Stop Dinner Panic In Its Tracks With 23 Easy Prep Recipes

Say goodbye to standing in the kitchen wondering what to make. These 23 easy prep recipes mean no more scrambling for last-minute dinner ideas. They’re simple enough to keep things moving but still deliver meals you’ll actually want to eat. Let the chaos stay at work—your dinner can handle itself!

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

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.

Rich and comforting, this soup is perfect for when you need something hearty without much effort. Mushroom Soup brings bold earthy notes in every spoonful, making it feel like a complete meal. It’s simple to prepare and leaves you feeling warm and cozy inside. Perfect for busy days when you want good food fast.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup

Scalloped Potatoes

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

Layers of creamy goodness make Scalloped Potatoes an instant hit at any table. This dish is a go-to when you’re craving something indulgent yet easy to prep. Each bite brings comforting textures that make you want seconds. Whether it’s for dinner or a side, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
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.

Looking for a way to make broccoli exciting? Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup is your answer. It’s rich, velvety, and perfect when you need something quick and comforting. Easy to whip up, this soup makes a great meal or side without much fuss.
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.

This hearty Eggplant Casserole turns simple ingredients into a dinner worth remembering. It’s packed with comforting textures and fulfilling flavors that feel like a hug in a dish. Great for weeknights when you want something wholesome but easy. It’s the kind of recipe that might even convert eggplant skeptics.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Egg Bites

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

Quick, portable, and packed with protein, Egg Bites are a lifesaver for busy mornings. These little bites are easy to prep ahead and grab on your way out the door. They work as a snack or part of a bigger breakfast spread. No fuss, no mess—just good food that keeps you going.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

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.

Few dishes are as universally loved as Mac and Cheese. This version is creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting, perfect for any meal. It’s great for feeding picky eaters or indulging in a quick, homemade classic. A staple that never gets old and always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Ravioli Casserole

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

Combining the heartiness of ravioli with the ease of a casserole, Ravioli Casserole is a game-changer. It’s all about layering comfort into a dish that’s simple to put together. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this recipe is as fulfilling as it is convenient. You’ll love how quickly it disappears from the table.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli 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.

Smooth and cozy, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is perfect when you need a bowl of comfort. Packed with wholesome goodness, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to whip up on busy days. Great for dinner or as a starter to impress your crowd—plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

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.

Bursting with vibrant textures, Pasta Primavera makes weeknight dinners easy and fresh. It’s quick to throw together and works as a main or a side dish. You’ll appreciate how it feels both light and fulfilling in the same bite. A perfect go-to when you need something simple and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Wild Rice Casserole

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

Nutty, hearty, and filling, Wild Rice Casserole is a dinner that ticks all the boxes. It’s easy to prep and comes together with minimal fuss for busy evenings. You’ll love the depth and richness packed into every bite. Perfect for when you need something simple yet impressive.
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.

Warm and hearty, Lentil Soup is the perfect bowl to keep hunger at bay. It’s simple to make, filling, and great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. The texture makes every spoonful fulfilling without being too heavy. A classic that’s always a good idea on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

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

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice brings bold island vibes straight to your plate. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for spicing up your dinner rotation. This dish is as easy as it is flavorful, making it ideal for busy nights. Whether as a main or a side, it’s a winner every time.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

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.

Packed with variety, Minestrone Soup feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s hearty enough to be a meal and quick enough to throw together on a busy evening. This classic soup has a little bit of everything for everyone at the table. A go-to recipe for when you want simple, wholesome food fast.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Asparagus Casserole

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

Light yet hearty, Asparagus Casserole is the perfect dish for any mealtime. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and offers a great way to enjoy a veggie-packed dinner. Whether as a side or a main, it’s versatile and quick to whip up. You’ll love how it turns simple ingredients into something special.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus 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.

This soup is the answer to those busy nights when dinner needs to be quick. Roasted Tomato Soup is rich, filling, and pairs well with almost anything. It’s a lifesaver when you want comfort without too much effort. Keep this in your rotation for a no-fuss win every time.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

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.

When you crave bold flavors but don’t want to leave the house, this dish is your hero. Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl delivers that restaurant feel without the price tag. It’s a crowd-pleaser with layers of goodness packed in every bite. Say goodbye to boring dinners with this on your menu.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Hashbrown Casserole

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

Need something hearty to please everyone? Hashbrown Casserole is the kind of meal that brings people back for seconds. It’s cozy, filling, and checks all the boxes for a no-stress dinner. Perfect for those moments when you want big results with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Pizza Rolls

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

Snack time or mealtime, Pizza Rolls always hit the mark. These are the go-to when hunger strikes, and you need something quick and fun. They’re easy to make but feel like a special treat every time. Keep a stash ready for a guaranteed hit.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Potato Casserole

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

Few things beat the comfort of a Potato Casserole on the table. This dish is simple but always delivers, making it a reliable choice. It’s versatile enough for any occasion and fulfillingg without being overcomplicated. Your family will thank you for bringing this to the mix.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Stuffed Peppers

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

For a meal that looks impressive but doesn’t require much effort, try Stuffed Peppers. They’re packed with hearty goodness and are perfect for busy nights. The best part? They’re just as good reheated, making them great for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Corn Casserole

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

Corn Casserole is the dish that works every time, no matter who’s eating. It’s simple, cozy, and always a hit around the table. Whether it’s a side or the main event, it knows how to shine. You’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Corn 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.

When a burger craving strikes, Copycat Impossible Burger comes to the rescue. It’s hearty, satisfying, and tastes just as good as the original. Perfect for anyone looking for a meatless option without compromise. Add it to your dinner list for an easy and filling choice.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger

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 for dinner? Yes, please! Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to mix things up. It’s hearty enough to fuel any busy evening, with flavors that feel like comfort food. This dish is proof that breakfast isn’t just for mornings.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

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