get the Recipe: Festive Chicken Recipe With Pomegranate

Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Two roasted chicken thighs on a white plate garnished with sprigs of thyme. A ceramic jar is partially visible in the background on the left.
Air Fryer Turkey Thighs. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air fryer turkey thighs are a crispy, juicy meal with simple seasoning and golden-brown skin. The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping the outside for the perfect bite. They cook in about 30 minutes, making them a fast, easy meal. The balance of crispy and tender makes them a great weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

A bowl of penne pasta topped with shredded meat and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork is placed in the bowl. Red tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves are on the marble surface nearby.
Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow cooker chicken marinara is a rich, saucy dish with tender chicken and a tomato-based sauce. The slow cooking process infuses the meat with deep flavor while keeping it soft. It takes about six hours in the slow cooker, making it an easy hands-off meal. The combination of chicken and marinara makes it great on its own or with pasta.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

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Hello! I am Ksenia, a cook and blogger passionate about comfort food that warms the heart.

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