18 Delicious Recipes That Require Very Little Cleanup

You’re hungry and willing to cook, but you’re already dreading the cleanup afterward—we get it! It might sound too good to be true, but you can create something amazing in the kitchen without filling the sink with dirty dishes. Typically, slow-cooker dishes, Instant Pot favorites and air fryer recipes all require little cleanup. But you aren’t limited to using those gadgets either. Skillets, sheet pans and casserole dishes can also help you get a meal on the table with minimal mess. The stovetop-to-oven cast-iron skillet technique in this recipe is our go-to for achieving crispy, juicy chicken thighs. If you’re tight on time, the chicken is delicious without the butter sauce. But to truly impart restaurant-worthy flavor, try your hand at the classic white wine and butter sauce known as beurre blanc in French.

The air fryer truly is a lifesaver when it comes to easy-cleanup recipes, including steak! Thicker cuts, like sirloin, are best in the air fryer — they’ll brown nicely on the outside without overcooking.

This dish is cooked in just one pot (no need to bring water to a boil beforehand!), so it's a super quick and easy choice for weeknights. We top it off with creamy ricotta, salty Parmesan and bitter lemon zest for a bold but balanced finish.

Your dishwasher will thank you for this easy one-sheet weeknight dinner — no prep bowls needed! Juicy roasted tomatoes and cheesy chicken breasts get a hint of brightness from fresh basil and a balsamic reduction.

Hotdish is an easy, one-dish dinner often served in Minnesota at such large gatherings as family reunions, potlucks or church suppers. The combination of cream of mushroom soup, corn, green beans, beef and a delightful crispy potato topping (the more taters, the better!) is universally likable.

Not only is this a one-pot wonder, but it also shaves a significant amount of time off of making a traditional Bolognese (a slow-braised tomato sauce with meat).

Mix these 5-star brownies together in a medium saucepan, then bake in a 13-by-9-inch pan — the hardest part is waiting until they’re ready to eat.

Treat yourself to this tropical-inspired smoothie bowl and all you’ll have to clean up afterward is the blender and a bowl. OK, you’ll have to wash your spoon, too, but you get the point!

Just dump a box of pasta, a bag of shrimp and a few other pantry staples into a dish and bake. Right before serving, stir in the heavy cream and top with grated cheese and fresh parsley for a rich and creamy weeknight dinner in a flash.

We love multi-purpose kitchen gadgets that make life easier, so that's why the Instant Pot (a slow cooker, pressure cooker and stove-top stand-in, all in one) is a go-to for quick meals. And after it's been gobbled up, you'll only have one pot to clean!

Move over, burgers and dogs. This low-fat chicken dinner is ready in just 30 minutes, and we love how you don't need to worry about doing any dishes afterward.

Molly’s ranch dressing-infused egg salad takes a mere five minutes to throw together, and you’ll dirty just one bowl and a couple of utensils.

This is the recipe that takes "throwing something together" to the next level. Ree’s sheet pan sausage dinner involves placing your seasoned veggies onto a baking sheet with some Italian sausages, then putting the whole thing in the oven. Dinner? Done.

Why mess up the kitchen when you’re making a dessert for one? Simply mix, microwave and eat!

This dish tastes just like your favorite summer salad, only heartier. If you haven't tried a one-pot pasta yet, now’s the time: It's a great timesaver, from the cooking to the cleanup.

A slow cooker is a great way to make a meal (even dessert!) without filling your sink with dirty dishes. Use large baking apples such as Rome or Golden Delicious in this cinnamon-spiced treat; they'll have just the right tenderness.

Creamy risotto really can be part of your weeknight rotation. Thanks to your pressure cooker, this easy and elegant dish is ready in a snap, and you won’t dirty a whole bunch of dishes.