When busy weeks feel overwhelming, these 15 meal prep recipes are here to keep things running smoothly. They’re perfect for planning ahead and making sure dinner is one less thing to stress about. Each idea helps you stay organized while still bringing variety to your table. With these in your back pocket, your week just got a whole lot easier.

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with slow cooker porcupine meatballs, garnished with fresh herbs.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Forget the hassle of daily cooking with Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. This recipe is great because you just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do all the work. The meatballs turn out juicy and flavorful. They’re perfect for pairing with your choice of veggies or pasta. Plus, they freeze well, so you can enjoy them later, too.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Greek Green Beans

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Green Beans. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Looking for a healthy side dish that you can prep in advance? Try Greek Green Beans. They’re packed with flavor and have a nice texture. They pair well with a variety of main dishes, adding a fresh touch to the meal. You can whip up a big batch and enjoy all week long. Convenient and delicious, what’s not to like?
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Top-down shot of Tuna Noodle Casserole on a dish with a small portion on a black plate.
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole offers a nostalgic and reliable option for meal prep. It’s a hearty dish that can be made in a large batch, making it convenient for multiple dinners. The flavors meld together wonderfully after a night in the fridge. You can dress it up with some fresh herbs or keep it simple. Either way, kids love it and it’s quick to reheat.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Pastitsio

A square piece of pastitsio served on a stack of black plates with three forks and a rectangular baking tray filled with the same pasta on the side.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you want something hearty, Pastitsio is an excellent choice. This Greek dish layers pasta, meat, and a creamy sauce, making it a full meal in one. You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it whenever you’re ready. The leftovers taste even better the next day. It’s a fantastic way to change up your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Horiatiki Salad is a refreshing option to balance out your meal prep menu. It’s packed with vibrant flavors and has a great crunch. This salad is really easy to throw together and doesn’t get soggy over time. It’s a light yet satisfying addition to any meal. Plus, you can make it in advance and enjoy it for several days.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Craving takeout but want something homemade? Go for the Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. It’s loaded with your favorite fillings and is super easy to make. You can prepare the components in advance and assemble them as needed. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home, minus the wait. Easy to heat up and very convenient.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Croissant Breakfast Casserole

A white plate with a slice of Croissant breakfast casserole and orange next to it.
Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mornings can be chaotic, so Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a lifesaver. It’s rich and filling, making it a great start to your busy day. You can put it together the night before and just bake it in the morning. Perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring you’ve got breakfast sorted for several days. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit most people’s tastes.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Mexican Chicken Casserole

Mexican Chicken Casserole on a rectangular pan.
Mexican Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Mexican Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and convenient option for meal prep. It’s layered with ingredients that blend perfectly together. Prepare it in advance and just reheat when you’re ready to eat. Great for busy weeknights or when you have guests over. It’s an easy way to bring some excitement to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken Casserole

Carrot & Lentil Soup

A bowl of carrot and lentil soup topped with yogurt, cilantro, and almond slices.
Carrot & Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

On days when you need something warm and comforting, Carrot & Lentil Soup is your go-to. It’s easy to make a big pot that lasts for days. This soup is wholesome, filling, and keeps well in the fridge. Ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It’s one of those meals that gets even better over time.
Get the Recipe: Carrot & Lentil Soup

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simplify your week with Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. This dish combines protein and vegetables, all roasted together for ease. You can make it in a big batch and portion it out for several meals. The flavors stay fresh and the chicken remains juicy. A minimalist approach to dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or convenience.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is super versatile and a great staple to have on hand. Prep a large batch and use it for tacos, burritos, or as a topping for nachos. It stores well in the fridge and can easily be reheated throughout the week. This meat dish adds a flavorful kick to a variety of meals. Saves loads of time during hectic weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore on a serving platter.
Chicken Cacciatore. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Upgrade your dinner game with Chicken Cacciatore. This dish features tender chicken simmered to perfection. You can prepare it in advance and heat it up when you’re ready to eat. Its rich flavors make it a gratifying choice for weeknight dinners. It’s hearty but doesn’t feel too heavy, making it a good balance for your menu.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatore

Creamy Potato-Bacon-Cheddar Soup

Two bowls of Creamy Potato-Bacon-Cheddar Soup topped with crispy bacon bits and chopped chives.
Creamy Potato-Bacon-Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Need a comforting dish? Creamy Potato-Bacon-Cheddar Soup is just right. Easy to make in large quantities, it’s rich, creamy, and very filling. This soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. It’s also quick to reheat, which is a big plus when you’re short on time. Ideal for a quick and hearty meal any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Potato-Bacon-Cheddar Soup

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos

Two pieces of Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos served on a black slate plate.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Spice up your meal planning with Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos. Easy to make in large quantities, they’re perfect for a quick meal any day. The assembled tacos keep well, so you can enjoy them throughout the week. Ideal for recreating that takeout feel at home. Delicious and perfect for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tired of the same old dinners? Beefy John Wayne Casserole is a tasty change of pace. It’s hearty, filling, and loaded with layers that all come together nicely. You can make it ahead and bake it when you’re ready. Leftovers taste great, so you can enjoy it more than once. It’s a surefire hit for feeding a hungry crowd or just simplifying your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *