23 Meals That Make One Protein Enough for the Whole Week

For those trying to budget or streamline cooking, 23 meals built around a single protein can make a huge difference. You can avoid scrambling for new dinner ideas every night and stick to what’s prepped. Variety doesn’t have to mean complicated recipes or long hours in the kitchen.

Vietnamese Shaking Beef

Restaurant cravings cool off once you try this Vietnamese Shaking Beef at home. Tender pieces sizzle and get perfectly browned, capturing just the right balance of comfort and excitement for winter nights. I enjoy piling every bite onto a bed of crisp greens. Seconds are pretty much guaranteed, especially after the first forkful.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Shaking Beef

Black Bean Burger

Hearty texture and a pleasing bite mean this Black Bean Burger goes further than you might think for weeklong meals. Each patty holds together nicely, so it’s great tucked in a bun or sliced over salads. I make extra, freezing some for quick lunches. The leftovers disappear before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger

Beef Chili

Cozy evenings have a way of feeling warmer with this Beef Chili in your dinner rotation. The rich, stewy base gets deeper with every bowlful. I offer plenty of fixings for customizing, and everyone gathers around until the last spoonful is gone. People talk about the rich flavor long after the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Chicken Noodle Soup

Steaming bowls of Chicken Noodle Soup chase away the cold, whether it’s for a dinner party or an easy lunch. Silky noodles and tender chicken make each bite healing and familiar. I dish out extra portions for anyone feeling under the weather. You’ll want another helping before you finish the first.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Dinners feel more lively when you use this Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos recipe throughout the week. Colorful and full of soft crunch, it’s a fun choice for big groups or quick meals. I turn to this one when I want something hearty but simple. Most reach for seconds without waiting.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Mexican Spaghetti

Mealtime gets an upgrade with a twist—this Mexican Spaghetti brings big, bold flavor to every strand. Layers of saucy goodness pair especially well with side salads and corn. I like to pile high plates for maximum comfort. Plates come back clean every single time.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Spaghetti

Turkey Soup

As the weather cools, nothing beats a bowl of this Turkey Soup loaded with rich broth and chunky vegetables. It’s my go-to after the holidays when you need a break from heavier meals. I freeze a few portions for busy days ahead. Friends often ask for the recipe before heading home.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup

Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi

There’s real magic in how quickly this Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi wins over even the pickiest eaters at the table. Creamy, comforting sauce with pillowy gnocchi brings comfort with every bite. I serve it for special dinners or a little extra cheer on gray days. The empty pan says it all.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Layered bowls packed with protein, grains, and veggies make this Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl a meal that carries you through the week. Every combination gets its own personality, so no two lunches are ever boring. I prep ingredients on Sundays for easy assembly. Most people end up adding this bowl to their regular meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Steamy, bold broth and crunchy toppings mean this Chicken Tortilla Soup never feels like repetition through the week. Aromas fill up the kitchen, pulling in anyone within smelling distance. I ladle up big servings for the table and stash extras for fast lunches. Folks come back asking for more even after seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Lamb Stew

Comfort gets a serious upgrade with this Lamb Stew, where veggies and tender bites create a deep richness you don’t see every day. Plating it up on chilly evenings makes everyone feel cared for. I double the recipe for easy reheating throughout the week. Comments about the full flavor never stop.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Stew

Veggie Burger

You’ll never miss the meat with this Veggie Burger that holds up to any occasion all week long. Firm patties stack perfectly in buns or over a bowl of grains. I like prepping extra and trying out different toppings every time. Hands reach for extras as soon as they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger

Skillet Miso Butter Chicken Thighs with Burnt Honey

Nutty, buttery aroma fills the kitchen as this Skillet Miso Butter Chicken Thighs with Burnt Honey finishes cooking. The glaze brings a new layer to a classic protein, perfect for shaking up winter dinners. I turn to it anytime a week needs a spark of something special. Everyone’s surprised by how much flavor a skillet can hold.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Miso Butter Chicken Thighs with Burnt Honey

Turkey Chili

Filling, spicy, and easy to reheat, this Turkey Chili is made for busy families and chilly nights. Every bowl brings warmth and a bit of fun with all the topping options. I like to have extra ready for lunches and late dinners. Bowls always seem to empty faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Beef Stew

Nothing says “comfort” quite like this Beef Stew with thick, hearty broth and chunks that melt right in your mouth. Each bite chases away winter weather and long days. I portion it out into lunch containers for the week. People marvel at its cozy flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Savory beans pack enough punch to anchor dinners just like their restaurant inspiration in this Copycat Chipotle Black Beans recipe. Bowls can be the star of burritos or play backup to salads and bowls. I cook extra to throw into meals all week. Everyone wants tips on how to get that flavor at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Japanese Chicken Curry

Deep, rich gravy and fork-tender chicken make this Japanese Chicken Curry an unexpected treat for a whole week of meals. The blend of spices keeps things interesting without feeling heavy. I scoop large portions for dinner and save extra for midday leftovers. The dish disappears quickly, every time.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Chicken Curry

Beef and Guinness Stew

A dark broth and slow-cooked flavor set this Beef and Guinness Stew apart as a real winter staple. Each spoonful feels hearty and comforting. I find leftovers get even richer a day later. Everyone at the table shares in the excitement of digging in.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Guinness Stew

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Sticky sweetness and a gentle tang help this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe cross right over into lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week. Flavors cling to each piece in the best way possible. I count on leftovers to top salads or stuff sandwiches. No one complains when there’s more than enough to go around.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Hamburger Soup

Cold weather means a batch of this Hamburger Soup can carry you through days of busy schedules or surprise visits. A meaty base keeps things hearty, while veggies add bites of freshness. I serve it with crusty bread for a real winter meal. Most folks want seconds as soon as they finish their bowls.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Soup

Flaky Chicken Pot Pie

Wrapped beneath a tender crust, this Flaky Chicken Pot Pie delivers comfort you can count on all week. The steamy filling warms hands and hearts alike. I bake extra pies and freeze portions for busy nights. Smiles come quickly at the sight of each golden top.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Chicken Pot Pie

Rasta Pasta

Pasta never gets boring when you bring in big island flair with this Rasta Pasta recipe. Creamy sauce and a subtle kick make it the kind of dinner you’ll crave again and again. I blend up more sauce to save as a base for lunches. Every bite leaves you wanting that little bit more.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta

Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Weeknights catch a break thanks to this Sheet Pan Quesadillas method that churns out big-batch meals in a hurry. Gooey slices are easy to grab and just as tasty at lunch the next day. I switch up fillings so every batch is fresh. Plates clear out before the next tray has cooled.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Quesadillas