The Best One-Pot Meals for Entertaining

One of our favourite dishes that’s always a smash hit is chicken and chorizo paella. Bursting with flavours, this Spanish classic is packed with succulent chicken, spicy chorizo, and fragrant saffron-infused rice. It’s a hearty dish that’ll take you on a trip to the sunny streets of Valencia — if only.

Time: 30–40 minutes

Temperature: Medium heat

Method: Brown the chicken and chorizo on medium heat for 5–7 minutes. Add rice, stock, and saffron. Simmer on medium heat for 20–25 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

If you’re after something a little more indulgent, creamy chicken and mushroom risotto is a must-try. This one-pot dish combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and Arborio rice. The result is a rich and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Time: 25–30 minutes

Temperature: Medium heat

Method: Cook onions and mushrooms in olive oil on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add rice and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add warm stock, stirring frequently, for 20–25 minutes until the rice is cooked. Stir in cooked chicken at the end.

If you can handle a bit of spice, a chicken and vegetable curry might be more up your street. Made with tender chicken pieces, aromatic spices, and a medley of crisp veggies, this dish is bursting with flavour. Serve it up with fluffy rice or warm naan bread for a satisfying main.

Time: 30–40 minutes

Temperature: Medium heat

Method: Sauté onions, garlic, and spices on medium heat for 5–7 minutes. Add chicken and brown for 5–7 minutes. Add vegetables, stock, and coconut milk. Simmer for 20–25 minutes on medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.

This is a French classic loved around the world; it’s one that’s sure to impress your guests too. This rich and flavourful dish boasts tender beef simmered in red wine with onions, carrots, and mushrooms. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth stew that you can pair with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.

Time: 2.5–3 hours

Temperature: Low to medium heat

Method: Brown the beef on medium-high heat, then lower the heat to low-medium, add vegetables and wine, cover and simmer gently for 2.5–3 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should be very tender.

If you fancy something a little more exotic, try lamb tagine with apricots. It’s a Moroccan-inspired one-pot dish combining tender lamb with aromatic spices, sweet apricots, and nourishing veggies. During the slow cooking process, the flavours meld, coming together in a dish that’s both sweet and savoury.

Time: 2–2.5 hours

Temperature: Low heat

Method: Sear lamb on medium-high, reduce to low heat and add spices, vegetables, and liquid (like stock or water). Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 2–2.5 hours until the lamb is tender and flavors are well combined.

Or whip up a crowd-pleaser with a classic beef and Guinness stew. This hearty dish is filled with tender chunks of beef cooked in a rich Guinness-infused broth. Add to that root vegetables and herbs for true comfort food perfect for a chilly evening.

Time: 2.5–3 hours

Temperature: Low to medium heat

Method: Brown beef on medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low. Add Guinness, stock, and vegetables. Simmer on low-medium heat, covered, for 2.5–3 hours, stirring occasionally until beef is fork-tender.

If you’re after something that’ll warm you up on a cold evening, give this vegetable and chickpea stew a go. This hearty dish is packed with nutritious vegetables and rich in protein. While you leave it to simmer, all the flavours meld together to create a satisfying meal. Serve this wholesome dish with crusty bread.

Time: 30–40 minutes

Temperature: Medium heat

Method: Sauté vegetables (like onions, garlic, carrots) for 5–7 minutes on medium heat. Add spices, tomatoes, stock, and chickpeas. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes on medium heat until the vegetables are tender, and the sauce has thickened.

Or put a veggie twist on a classic with a mushroom stroganoff. This creamy and indulgent dish is a great alternative to beef stroganoff. Containing sautéed mushrooms, onions, vegetable stock, sour cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard, this comforting dish is packed full of enough flavour to have your guests asking for more.

Time: 20–25 minutes

Temperature: Medium heat

Method: Sauté mushrooms and onions on medium heat for 10–15 minutes until softened and golden. Add stock, sour cream, and seasoning, simmer gently for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Fancy something with a bit of a kick? Then a vegetarian chilli will be right up your street. This super-comforting dish is a stadium favourite that’s sure to satisfy veggies and meat eaters alike. Packed with diced onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, and kidney beans. Then livened up with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander. This tasty dish simmers away to let the flavours really develop and the chili thicken.

Time: 30-35 minutes

Temperature: Medium heat

Method: Sauté diced onion and bell pepper, then add minced garlic. Stir in tomatoes, kidney beans, and spices. Simmer until thickened. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander, lime, and your favorite toppings.