30 One-Pot Boxing Day Meals You’ll Love This Holiday Season

The holiday season is filled with so much joy, but it can also bring plenty of stress, especially when it comes to preparing meals. Boxing Day, just after Christmas, is the perfect time to relax and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. One-pot meals are a lifesaver during this time.

If you’re looking for something that will keep everyone satisfied without making a mess of your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve rounded up 30 one-pot Boxing Day meals you’ll love this holiday season. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty, light, or full of festive flavors, there’s a dish here for everyone. Let’s dive in!

1. Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

This classic beef stew is perfect for a cozy Boxing Day meal. The tender beef, root vegetables, and savory broth make for a satisfying meal, all made in one pot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef stew meat in a large pot over medium heat. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions and carrots until softened.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then add the broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Return the beef to the pot along with potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours until the beef is tender.

2. Chicken and Rice Casserole

A comforting dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The chicken and rice cook together perfectly in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté chicken cubes until browned.
2. Add onion and cook until softened.
3. Stir in rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is fully cooked through.

3. Vegetable Chili

This hearty vegetarian chili is perfect for warming up on a cold Boxing Day. The combination of beans, veggies, and spices makes this dish rich in flavor and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened.
2. Add tomatoes, beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese.

4. One-Pot Spaghetti Carbonara

This creamy, comforting pasta dish is made in one pot, making it perfect for a quick and easy Boxing Day dinner.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy, then remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, toss it with the egg mixture and crispy bacon.
5. Stir until creamy, then serve immediately.

5. One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

This flavorful honey garlic chicken comes together quickly and easily, with minimal cleanup afterward.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until browned on both sides.
3. Add garlic, honey, soy sauce, and chicken broth to the pot.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve over rice or with vegetables.

6. One-Pot Lasagna

This simple and delicious lasagna recipe saves time and dishes while delivering all the flavor of the classic version.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add marinara sauce, then stir in broken lasagna noodles.
3. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the noodles are tender.
4. Layer with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
5. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.

7. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

This creamy, cheesy chicken Alfredo is a one-pot wonder that everyone will love. The creamy sauce and tender chicken are the perfect combination.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté chicken cubes in butter in a large pot until browned and cooked through.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and fettuccine pasta.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

8. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff

This creamy beef stroganoff is a comforting and rich dish that you can prepare with minimal effort, making it perfect for Boxing Day.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp butter
• 8 oz egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef stew meat in butter in a large pot.
2. Add onions and cook until softened.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add beef broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add egg noodles and cook until the noodles are tender.
6. Stir in sour cream, salt, and pepper, and serve.

9. One-Pot Chicken and Vegetable Soup

This light and healthy chicken and vegetable soup is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy Boxing Day meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté chicken cubes in a large pot until browned.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and green beans, and cook for a few minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

10. One-Pot Pork Carnitas

These tender and flavorful pork carnitas cook all in one pot and are perfect for Boxing Day tacos or sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a large pot until softened.
2. Add pork shoulder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
5. Serve in tacos or on sandwiches.

11. One-Pot Seafood Paella

This easy seafood paella is full of vibrant flavors from shrimp, mussels, and rice, all cooked together in one pot for a deliciously festive meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb mussels, cleaned
• 1 cup rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups seafood broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp saffron
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and bell pepper in a large pot until softened.
2. Add tomatoes, rice, paprika, saffron, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in seafood broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add shrimp and mussels, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the seafood is cooked and the rice is tender.
5. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

12. One-Pot Turkey Chili

A great way to use up leftover turkey from Christmas, this turkey chili is hearty and flavorful, perfect for a Boxing Day meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and bell pepper in a large pot until softened.
2. Stir in turkey, beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips.

13. One-Pot Beef and Barley Soup

This nourishing beef and barley soup is filling and comforting, with tender beef, hearty barley, and flavorful vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 cup barley
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef stew meat in a large pot, then set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Add beef broth, barley, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
4. Return the beef to the pot and cook for 1-1.5 hours, until the beef and barley are tender.
5. Serve with crusty bread.

14. One-Pot Vegetable Curry

A flavorful and aromatic curry that’s perfect for a light and healthy Boxing Day meal. This dish can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion, carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini until softened.
2. Stir in curry powder and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add coconut milk, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with rice or naan.

15. One-Pot Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are filled with a savory mix of rice, ground beef, and spices, making them a hearty and satisfying Boxing Day dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large pot, then add onion and cook until softened.
3. Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and place them back in the pot.
5. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the peppers are tender.

16. One-Pot Spinach and Ricotta Pasta

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s quick to make and delicious. The spinach and ricotta add richness and flavor to this simple one-pot meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Stir in spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
3. Add ricotta, chicken broth, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir until the sauce is creamy and the pasta is well coated.
5. Serve with extra Parmesan on top.

