Simple and hearty recipes that require minimal cleanup

In our fast-paced lives, the last thing we want after a hearty meal is a sink full of dirty dishes. That’s why we’ve curated a list of simple and delicious recipes that require minimal cleanup. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, ensuring you spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing up.

1. One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 cup green beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken, potatoes, carrots, and green beans with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve directly from the baking sheet.

Cleanup Tip: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.

2. Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• Juice of 1 lime
• Flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, salsa, cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, fajita seasoning, and lime juice.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Cleanup Tip: Line the baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

3. One-Pot Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add pasta, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, vegetable broth, and heavy cream to the pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Cleanup Tip: Use a non-stick pot to prevent the pasta from sticking and make cleaning easier.

4. Skillet Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and broken lasagna noodles.
4. Add water, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
5. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve.

Cleanup Tip: Use a cast-iron skillet for even cooking and easy cleanup.

5. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In the slow cooker, combine beef stew meat, beef broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
4. Serve hot.

Cleanup Tip: Use slow cooker liners for hassle-free cleanup.