29 Easy Meal Prep Recipes So You Can Stop Making Dinner Every Night

Making food ahead of time helps save stress and time during the week. One cooking session can lead to many tasty meals ready to go. No need to think about what to make every night. These recipes are simple, filling, and good for busy days. Here are 29 easy meal prep recipes so making dinner every night can stop.

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layers of soft ravioli baked together with rich flavors make dinner prep quick and simple. The cheesy goodness melts into every bite once everything is cooked to perfection. Ravioli Casserole works wonders for busy weekdays when you need something filling. Perfect for throwing together ahead of time and reheating whenever you’re ready.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Strawberry Pie

Close-up of a strawberry pizza featuring a thin crust topped with a layer of strawberry sauce and sliced strawberries, evoking the delightful appearance of a strawberry pie with its vibrant red color.
Strawberry Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Loaded with fresh sweetness and baked into a flaky crust, it’s a breeze to make ahead. Once chilled, Strawberry Pie becomes a treat that feels like you’ve put in hours of effort. It’s ideal when you’re craving something simple and rewarding. This recipe works as a no-fuss dessert you can cut and serve whenever needed.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pie

Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tender eggplant layered with bold flavors makes this dish simple but hearty. With Eggplant Casserole, you’ve got a recipe that’s easy to prepare and even easier to reheat. It’s the type of comfort food that saves time but still feels perfect. Perfect for making a big batch and enjoying over several dinners.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy and fluffy goodness that’s ridiculously easy to whip up ahead of time. Mashed Potatoes are great for pairing with almost anything and take minimal effort to prep. When you’re short on time but want something comforting, this dish delivers. Make extra and have it ready for multiple meals during the week.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Packed with tender asparagus and baked to perfection for a no-stress prep. Asparagus Casserole is something you can throw together in advance and heat up whenever. It’s simple, wholesome, and makes dinner planning way more manageable. You’ll love how easy it is to make without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Chickpea Curry

Bowl of chickpea stew with spinach, potatoes, tomatoes, and topped with fresh cilantro.
Chickpea Curry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich and hearty with bold flavors, it’s perfect for cooking ahead and letting the flavors deepen. Chickpea Curry makes dinners easier since it only gets better when reheated. It’s a low-effort recipe that fills you up without taking too much time. Great for portioning out over several nights to stay ahead on meals.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Curry

Huevos Rancheros

A plate of huevos rancheros with sunny-side-up eggs, avocado slices, refried beans, tomato sauce, crumbled cheese, and garnished with green onions and cilantro.
Huevos Rancheros. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Quick, filling, and packed with flavor for a simple but delicious meal. Huevos Rancheros are the perfect prep-ahead dish for busy days when you just want something you can grab and warm up. This recipe feels fresh and timeless, even after being stored. An easy way to enjoy bold flavors without putting in much effort.
Get the Recipe: Huevos Rancheros

Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vibrant and packed with flavor, they’re simple to prep and reheat throughout the week. Stuffed Peppers are fantastic for making in batches so you’re not scrambling for dinner every night. They hold up well and make life easier when meal planning ahead. Easy to serve and enjoy with little hassle.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A hearty dish with bold spices that’s perfect for prepping ahead and saving time during busy nights. Jamaican Red Beans and Rice gives you a no-fuss way to enjoy something filling without starting from scratch each evening. You can make a large batch and portion it out for easy reheating. An ideal option for staying ahead with meals.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Lentil Soup

A hearty bowl of savory lentil soup, beautifully garnished with fresh cilantro, a swirl of cream, and an aromatic blend of spices.
Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm, comforting, and ridiculously easy to prepare in advance, it’s a great go-to for simple meals. Lentil Soup saves you time while still delivering deep flavors after sitting and reheating. Make a pot over the weekend, and enjoy it all week without the hassle. It’s one of those recipes that’s hassle-free and works any time you need it.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Epic Bean Chili

Two bowls of chili with onions and sour cream.
Epic Bean Chili. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Perfumed with deep flavors and ridiculously easy to store for multiple meals, it’s a no-brainer for busy schedules. Epic Bean Chili is heavy on taste and light on prep, making it perfect to tackle ahead of time. Serve it up once or save portions for later without compromising on flavor. A simple, hearty dish that takes the stress out of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Epic Bean Chili

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s easy to whip up and store to enjoy later. Mac and Cheese heats up perfectly, saving time while still feeling comforting after a long day. Cooked once, it’s the type of dish that lasts through busy weeks without making endless meals. A go-to for stress-free weeknight planning.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Filled with vibrant flavors but ridiculously easy to put together ahead of time. Pasta Primavera simplifies dinner since you can prep a batch and reheat it as needed. It’s ideal for cutting back on weeknight cooking without compromising on meals. The kind of dish that helps you stay ahead without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a chocolate chip cookie on a cooling rack.
Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft and chewy sweetness that’s easy to prepare ahead and enjoy whenever you’re ready. Chocolate Chip Cookies store well, letting you have a ready-made treat without making dessert every night. They’re quick to make, simple to keep, and timeless for just about any occasion. Perfect for cutting down on effort in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Close-up of a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup garnished with herbs, seeds, and two slices of seasoned bread. The soup has a swirled texture and a vibrant orange color.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy and rich with warming flavors that save you time on busy nights, it’s incredibly simple to make ahead. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup reheats beautifully, letting you enjoy it over multiple meals with no hassle. A great way to streamline dinner without sacrificing taste. Planning ahead has never been so perfect.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Black Bean Sliders

A black bean burger with a slice of cheese, cilantro, and red onion, served on a toasted bun.
Black Bean Sliders. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These bite-sized creations are simple to make and packed with flavor. With the basics in hand, you can prep them ahead for a quick lunch or dinner solution. The charm of Black Bean Sliders lies in their perfect size and ease of assembling. No more last-minute kitchen stress when these are part of your meal prep!
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Sliders

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

It’s one of those dishes that’s quick to put together and works great for busy evenings. Prep a batch of Macaroni Salad, and you’ll always have a cold, creamy dish ready to pair with your meals. You’ll find it handy when the thought of cooking feels too tiring. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge for multiple days.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you need a fast comfort food option, these roll-ups hit the spot. Store-ready ingredients make Pizza Rolls straightforward to assemble, even when time is tight. The rolled-up goodness saves you from repeating dinner cooking chaos during the week. Finish and freeze for pop-in-the-oven convenience.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Marry Me Butter Beans

A cast iron skillet with creamy pasta mixed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with cheese, with a wooden spoon resting inside.
Marry Me Butter Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

They’re hearty and easy to throw together, making them a great choice for meal prep. The allure of Marry Me Butter Beans lies in their simplicity and ability to stay tasty over time. They’re perfect to portion out into containers for grab-and-go lunches. Saves time without sacrificing flavor on busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Butter Beans

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A no-fuss recipe that’s easy to prep ahead and stash in the fridge or freezer. Adding Three Cheese Manicotti to your rotation means you’ll have a filling yet straightforward dish waiting anytime. It’s versatile and ideal for those nights when cooking feels impossible. Minimal assembly, big payoff when reheated!
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

White Bean Soup

A bowl of hearty white bean soup topped with melted cheese and a slice of toasted bread, garnished with fresh parsley.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Perfectly suited for prepping ahead, it’s filling and keeps well for days. White Bean Soup is a great option to cook once and enjoy throughout the week. Store it in containers for easy heating, and you’ve got effortless meals without the daily cooking hassle. Keeps things simple and efficient in the kitchen!
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Tortellini Soup

A close-up of creamy tortellini with spinach and fresh basil leaves.
Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A one-pot wonder that makes meal prep smooth and stress-free. Whip up Tortellini Soup ahead, and you’ll have hearty bowls ready to reheat whenever hunger strikes. Its consistency ensures easy storage and warming, saving you tons of time later. Great for dividing into quick lunch portions or evening meals.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

A stack of four fluffy pancakes topped with fresh raspberries, pear slices, and a drizzle of syrup.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

They’re easy to mix up and turn into a batch for storage and reheating. Cottage Cheese Pancakes ensure you’ve got breakfast sorted without morning effort. Pack them for quick weekday convenience or enjoy them in quieter moments. No daily pan-cleaning needed when these are ready in advance!
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Mushroom Soup

Mushroom soup that's delightfully creamy, adorned with sautéed mushrooms, a dollop of cream, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of parsley.
Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

It’s straightforward, quick, and keeps well for reheating. With Mushroom Soup, you’ve got a meal that combines ease of prepping ahead with rich flavor. Store multiple portions for light dinners or quick lunches that are good to go. No need to slug through dinner-making every night anymore!
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Filling, budget-friendly, and simple enough to throw together for meal prepping. Potato Casserole works as a go-to dish for portioning out and storing for hassle-free reheating. It saves effort while giving everyone something hearty to dig into without daily cooking. Ideal for stocking up meals that last through busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Minestrone Soup

A bowl of hearty minestrone soup packed with green beans, pasta, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread slices.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Batch cooking takes center stage here, ensuring easy servings for days. Build prep savings into your week with Minestrone Soup, a dish you can enjoy more than once. It’s simple, flavorful, and stores like a charm in meal containers. Skip repetitive dinner-making madness with this option on hand!
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

It’s easy to make and can be neatly portioned for multiple meals during the week. Putting together Hashbrown Casserole means less worry about nightly cooking while still enjoying something hearty. Reheat portions whenever you need, cutting down on kitchen chaos. Great for meal prep and keeping everyone full without too much fuss!
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Rhubarb Cake

Slice of rhubarb cake dusted with powdered sugar, on a white plate, with a silver spoon beside it.
Rhubarb Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A sweet option that’s effortless to prep ahead for desserts that last through your week. With Rhubarb Cake, you’ve got a treat that’s low-stress and freezer-friendly. Slice it up and store away for easy post-dinner indulgence without late-night baking. Keeps meal prep fun and ensures dessert never feels time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Cake

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fuss-free and simple to portion for meal prep success in busy weeks. Setting up Wild Rice Casserole makes dinner planning easier without compromising variety. Its storage-friendly nature makes it perfect for reheating, avoiding multiple kitchen runs. A straightforward choice for reliable meals prepped ahead!
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

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