Planning meals just got easier with 15 recipes that make prep time feel effortless. They’re practical, adaptable, and take the guesswork out of eating well during a busy week. Whether you need something for work lunches or dinner on the go, these recipes have it covered. A few simple steps now mean you’ll always have something ready to go later, keeping fridge frustration to a minimum.
Corn Chowder
When you need some comfort in a bowl, there’s nothing quite like Corn Chowder. It’s hearty and fills you up after a long day, perfect for when you want something comforting without fussing over the stove. Make a big batch on Sunday and you’re set for a couple of lunches or dinners throughout the week. It’s easy to heat up, and if you’re feeling fancy, toss in a handful of your favorite herbs right before you dig in.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder
Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Say goodbye to those uninspired dinners with an Easy Meatloaf Recipe. This classic dish is just the right mix of simple preparation and delicious results. It’s a fantastic option to prepare in advance, ensuring you have a protein-packed dinner on stand-by. Great on its own or paired with a side, it transforms your meal prep into a breeze. Slice it up for sandwiches the next day, making your lunch routine equally effortless.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Breakfast Burritos
Don’t skip the most important meal of the day when you have Breakfast Burritos waiting for you in the freezer. Jam-packed with flavor, they’re easy to grab on your way out the door during a hectic morning. Meal prepping these beauties means you’ve got a tasty and filling breakfast option all week long. Just a quick warm-up and you’re good to go with a hand-held meal that keeps hunger at bay.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Burritos
Cowboy Casserole
For those evenings when only something rich and hearty will do, reach for a Cowboy Casserole you’ve prepped ahead of time. Laden with layers of gratifying textures, it’s a dish that comforts as much as it fills. It’s a breeze to reheat, saving your precious time on busy nights. Ideal for when you’ve got big appetites to feed, this casserole stands up to the hunger challenge.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole
Spaghetti Bolognese
A pot of Spaghetti Bolognese has your back when you need a quick dinner solution. It’s the kind of meal where leftovers mean you’re in for another round of enjoyment, not just a way to fill up. It represents the joy of home cooking without the daily hassle, especially when made in advance. Give yourself a pat on the back for thinking ahead and making weekday dinners a bit of a no-brainer.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Get your soup game on with a creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, offering a soothing hug with every spoonful. Designed to keep well, it’s a choice pick for those who plan their meals with care. Strike off one worry from your busy schedule, knowing you have a smooth, velvety lunch or dinner ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Kung Pao Chicken
With Kung Pao Chicken, give your meal rotation a kick . It’s about making sure you have that gratifying crunch and balance of flavors, all prepared in advance. When takeaway cravings hit mid-week, this dish has you covered with its bold taste. The bonus is that it packs up nicely for a next-day lunch that beats out sandwich monotony. It’s a meal that proves planning ahead doesn’t mean sacrificing excitement on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Pasta Carbonara
For classic comfort, nothing beats the creamy consistency of Pasta Carbonara. Its preparatory simplicity belies the punch of flavor it delivers. Having it on standby means any day can feel a little more indulgent without extra work. Revel in knowing you have a no-stress meal that just needs a quick heat-up and it’s ready to enjoy. Nothing says ‘dining in style’ quite like twirling up a forkful of this classic pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
Breakfast Casserole
Start your day off robustly with a pre-made Breakfast Casserole. It’s your secret weapon against the mundane morning toast or cereal. Layered, baked, and full of the good stuff, it’s been waiting for you to simply slice and serve. A great option for feeding a family or for ensuring you’ve got a high-energy breakfast all week. Breakfast suddenly becomes less about rushing and more about nourishing with this time-saver.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole
Roasted Tomato Soup
When simplicity meets depth of flavor, Roasted Tomato Soup is what you get. Each spoonful is a testament to the magic that happens when you roast and simmer with intention. Ideal for both light lunches and as a dinner starter, its versatility in meal prep is unmatched. Anticipate the satisfaction of a meal that’s both comforting and straightforward to serve.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup
Homemade Lasagna
Homemade Lasagna is a classic that never fails to please. Layered, rich, and hearty, it makes a dinner that everyone looks forward to. Plus, it freezes well, making it a star choice for meal prep. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, lasagna is ready to satisfy and comfort. It’s a true time-saver without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna
Minestrone Soup
Dip your spoon into the robust world of a well-made Minestrone Soup. Each batch is an ode to variety, offering a hearty option that’s as filling as it is flavorful. It’s a meal that sticks to your ribs and provides the kind of comfort only a good soup can. On busy nights, isn’t it nice to know you’ve got a nutrient-packed dinner just waiting to be warmed up? Plus, it’s a practical way to get your veggies in without a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup
Beef Bourguignon
When it’s time to add a dash of elegance to your meal prep, Beef Bourguignon does just the trick. This dish speaks to the heart of a good stew – tender, rich, and gratifying. Prepare it ahead and give yourself something to look forward to after a demanding day. It’s a reminder that some dishes just get better with time, with flavors melding and intensifying in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon
Easy Chicken Tenders
You can’t go wrong with some Easy Chicken Tenders at the ready. These are your answer to “what’s for dinner?” on nights when time and energy are in short supply. They’re versatile, quick to reheat, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Forget about the drive-thru; this is fast food done right at home. Add your favorite dip or side, and watch them become a repeat request.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup
When you crave a meal that combines nutrition with indulgence, look no further than Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. It’s like a comforting embrace in edible form, waiting for you to reheat and relish any day of the week. This soup manages to feel both lush and wholesome, catering to your hunger with each bite. Meal prepping this dish means granting yourself permission to enjoy a mid-week treat that’s good for you.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup
