Solve Dinner Once And For All With 29 Simple Meal Prep Ideas

Ever felt stuck on what to make for dinner? Found a list of 29 simple meal prep ideas that can solve that problem. These ideas make planning and cooking meals a breeze, saving loads of time. Now, evenings can be more about relaxing and less about fretting over what to eat.

Close-up of a creamy macaroni and cheese dish with visible black pepper seasoning.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.

Get the fast-casual experience right at home with Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl as a meal prep staple. Have your own custom blend ready to go, making dinner feel like a special treat. No lines or waiting, just pure convenience on a plate. Plus, it’s a breeze to switch up the toppings for variety each night.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Tortellini Soup

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

Warm up your evenings with a bowl of Tortellini Soup that perfectly fits your meal prep plan. Make a large pot early in the week to enjoy effortless, cozy dinners. Reheating is a breeze, saving you precious time. It’s all about enjoying homemade without the daily hassle.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions on a baking sheet.
Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Twice Baked Potatoes bring flair to your weekly meal lineup. Prepare these ahead, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing side ready to go. Reheat and serve; it’s that simple. They offer the perfect blend of convenience and home-cooked goodness.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Vegan Ratatouille

A flavorful ratatouille recipe prepared in a skillet filled with vegetables and herbs.
Vegan Ratatouille. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Enjoy the robust flavors of Vegan Ratatouille with minimal evening effort. Cook once, eat multiple times, it’s perfect for the busy weeknight. This dish brings vibrant veggies and bold flavors to your table with ease. Plus, it’s healthy—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

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.

Indulge in a world of cheese with Three Cheese Manicotti. It’s made in big batches to solve weeknight dinner rushes. Just pull it from the fridge, reheat, and serve. Quick, simple, and always a hit when you need it most.
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.

Light yet filling, White Bean Soup is a staple for efficient meal prep. Make a big pot on Sunday, and you’re set for several nights. It’s as easy as reheating and serving. Not only these are quick to make, but packed with nutrients too.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Vegetarian Chili

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

Bulk cook some Vegetarian Chili and freeze it for those times when cooking feels like a chore. It’s hearty, nourishing, and warms you up nicely. Even better, it keeps well, and flavors meld beautifully over time. Just heat and serve for a quick, fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Chili

Stuffed Peppers

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

Prep some colorful Stuffed Peppers and you’ve got a meal that doubles as eye candy. They’re a hit for a well-rounded dinner and are microwave-friendly when you’re crunched for time. Personalize them during prep, and you’ll have a week’s worth of wholesome goodness. It’s like unwrapping a delicious present at mealtime, every time.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Vegetarian Stew

Vegetable Stew in a pot with lid.
Vegetarian Stew. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With Vegetarian Stew on your meal prep list, dinners just became less stressful. It’s hearty and heats up like a dream. Each bowlful reinvigorates you after a long day. Plus, making it in advance means your work is done come dinnertime.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Stew

Hashbrown Casserole

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

When time’s not on your side, a prepped dish like Hashbrown Casserole comes to the rescue. It’s the kind of meal that’s ready with minimal effort after a busy workday. You’ll appreciate how it ensures a filling dinner for the entire family. And when reheating is a breeze, you’ll be sold on its convenience.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown 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.

A colorful bowl of Minestrone Soup offers a veggie-packed solution to dinner indecision. Each reheated serving tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s a meal that brings both nutrition and convenience to the forefront. Dig into a bowl and let it wrap up your day nicely.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

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

Whip up a batch of Jamaican Red Beans and Rice and watch your dinners transform. It’s the kind of meal that keeps well and tastes just as fresh days after. Simplicity and flavor go hand in hand here, perfect for when time is scarce. Plus, it’s a wallet-friendly option that consistently pleases.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

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.

Meal prep can be a snap with a breakfast favorite turned dinner standout – enter Huevos Rancheros. A dish as colorful as it is filling, it’ll keep your weeknight dining far from dull. A quick heat-up and your flavorful creation is ready to serve. It’s easy to see why it’s a go-to for a laid-back yet hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Huevos Rancheros

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.

Have a pot of Lentil Soup waiting for you, and those chilly evenings get a lot better. It’s a comforting choice that wraps up the day in a nutritious embrace. The ease of heating through a serving makes it a real weeknight hero. Plus, it’s a meal that’s both uncomplicated and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

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.

