Thanksgiving is a time to gather, enjoy good food, and make memories—but the cleanup can be overwhelming. With these One-Pot Thanksgiving Recipes, you can create delicious, holiday-worthy dishes with minimal mess. From mains to sides, these recipes are designed for flavor and simplicity, ensuring more time for celebration and less for scrubbing pots and pans.
1. One-Pot Turkey and Gravy
Why It’s a Must:
This one-pot wonder combines turkey and homemade gravy in a single pan, making it perfect for small gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 4–6 turkey thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cups chicken or turkey stock
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 sprigs thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot. Sear the turkey pieces until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions and carrots until soft. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in stock, add thyme, and return turkey to the pot.
- Cover and roast in the oven for 1.5–2 hours, until the turkey is tender.
2. One-Pot Stuffing Casserole
Why It’s a Must:
All the flavor of traditional stuffing with easy cleanup and fewer dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf bread, cubed (about 8 cups)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe pot, melt butter and sauté onion and celery until soft.
- Stir in bread cubes, sage, and thyme. Toss to coat.
- Add chicken stock and mix until evenly moistened.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes for a crispy top.
3. One-Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Why It’s a Must:
Cook, mash, and mix all in one pot—fewer dishes, same creamy results.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place potatoes and garlic in a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Drain.
- Mash potatoes and garlic directly in the pot. Stir in butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. One-Pot Green Bean Almondine
Why It’s a Must:
A simple, elegant side dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- In a large pot, blanch green beans in boiling water for 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and toast almonds until golden. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Return green beans to the pot, toss with lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
5. One-Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
Why It’s a Must:
This creamy, spiced dish with a crunchy topping is all baked in one pot.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup pecans (optional)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil sweet potatoes in a large oven-safe pot until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash in the pot.
- Mix in brown sugar, spices, butter, and milk. Top with pecans and marshmallows.
- Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until marshmallows are golden.
6. One-Pot Creamy Turkey and Rice
Why It’s a Must:
A comforting, all-in-one dish that’s perfect for using turkey leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups shredded cooked turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Sauté onion and carrots in butter in a large pot until softened.
- Stir in rice and cook for 1 minute. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, until rice is tender.
- Stir in turkey, cream, and Parmesan. Cook for another 5 minutes.
7. One-Pot Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham
Why It’s a Must:
This sweet and tangy glazed ham is cooked entirely in one pot, making it a show-stopping centerpiece.
Ingredients:
- 1 small spiral-sliced ham (5–6 lbs)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place ham in a large roasting pot. Mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, and mustard, and brush over the ham.
- Cover and bake for 1.5–2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
8. One-Pot Herb and Garlic Bread Dressing
Why It’s a Must:
A flavorful twist on stuffing with the ease of one-pot preparation.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed and slightly stale
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
Instructions:
- In a large oven-safe pot, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic.
- Add bread cubes, herbs, and chicken stock. Toss to combine.
- Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, uncover for the last 10 minutes to crisp the top.
FAQs
1. Are these recipes suitable for large gatherings?
Yes! Many of these one-pot dishes can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
2. Can I prepare these recipes in advance?
Most can be made ahead. For example, stuffing and casseroles can be assembled and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
3. How do I keep one-pot dishes warm?
Cover them and place them in a low oven (200°F) or transfer to a slow cooker on the warm setting.
4. What’s the best pot to use for these recipes?
An oven-safe Dutch oven or large skillet is ideal for these versatile one-pot dishes.
5. Are these recipes kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey and rice are sure to be a hit with kids.
6. Can I use leftovers in these recipes?
Yes, turkey, ham, and cooked vegetables can be incorporated into many of these dishes for added convenience.
7. How do I adjust for dietary restrictions?
Substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives and use gluten-free bread for stuffing or dressing.
8. Can I freeze any leftovers?
Most one-pot dishes, like turkey and rice or mashed potatoes, freeze well for up to 2 months.
9. Do these recipes require special equipment?
No, just a reliable large pot or Dutch oven. Oven-safe pots are helpful for recipes that transition from stovetop to oven.
10. Can I customize these recipes?
Definitely! Add your favorite herbs, cheeses, or spices to suit your taste and make each dish unique.
These One-Pot Thanksgiving Recipes simplify holiday cooking without sacrificing flavor. With fewer dishes to clean, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen!