Prep Smarter Not Harder With 23 Recipes For Busy Weeks

Busy weeks need easy meals that come together fast. With 23 simple recipes, cooking feels less like a chore and more like a quick solution. No long prep, no extra stress, just good food ready when needed. Smart cooking means less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy every bite.

Close-up of a bowl of roasted tomato soup topped with toasted bread chunks, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Start your morning right with Egg Bites, the perfect grab-and-go breakfast. Prepare a batch at the beginning of the week, and you won’t have to think about breakfast on those hectic mornings. They’re customizable with your favorite add-ins, ensuring everyone’s happy. Quick, easy, and packed with protein, they set the tone for a productive day.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

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.

Enjoy the earthy flavors of Mushroom Soup on any busy weeknight. This recipe allows for a quick blend of ingredients and a comforting dinner ready in no time. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Serve it up, sit back, and relax.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Scalloped Potatoes are perfect for those times you need a dish that’s both filling and stress-free to prepare. They can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed. Just pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

A close-up of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with croutons, a sprig of mint, and grated cheese.
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a quick vegetarian dinner, whip up Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. It’s thick, creamy, and filled with cheesy goodness, and comes together quickly for those nights you’re short on time. Plus, it reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Eggplant Casserole

A plate of eggplant casserole with sauce and cheese.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Put together Eggplant Casserole when you’re planning meals for the week. It’s excellent for making in large quantities and storing for later days. Reheating is easy, ensuring you have a delicious meal without additional prep.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

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.

When you need a warm hug on a cool evening, consider preparing Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. It’s both easy to make and freezes well, making it perfect for quick dinners. Just roast, blend, and store for those busy times. Ideal for a cozy meal after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Wild Rice Casserole

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

Meal prep is simplified with a hearty batch of Wild Rice Casserole. It incorporates all your ingredients in one dish, bakes in the oven, and is ready to serve any time you are. It’s as practical as it is delicious for busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

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.

Busy weeks call for simple solutions like Lentil Soup. It’s packed with nutrients and can be made in batches for meal prep. You can cook a large pot at the start of the week and enjoy it over several days. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Asparagus Casserole

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

Asparagus Casserole is a go-to when you need something that can sit in the fridge and still taste amazing days later. Prepare it over the weekend, and you’ll have something ready to heat up during the busier weekdays. It makes mealtime effortless and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus 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.

Minestrone Soup offers a delicious mix of veggies and beans that’s easy to throw together. With minimal prep and a slow cooker, this soup develops rich flavors throughout the day. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need dinner ready and waiting.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

A plate with a slice of Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole and a fork.
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be rushed with Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Prepare it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and you’ll have a hearty meal to keep you going. It’s also ideal for serving when you have morning guests.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

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.

Pasta Primavera is vibrant with vegetables and cooks up fast for an energizing meal. With one pot, your dinner is ready in no time and cleaning up is a breeze. Make it ahead and enjoy fresh, no-fuss meals on the go.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Potato Casserole

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

For those nights when you’re short on time but crave something hearty, Potato Casserole comes to the rescue. Easy to assemble ahead of time and pop in the oven when you’re ready, it’s a lifesaver. Each bite delivers that comforting, homemade taste. Plus, it pairs well with almost any main dish, making menu planning a snap.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

A bowl of Jamaican Red Beans and Rice.
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spice up your routine with Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. This dish can simmer while you tackle your to-do list, and the flavors only improve with time. It’s perfect to make ahead and doesn’t require constant attention.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

A Copycat Chipotle burrito bowl, filled with rice, fajita veggies, corn salsa, tortilla chips. and topped with a lime wedge.
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re after that restaurant flavor without leaving your home, Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl is your go-to. It’s customizable for each family member and easy to prep in large batches. Whip this up on a Sunday, and you’ve got flexible meal options for days. Plus, it beats waiting in line and keeps mealtime exciting.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Pizza Rolls

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

Turning a classic favorite into a bite-sized treat, Pizza Rolls are the ultimate snack or quick dinner. They’re a breeze to make in advance, freeze, and then bake as needed. Perfect for keeping hunger at bay during those packed weeks. It’s like having your own convenience food, but way better.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Corn Casserole is the side dish you didn’t know you needed. With its minimal prep work and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s ideal for busy weeknights. You can mix everything in one bowl, pour it into a baking dish, and forget about it until it’s done. It complements any meal, adding a touch of homemade comfort without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

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.

Mac and Cheese is not just a kid favorite; it’s perfect for adults looking for a quick comfort meal too. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to add in whatever extras you might have on hand. Preparing it at the start of the week saves time on busy nights and ensures there’s always a wholesome meal ready. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Stuffed Peppers

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

Stuffed Peppers make meal prep seem like a breeze, stuffing all your nutrients into one colorful package. They can easily be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge until it’s time to cook. Each pepper is a self-contained meal, making cleanup almost non-existent. It’s a straightforward way to get dinner on the table without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Ravioli Casserole

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

With Ravioli Casserole, you get to enjoy the flavors of a meticulously prepared pasta dish without all the work. Just layer your ingredients, bake, and you’re done. It’s the perfect dish to assemble ahead of time and bake when you’re ready to eat. This meal proves that you can have a delicious dinner on the table without slaving away for hours.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Copycat Impossible Burger

Close-up of a burger with a plant-based patty, lettuce, and sauce in a bun.
Copycat Impossible Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving that burger joint taste without the takeaway? Copycat Impossible Burger has got you covered. Perfect for meal-prepping, these can be formed and stored, ready to cook when the craving hits. It’s a delicious way to satisfy your fast-food cravings, knowing exactly what’s in your meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger

Hashbrown Casserole

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

When you’re looking for comfort food that won’t keep you in the kitchen all day, Hashbrown Casserole is the answer. It’s a simple dish that’s as wholesome as it is easy to make. Great for making ahead and reheating, it helps streamline those busy mornings or evenings. You get to enjoy all the coziness of a home-cooked meal without the lengthy prep time.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Roasted Tomato Soup

Close-up of a bowl of roasted tomato soup topped with toasted bread chunks, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing beats the simplicity and comfort of Roasted Tomato Soup. Roast your tomatoes ahead of time, and when you’re ready, blend everything up for a quick meal. It’s great for those colder days when you need warmth and comfort in a hurry. Plus, leftovers make a great lunch the next day, saving you even more time.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

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