One-pan midweek meals

We also have our one-pan budget meal plan and our collections of family one-pan roast recipes and vegan one-pots.

One-pan midweek meals

1. One-pan smoky beans & sausage meatballs

This hearty dish combines smoky beans and sausage meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, all cooked in just one pan. It’s loaded with storecupboard staples like chopped tomatoes, garlic and cannellini beans, making it a cost-effective family favourite. The meatballs are browned first, then simmered in the sauce, allowing the flavours to mingle beautifully.

Try more family-friendly meatball recipes.

2. One-pan pasta

Ideal for solo cooks or busy families, this one-pan spaghetti with meatballs is a weeknight winner. Everything – including the dried pasta – is cooked in the same pan, absorbing all the rich tomato and basil flavours. The result is a comforting, low-calorie dish with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.

See more spaghetti and meatball recipes.

3. One-pot chicken & rice

This wholesome dish uses chicken thighs and frozen veg to keep costs down while packing in plenty of flavour. The rice is cooked in the same pan as the chicken, soaking up all the savoury juices. It’s a warming, family-friendly option that’s both filling and energy-efficient.

Check out our chicken and rice recipes for more ideas.

4. One-pan spicy rice

If you’re after a speedy vegetarian option, this spicy rice dish is a go-to. Ready in just 20 minutes, it showcases storecupboard ingredients while delivering a satisfying kick. With everything cooked together, it’s not only quick but also leaves you with just one pan to clean.

See more vegetarian rice recipes.

5. One-pan coconut dhal

Our creamy coconut dhal is a comforting plant-based curry that’s easy on the wallet. Using lentils and spices you may already have in the cupboard, it’s a brilliant base for other dishes too. All the ingredients are simmered together in one pan, making it a low-fuss, high-reward meal.

Try more of our dhal recipes.

6. Tomato & chorizo rice

Ready on the table in 20 minutes, this flavour-packed rice dish features chorizo, paprika and olives for a Spanish-inspired supper. It’s a clever way to transform a humble tin of tomatoes into something exciting. Everything cooks together in one pan, making it a great low-effort option for time-poor evenings.

Discover more speedy 20-minute meals.

7. Fridge-raid one-pan pesto pasta

This flexible recipe is perfect for using up leftover veggies. With pasta, pesto and whatever greens you have on hand, it all comes together in a single pan. It’s a great way to reduce waste while enjoying a quick and tasty dinner.

Take a look at more of our fridge-raid recipes.

8. One-pan Thai green salmon

This creamy Thai green curry combines salmon fillets with seasonal vegetables, all baked together in one pan. The rich coconut sauce and roasted shallots create a flavourful dish with minimal effort. It’s ideal for a relaxed evening meal that still feels special.

Check out more Thai-inspired recipes.

9. One-pot chicken cacciatore with orzo

This Italian-inspired one-pot blends tender chicken with orzo pasta in a rich tomato sauce. The orzo cooks in the same pan, absorbing all the flavours. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up after.

See more orzo recipes.

10. Vegan winter one-pan

This vibrant vegan stew is perfect for chilly evenings. Made with baby potatoes, leeks and passata, it’s high in fibre and low in calories. The simplicity of throwing everything into one pan makes it ideal for minimal-effort cooking, and it can easily be scaled up for more servings.

Cook more vegan stew recipes.

Tips for healthy, affordable one-pan meals:

With these tips and tricks, your midweek meals can be simpler, healthier and more enjoyable – with far less washing-up.

1. Use what you have: recipes like our fridge-raid pasta are designed to help you use up leftovers, reducing food waste and saving money.

2. Stock up on staples: keep a supply of tinned tomatoes, beans, rice and pasta. These form the base of many one-pan dishes and are inexpensive.

3. Go for frozen veg: they’re just as nutritious as fresh, often cheaper, and help reduce waste as you can use only what you need.

4. Batch cook and freeze: many one-pan meals can be doubled and frozen for future dinners, saving time and reducing energy use.

5. Choose versatile proteins: chicken thighs, sausages and lentils are affordable and work well across a variety of dishes.

6. Cook smart: simmering everything in one pan means less energy used and fewer dishes to wash – a win for your budget and your time.