Cooking a delicious meal doesn’t have to come with a mountain of dirty dishes and hours of clean-up. With a few simple tricks, you can enjoy the flavors you love without all the mess. Here are seven genius hacks to help keep your kitchen spotless and your food fabulous!

1. One-Pot Wonders: Cook Everything in One Dish

One-pot meals are a lifesaver for keeping clean-up to a minimum. From pasta to curries and soups, cooking everything in one pot allows the flavors to blend beautifully, and there’s only one pan to clean at the end! Plus, these dishes are perfect for busy weeknights.

Pro Tip: Choose a large enough pot to prevent spilling, and add ingredients in stages based on cooking times (e.g., start with longer-cooking vegetables like carrots and potatoes, then add quicker-cooking ones like zucchini).

2. Embrace Sheet Pan Dinners for Minimal Cleanup

Sheet pan meals are another mess-free marvel. Roasting your protein and vegetables together on a single sheet pan not only creates deliciously caramelized flavors but also cuts down on dishes. Imagine a meal where your main and sides come together in just one pan!

Pro Tip: Use aluminum foil or parchment paper to line your sheet pan. Once you’re done, just toss it away, leaving your pan clean with zero scrubbing needed.

3. Pre-Measured Spices and Ingredients: A Game Changer

Instead of measuring each spice and ingredient while you cook, get everything ready before you start. Use small bowls or prep containers for each ingredient. Not only does this reduce mess, but it also makes you feel like a pro chef, breezing through the recipe seamlessly.

Pro Tip: Keep your ingredients organized in the order they’ll be used. This saves time and prevents accidental spills or unnecessary mess from searching mid-cook.

4. Slow Cookers: Hands-Off Cooking, Easy Cleaning

Slow cookers are a fantastic option for fuss-free, flavor-packed meals. Just toss in the ingredients in the morning, set it, and let it cook all day. By the time you’re ready to eat, you’ll have a rich, hearty meal and only one pot to clean.

Pro Tip: For even easier cleanup, use a slow-cooker liner. Once the meal is done, remove the liner, toss it out, and enjoy a spotless pot.

5. Rein in Oil Splatter with a Splash Guard

Frying or sautéing food can leave oil splatters all over your stovetop, countertops, and walls. Using a splash guard over your skillet keeps the oil contained without affecting your cooking. It’s especially helpful for frying foods like bacon, where grease tends to pop.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a splash guard, a large lid or even a piece of foil can do the trick!

6. Invest in Nonstick Cookware

Nonstick cookware is a true friend when it comes to avoiding burnt-on messes. These pans make cooking and clean-up a breeze, especially for foods that tend to stick, like eggs, pancakes, and fish. Plus, you can often use less oil, making your meals a little healthier.

Pro Tip: Avoid metal utensils on nonstick pans to keep the coating intact. Use wooden or silicone utensils to extend the life of your cookware.

7. Keep a Garbage Bowl on the Counter

Having a dedicated bowl on the counter for food scraps saves you from constant trips to the trash can, and it keeps your workspace tidy. Toss in vegetable peels, eggshells, and other waste, then dump it all at once when you’re done prepping.

Pro Tip: If you’re composting, this bowl is a perfect place to gather compostable scraps, ready to go when you finish cooking.

Final Thoughts

Cooking can be a relaxing, enjoyable experience—especially when you have fewer dishes to worry about afterward. With these easy hacks, you can enjoy delicious meals without the kitchen chaos. Try these tips next time you cook, and watch your meal prep become smoother, cleaner, and just as tasty!