5 of the Best One-Pot Recipes for Autumn Mealtimes

As the days draw in and the air sharpens with the scent of rain-soaked leaves, there’s something deeply comforting about a warm, hearty meal cooked in a single pot. Whether you’re navigating life in student accommodation, cooking after a long commute, or just craving something simple and soul-soothing, these recipes offer more than just flavour. They bring ease, warmth, and just the right touch of seasonal nostalgia.

One-pot cooking is a lifestyle choice that comes into its own during Autumn. It’s a simple way to rebel against the mountain of dishes that other cooking techniques can create. It’s also about coming home to the knowledge that cooking dinner won’t require too much effort and hours of stirring. All you need is one pot (sometimes known as a Dutch Oven), a stove, and the dreams of a hearty meal.

1. Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy, golden, and subtly sweet, this autumn classic includes a time-saving adaptation by baking it all in the oven. No need for endless stirring, just 10 minutes of preparation and a bit of patience.

Ingredients: 

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 300g arborio rice
• 500g butternut squash, diced
• 800ml hot vegetable stock
• 50g grated parmesan or vegan alternative
• Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or chilli flakes for a kick

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan). In a large ovenproof dish, heat the oil and soften the onion and garlic on the hob for 5 minutes. Stir in the rice and squash, then pour over the stock. Cover tightly with foil or a lid and bake for 30 minutes. Once cooked, stir through the cheese and season to taste.

2. Sausage, Apple, and Butternut Squash Traybake

Ok, this one isn’t strictly cooked in one ‘pot’ but is just as simple. It’s a dish that practically cooks itself. His sweet-savoury combo bursts with colour and seasonal charm. Think golden edges, caramelised apples, and juicy sausages.

Ingredients:

• 6 good quality sausages
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 apples, cored and sliced
• 500g butternut squash, peeled and chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: 

Toss everything into a roasting tin with oil, sage, and seasoning. Roast at 200°C for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through. The apples soften, the squash sweetens, and the sausages get gorgeously sticky.

It’s a one-tray wonder that’s ideal for sharing as a flat or meal prepping for the week ahead.

3. Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup

This is a meal I treat as the equivalent of a fleece blanket on a chilly evening. Gentle, warming, and nourishing without lacking depth of flavour. Whether you’re fending off seasonal flu or just want something delightfully soothing, this soup is perfect.

 Ingredients: 

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 peeled and sliced carrots
• 2 chopped celery sticks
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 litre hot chicken stock
• 150g long grain rice
• 200g cooked chicken breast, shredded
• Juice of a lemon
• Parsley to garnish

Instructions: 

In a large pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery in oil until softened. Add garlic, then pour in the stock and rice. Simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender. Stir in chicken, lemon, and parsley.

Additional Tip: Freeze any leftovers in portions for an easy meal later in the week.

4. One Pot Tuscan Chicken Orzo

A rich, luxurious meal that will have you fuller for longer. This Italian inspired dish feels like something you could devour in the heart of Rome, but made at home with ease.

Ingredients: 

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 chicken thighs or breasts, chopped roughly
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 200g orzo pasta
• 500ml hot chicken stock
• 100g sun dried tomatoes, chopped
• A handful of spinach
• Grated parmesan or alternative

Instructions: 

Brown the chicken in oil, add garlic and orzo, stir for a minute. Add stock and tomatoes, then simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the orzo is tender, stir through spinach and cheese. Simple.

It’s romantically rich and the kind of deeply warming meal that can elevate your average meal into a luxury date night.

5. Classic Beef or Vegetable Chilli

No list of Autumnal one-pot recipes would be complete without this hearty essential. Whether you’re opting for the beef or vegetarian recipe, the result is a bowl of comforting flavours that’ll cure whatever ails you.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 500g beef or veggie mince
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes
• 1 tin kidney beans, drained
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Optional: dark chocolate squares for depth

Instructions: 

Sauté the onion and garlic in oil, add the mince and brown. Stir in the spices, tomato purée, and chopped tomatoes. Add the beans and a splash of water. Simmer on low for 20-30 minutes. Stir in some chocolate at the end if using. Serve with rice or tortilla chips as preferred.

Cooking Made Simple

For students balancing their studies with part time work or daily commutes, these recipes are delicious ways to save time and eat well. You don’t need to be an experienced chef to create amazing meals, either, just some patience.

Cooking can also be your moment of calm after a long day of studying. It forces us to slow down, follow a recipe, and create something we want to eat.

If you’re feeling inspired, you can find more one-pot recipes over on BBC Good Food’s one-pot meal collection. You’ll find everything from meaty stews to aromatic curries and quick dinners.

Hungry for More?

Explore more helpful snippets of advice on our blog. You’ll discover more about your new home, the finest restaurants, and local events happening all year round.

Then, discover where you could be staying on our fantastic city pages.

We hope you enjoy cooking the recipes we’ve shared with you today. If you do, make sure to share them with your friends for the cosiest mealtimes this Autumn.