When life gets hectic and busy, often, cooking at home and eating healthy is one of the first things that gets neglected. What if there was a way to eat healthy with super easy and tasty meals made in just one pot? A one pot meal makes mealtime quick and easy even if time is limited. It also makes kitchen clean up much easier. When cooking we need to keep in mind selecting meals that are packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and nutrients. Imagine no more planning a 5-course meal while running the oven, the microwave, and the stove all at the same time. One pot meals are an easy method for preparing dinner for your family. Preparing everything in one pot makes it easier to ensure that several food groups are included. They can be steamed, baked, sauteed, or stewed. Who wouldn't be excited about the idea of having fewer dishes and less time spent cooking?

There are many types of one pot meals that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Think outside the traditional plate lunch of a meat and three sides, and you can discover super simple but filling meals such as soups, stews, stir frys, casseroles, salads, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, sheet pan dinners, and skillet meals. There are several benefits of creating one pot meals.

• They can be quick and easy.
• You don't have to use a lot of ingredients to have a tasty, nutritious meal.
• Plan meals for a week at a time and shop for ingredients so you have everything on busy weeknights.
• After you shop, cut vegetables and measure ingredients in advance for easier meals by having ingredients for the week prepped and ready to go.
• A one pot meal is affordable and can be tailored to fit your food budget.

Below is the recipe for Fiesta Skillet Dinner, an easy one pot meal to try. This recipe freezes well and can also be used as a filling in a tortilla to make a wrap.

Ingredients

• one 15.5 ounce can Mexican style tomatoes
• one 15.5 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• one cup frozen corn
• one tablespoon chili powder
• two cups cooked chicken, diced
• one cup prepared brown rice
• one-half cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

Directions

To prepare this recipe, mix the Mexican style tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili power, and chicken in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until heated through. Add the cooked rice and stir thoroughly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and serve hot. This recipe yields 5 servings. Serving size is one and one-half cups.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

• 330 calories
• 7 grams Total Fat
• 3 grams Saturated Fat
• 0 grams Trans Fat
• 60 milligrams Cholesterol
• 680 milligrams Sodium
• 38 grams Total Carbohydrates
• 8 grams Fiber
• 4 grams Total Sugars
• 29 grams Protein

This article is referenced by LSU AgCenter, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, and South Dakota State University Extension.

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