BOWL IN ONE!: One Bowl Meals that Will Satisfy & Save Time

There’s something magical about eating out of a bowl. It’s not just about the ease, but also about the coziness of it all – there’s a quiet intimacy in wrapping your hands around a warm ceramic bowl filled with something hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re curled up on the couch watching a new episode of your favorite show or just grabbing a quick bite in between Zoom meetings, meals in bowls just hit different…

Inspired by the love of low-effort, high-reward cooking, we’ve compiled a list of meals that are perfect for your busy days, lazy nights, or whenever you want something delicious and satisfying without having to spend hours in the kitchen or money on ordering takeout. The recipes below are comforting, filling, and best of all… designed to fit perfectly in your favorite bowl! 

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CREAMY COCONUT LENTIL CURRY WITH SPINACH

Rich, flavorful, vegan-friendly, and best of all, it comes together in under thirty minutes! 

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 2 cloves garlic 
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 small yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 cup brown lentils (dry) 
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can coconut milk 
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach 

Steps: 

1. Sauté garlic and ginger in oil. 
2. Stir in spices and toast for a minute. 
3. Add lentils and vegetable broth, let simmer for 20 minutes. 
4. Add coconut milk and turn the heat back up. 
5. Once thickened, add fresh spinach and stir until wilted. 
6. Serve over a bowl of rice. 
7. Enjoy! 

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ONE-POT GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA 

Creamy, cheesy, and comforting in one pot! Great for when you’re feeling tired but still want to feel fancy – best of all, you can add as much cheese as you want, just say when! 

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (more if needed)
• 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine 
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan 
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves  

Steps: 

1. Sauté garlic in butter. 
2. Add chicken broth, milk, and pasta. Boil until al dente. 
3. Stir in parmesan and seasonings. 
4. Top with fresh parsley. 
5. Enjoy! 

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ONE-POT CHICKEN AND RICE 

The rice cooks in the same pot as the chicken, meaning every grain is soaking up that delicious savory goodness. 

Ingredients: 

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tsp seasoning salt (or your favorite spice blend)
• 1 Tbsp cooking oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)

Steps:

1. Season chicken thighs with seasoning salt. Sear in oil (skin-side down) until golden brown. Remove and set aside. 
2. In the same pot, sauté diced onion and garlic until softened.
3. Stir in uncooked rice and chicken broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
4. Return the chicken (skin-side up) to the pot on top of the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for \~20 minutes.
5. Add frozen peas and carrots on top (don’t stir), cover again and let steam off heat for 5–10 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice, mix in the veggies, and serve hot with the chicken on top.
7. Enjoy! 

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SWEET POTATO BLACK BEAN CHILI 

A meatless chili that’s still thick, smoky, and spicy, and still tastes delicious the next day! Even better with some sliced avocados, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1 medium red onion, chopped 
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped 
• 2 ribs celery, chopped 
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided 
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced 
• 2 tablespoons chili powder 
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 
• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 
• 1 large can (28 ounces) or 2 small cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes**, with their juices 
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained 
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained 
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water 
• 1 bay leaf 
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnishing 
• 1 to 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar or lime juice, to taste

Steps: 

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Cook onion, bell pepper, and sweet potatoes until the onion is translucent. 
2. Stir in garlic and all spices. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. 
3. Mix in black beans, diced and crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth. 
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and chili thickens. 
5. Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning to taste. 
6. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
7. Enjoy! 

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CREAMY SPINACH AND MUSHROOM ORZO 

Like a low-effort risotto with the same spectacular taste. Creamy, savory, and will have you filling up a second (or third) bowl after you’re done with the first!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 10 oz mushrooms (such as cremini or baby bella), sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper, to taste

Steps:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté mushrooms until browned. Add garlic and cook briefly. 
2. Stir in uncooked orzo, salt, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer (covered) for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is cooked.
3. Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt. Then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
4. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. 
5. Season with black pepper and serve warm.
6. Enjoy!

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BOWL IN ONE! 

One-bowl meals are more than just a way to shorten your time in the kitchen, they can also be a lifestyle. When you’re short on time but still want something nourishing and satisfying, these are just some of the recipes that prove convenience doesn’t mean having to sacrifice flavor (you can put the cup ramen away now). 

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry crowd, there really is a kind of magic that happens when everything comes together in a single pot and lands in your favorite bowl!