3 Recipes that Only Require a Single Pot or Pan

There are countless quick and easy meals that only require one pot or pan—making for minimal post-eating clean-up. A myriad of appetites can be satisfied in one pot; vegetarians, meat lovers, seafood faring appetites, sandwich lovers, breakfast eaters and more. Clear a small workspace on the kitchen counter and get the skillet ready, dinner is about to be prepared.

BLT Pizza

1 pre-made thin pizza crust, similar to a Boboli thin crust
1/2 cup Parmesan peppercorn salad dressing; use your favorite brand
2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/2 pound bacon, cut in small pieces (not chopped); turkey bacon works well
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 large tomato, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise; light works well

Layer bacon on a microwave-safe dish between paper towels. Cook on high setting until lightly cooked, 3 to 4 minutes.
Place crust on pizza pan. Liberally coat with salad dressing, as a “sauce”.
Layer with shredded cheese and top with cooked bacon.
Bake in 350* oven until cheese is melted and crust is cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
While pizza is baking, shred lettuce and chop tomato. Toss together with mayonnaise.
Top cooked pizza with lettuce and tomato mixture. Serve immediately.

Minestrone Paisano

8 slices bacon, diced
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cans (10 1/2 ounces each) beef broth
1 quart water
1 cup ditalini, cooked; elbow macaroni works well
1 can (28 ounces) Hunt’s Four Cheese pasta sauce or your favorite Italian cooking sauce
1 can (20 ounces) chickpeas
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas
1 package (10 ounces) frozen green beans
Salt and pepper to taste

1.  In a large stockpot, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2.  Using same stockpot, fry diced bacon until golden.
3.  Add onion and saute.
4.  Add carrots and celery. Cook 5 minutes.
5.  Stir in beef broth and water. Simmer 20 minutes.
6.  Add cooked pasta, pasta sauce, peas, green beans and chickpeas to soup. Salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 20 minutes.
7.  Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Skillet chili

1 pound ground beef or 1 package (20.8 ounces) ground turkey
1 cup red onion, chopped
2 cloves fresh garlic, grated
1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to personal taste)
1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes
1 can (30 ounces) dark red kidney beans
1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn kernels
Shredded cheddar cheese

1.  In a large skillet, brown ground meat until no longer pink.
2.  Add in onion and saute until transparent. Stir in garlic.
3.  Sprinkle with chili powder and cook 2 minutes to blend.
4.  Add in tomatoes. Coarsely break tomatoes into bite-size pieces while stirring.
5.  Gently stir in kidney beans and corn. Cook until thoroughly heated, about 5 minutes.
6.  Serve in a shallow bowl, garnished with cheese.

One skillet or one pot meals can range from a delectable pizza to a steaming pot of heart-warming soup. Either way, keep it simple and easy and the apartment will soon be filled with the delightful aroma of a delicious meal.