The Ultimate 1-Pot Meal Roundup

"Oh, I love to cook, I just never like to do the dishes afterward," you'll often hear people say if you ask them about cooking during the workweek.

Click here to see The Ultimate 1-Pot Roundup Slideshow

If you take joy in cooking — reveling in the fragrance of fresh herbs, hearing the sizzle of fresh meat hitting a hot pan, and finding calm in the systematic rhythms of slicing, dicing, and chopping on a wooden cutting board — then you probably look at cooking as a great way to decompress after a long busy day.[slideshow:

If you take joy in eating — and it's probably safe to say that, like most people, you do (especially if you are here with us) — then you're also excited at the thought of a home-cooked meal made with fresh ingredients, shared with family or loved ones right before curling up on the couch in front of the TV.

The thing is, though, nobody takes joy in the chore that comes afterward — doing the dishes. That's why The Daily Meal has rounded up 20 great recipes for you to try that won't leave a pile of dishes in the sink. 

Here are some highlights:

"Not the usual beef stew, this one contains sweet corn and fresh rosemary." Check out Jean Anderson's twist, Beef Stew with Carrots, Corn, and Potatoes.

It's time to dust off that slow cooker; check out Kristl Story's Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos for an easy weeknight meal that will feed the whole family.

Looking for something elegant? Look no further than this Risotto with Fennel and Pancetta. It's creamy and delicious.

Give these a shot and you might just find yourself cooking more often during the week.