17. One-Pot Sausage and Peppers

This simple dish of sausage and peppers is full of bold flavors, making it a quick and easy choice for a Boxing Day meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 Italian sausages
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the sausages in a large pot, then set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic until softened.
3. Add chicken broth and return sausages to the pot.
4. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the sausages are cooked through.
5. Serve with crusty bread or over rice.

18. One-Pot Chicken Parmesan

This delicious take on chicken Parmesan is made in one pot, with tender chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown the chicken breasts on both sides.
2. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
3. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
4. Serve with pasta or a side salad.

19. One-Pot Ratatouille

This French vegetable stew is light yet filling, packed with zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers, all simmered together for a rich, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 eggplant, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp basil
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion, garlic, zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, and tomatoes.
2. Add thyme, basil, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
3. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Serve with crusty bread or over rice.

20. One-Pot Beef Tacos

Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any day, these one-pot beef tacos are a quick and tasty way to enjoy Mexican flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup beef broth
• 8 small taco shells
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Toppings: sour cream, salsa, lettuce

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot and add onions.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and beef broth, and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Warm taco shells in the oven.
4. Fill taco shells with beef mixture and top with cheese, sour cream, salsa, and lettuce.

21. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This comforting dish combines tender chicken with flavorful rice, creating a filling and easy meal that’s perfect for busy days after the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 2 cups rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown chicken thighs in a large pot with a bit of oil, then remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion until softened.
3. Add rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Return chicken thighs to the pot, skin side up, and cover.
5. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
6. Stir in peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking, and serve.

22. One-Pot Pulled Pork

This one-pot pulled pork is a savory and tender dish that’s ideal for using up leftover pork or making a crowd-pleasing meal on Boxing Day.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb pork shoulder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the pork shoulder in a large pot, then remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion in the same pot until softened.
3. Add tomatoes, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Return pork to the pot and cover with the mixture.
5. Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
6. Shred the pork and serve with the sauce on buns or over rice.

23. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

A creamy and rich chicken alfredo made in just one pot, this dish is both indulgent and easy to prepare for a comforting Boxing Day meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups pasta
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and cook diced chicken until browned and cooked through.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in pasta and cook until tender, adding water if necessary.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve hot with extra cheese on top.

24. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff

This classic beef stroganoff is creamy and comforting, featuring tender beef and a rich mushroom sauce, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown beef stew meat in a large pot with olive oil, then remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and mushrooms in the same pot until softened.
3. Stir in flour, then slowly add beef broth, stirring to combine.
4. Return beef to the pot and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Stir in sour cream and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
6. Serve over egg noodles or rice.

25. One-Pot Baked Ziti

Baked ziti made easy in a single pot! This dish combines pasta, marinara sauce, cheese, and spices, all simmered together for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, water, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and cover.
4. Cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve with extra Parmesan on top.

26. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

This light and flavorful lemon garlic chicken is simple to make and perfect for a fresh, easy meal after the holiday festivities.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown chicken breasts on both sides.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in lemon juice, zest, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve with a side of rice or roasted vegetables.

27. One-Pot Beef and Potato Stew

This hearty beef and potato stew is a filling meal that’s easy to make and packed with savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown beef stew meat in a large pot, then remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and potatoes until softened.
3. Add beef broth, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, until the beef and potatoes are tender.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

28. One-Pot Shrimp and Grits

A Southern classic, this one-pot shrimp and grits combines creamy grits with flavorful shrimp, making for a rich and indulgent Boxing Day meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup grits
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook grits in chicken broth according to package instructions, stirring in cheddar cheese and butter until creamy.
2. While the grits cook, sauté shrimp in a separate pan with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until pink and cooked through.
3. Serve shrimp over the creamy grits for a delicious Southern-inspired meal.

29. One-Pot BBQ Chicken

This easy and flavorful BBQ chicken is made in a single pot, perfect for a laid-back Boxing Day meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown chicken breasts in olive oil in a large pot, then remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion in the same pot until softened.
3. Stir in BBQ sauce and chicken broth, then return chicken to the pot.
4. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve with coleslaw or roasted vegetables.

30. One-Pot Spaghetti Carbonara

This creamy, savory spaghetti carbonara is made in one pot, perfect for a quick and delicious Boxing Day meal that’s rich and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 4 strips bacon, chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot according to package instructions.
2. While the pasta cooks, sauté bacon in a separate pan until crispy, then set aside.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.
5. Toss the hot pasta with the egg mixture, adding pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
6. Stir in crispy bacon and serve hot.

Conclusion

These 30 One-Pot Boxing Day Meals will surely make your holiday season easy, delicious, and stress-free. Whether you're craving comfort food or something a little more festive, there's a perfect recipe here for every palate!