What is it called to cooked something in a saucepan?

The term for cooking something in a saucepan is "stewing" or "braising." Stewing involves simmering food in a covered saucepan with a small amount of liquid, while braising involves browning the food first and then simmering it in a covered saucepan with a larger amount of liquid. Both methods result in tender, flavorful dishes.