Craving some comfort after a long day? A meal prepped Mac and Cheese hits the spot without the extra work. Preparing a large batch translates into multiple stress-free dinners. It’s a universally loved dish that brings a smile around the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Chickpea Curry

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

Chickpea Curry proves that meal prep doesn’t mean skimping on flavor. It’s the dish that enlivens your dinner rotation and just gets better with time. A reheat away from a meal that’s as nutritious as it is convenient, it’s ideal for busy nights. Plus, it makes dabbling in new cuisines absolutely effortless.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Curry

Mashed Potatoes

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

With Mashed Potatoes ready to go, you’ve got a side that’s as versatile as it is quick to serve. Its creamy texture complements a wide range of main dishes. Having them ready means one less thing to prepare at dinner time. It’s a simple touch that easily rounds out your meal.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Asparagus Casserole

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

Let an Asparagus Casserole be the highlight of your weekly meal plan. It turns a simple vegetable into a standout dish. Great for a make-ahead strategy, it offers a different angle on greens. And since it microwaves like a dream, you’ve got a side ready at lightning speed.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

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.

Come home to a pot of Mushroom Soup and let simplicity reign. It’s creamy, it’s effortless, and it’s a guaranteed hit when you’re short on time. Enjoying a silky serving is as easy as warming it up. It effortlessly fits into your meal prep plan for a no-fuss dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup

Ravioli Casserole

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

Spin your meal prep routine with Ravioli Casserole, where convenience and coziness meet. Oven-ready in moments, it’s the warmth your dinner table beckons for. Each layer is a testament to your smart planning. Enjoy the bliss of homey flavors without the daily toil in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli 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.

Filling your kitchen with fresh and vibrant dishes, Pasta Primavera is the hero of make-ahead meals. It’s packed with veggies and can be reheated in a snap for a quick dinner fix. Leftovers from a big batch ensure several stress-free evenings. Who knew that a simple pasta could be such a game changer for meal prep?
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

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.

Cozy up with a bowl of Roasted Butternut Squash Soup after a long day. It’s a smooth texture and rich flavor that reheats with ease. Having it on deck guarantees a soul-warming meal is minutes away. It’s all about that gentle sweetness to end your day on a soothing note.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Pizza Rolls

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

Imagine whipping up some Pizza Rolls for a fun twist on dinner that’s a cinch to serve any night. They morph from freezer to oven to table without any fuss. Everyone’s eyes light up at a plateful of these bite-sized treats. Bonus: They’re perfect for sneaking in a variety of fillings for a tasty surprise.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Potato Casserole

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

There’s nothing like a Potato Casserole to transform meal prep into a comfort feast. It’s that dish that just needs a quick reheat to round out your meal. The leftovers taste as if you’ve just made it – no one would guess it’s a make-ahead wonder. On hectic nights, it’s your secret weapon for a no-stress side.
Get the Recipe: Potato 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 homemade Roasted Tomato Soup when you need dinner ready in a flash. It captures the essence of roasted tomatoes in a bowl that’s quick to heat up. Keep it at the ready for an almost instant homemade meal. It’s a classic choice for those evenings when time just isn’t your friend.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Slice of cheesecake topped with caramel, pretzel, pecan, and sea salt on a plate, with a spoon beside it.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweeten your meal prep routine with Salted Caramel Cheesecake, always ready to impress. Each slice offers a creamy, dreamy escape at the end of a meal. It’s the effortless dessert that awaits in your fridge, indulgence made easy. Let each bite wrap up your dining experience with a ribbon of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Scalloped Potatoes

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

With a dish like Scalloped Potatoes in your meal prep arsenal, dinnertime feels like a breeze. This creamy, comforting side dish is always ready to complement your main course. Heat it up while you set the table, and voilà, dinner service is complete. It’s the no-fuss solution to adding a little luxury to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Wild Rice Casserole

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

Settle in for the week with Wild Rice Casserole, a dish that’s easy to assemble ahead. It’s full of flavor and fits right into your meal prep scheme. Just reheat when it’s time to eat. It’s a no-fuss solution to wholesome weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy macaroni and cheese dish with visible black pepper seasoning.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Liven up your meal routine with Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and best of all, it reheats wonderfully. Prep it ahead for those busy evenings when you crave comfort without the effort. Every bite is a creamy delight—a guaranteed family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

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