31 Fall Meal Prep Recipes I Always Come Back To

Fall has a way of making people crave order, warmth, and food that doesn’t ask for much. That’s where these 31 meal prep recipes come in handy. They’re the kind you pack up, forget about, and then thank yourself for later. Week after week, they manage to show up, taste good, and make you wonder why every season can’t be this easy.

Baked bow-tie pasta with cherry tomatoes, creamy sauce, basil leaves, and red pepper flakes in a white dish.
Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Viral Recipe. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce.
Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Busy weeks get easier when bite-sized pieces fill snack boxes and lunch plates. Scooping up Chick-fil-A Nuggets means fast lunches for any day of the week. These are quick to heat up after practice or work. The crunch stays strong even after reheating. Always a crowd favorite and never any leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Pumpkin Coffee Cake

A stack of pumpkin coffee cake squares with crumb topping and white glaze, arranged on a wooden board.
Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Brunch or dessert gets sweeter with soft layers and a good crumb top. Slicing into Pumpkin Coffee Cake sends the kitchen into breakfast mode no matter the hour. Great with hot drinks or late-night cravings. Packs up quick for work snacks. Nobody complains when it shows up after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Shredded chicken mixed with sliced green peppers and seasoning in a green bowl.
Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Comfort food hits right when dinner feels complicated and time is short. Pulling apart Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken means sandwiches or bowls come together in minutes. Stays juicy all week in the fridge. Easy to double for meal prep. Works late at night or early in the morning.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Cinnamon Applesauce

A jar labeled
Cinnamon Applesauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet snacks do double duty as toppings or side dishes every time the jar comes out. Spoonfuls of Cinnamon Applesauce bring just enough kick for oatmeal or toast. Great for adding to pancakes or smoothies. Stays fresh for days. Makes a solid snack between meals.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Applesauce

Stuffed Cabbage

Close-up of stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice and ground meat, topped with tomato sauce and garnished with chopped herbs.
Stuffed Cabbage. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layered dinners feel special even when time is running low at night. Cutting into Stuffed Cabbage gives you a mix of soft filling and veggie cover that reheat well. Best for big family meals. Good for packing as next-day lunch. Plates clear quickly whenever it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage

Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread muffins topped with sliced jalapeños in white paper liners, arranged on a wooden surface.
Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Savory muffins keep lunches and soups interesting with a hint of heat. Breaking open Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins reveals a soft inside with a crispy bite. Handy for grab-and-go snacks. They freeze easy so you’re never out of options. Always goes with cheese or chili dishes.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Turkey Pinwheels

Turkey Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.
Turkey Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Lunchboxes get packed fast when wraps come rolled and sliced into easy bites. Stacking up Turkey Pinwheels brings variety to monotonous lunches. They hold together well for kids or for quick meals. No soggy bread to worry about. Plates stay clean after everyone grabs a piece.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pinwheels

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Close-up of a beef pot roast with mushrooms, carrots, and garnished with rosemary sprigs on a white plate.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

One-pot meals fix dinner plans for rushed afternoons. Chunks from Slow Cooker Pot Roast stay warm and soft all evening. Easy for serving big groups or for meal prepping extras. Works for sandwiches or fork meals. The leftovers turn into soups and wraps quickly.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Cowboy Sliders

A close-up of sliders filled with cooked ground beef, melted cheese, bacon, and sliced jalapeños on a white surface, with some jalapeño slices scattered nearby.
Cowboy Sliders. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Sandwich night feels upgraded when patties come mini-sized for sharing. Plating Cowboy Sliders makes weeknight dinners more fun. Easy to pack for lunches. Piles up well for game nights. Always gets finished by the end of the hour.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheels filled with a creamy mixture, garnished with herbs, served with bowls of salsa and breadcrumbs.
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spicy flavors make snack time more exciting when wraps get rolled and cut. Grabbing Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels is perfect for potlucks or busy afternoons. They store easily for next-day meals. The kick stays strong after chilling. You can count on empty platters every time.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Cream Cheese Brownies

Brownies with a cream cheese layer in the center are cut into squares and arranged on parchment paper.
Cream Cheese Brownies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert rounds out any meal prep with gooey bars and a swirl on top. Slicing through Cream Cheese Brownies means no crumb gets wasted. Easy to pack for work snacks. Great for sharing or freezing for quick sugar fixes. Never sticks around long enough for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Brownies

Eggs Benedict Casserole

A serving of bread pudding with a creamy sauce and chopped herbs is lifted from a baking dish.
Eggs Benedict Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Diner plates at home get easier when everything bakes in one tray for breakfast or brunch. Serving up Eggs Benedict Casserole helps make mornings fuss-free. Handy for meal prep since it reheats well. Good for dinners too. Always gets a round of “make it again” requests.
Get the Recipe: Eggs Benedict Casserole

Chicken and Waffles

A stack of waffles and fried chicken pieces with syrup being poured on top, served on a beige plate.
Chicken and Waffles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet and savory bites make meal prep lunches more exciting with crispy layers. Chicken and Waffles brings a classic combo for any part of the day. Works for next-morning breakfast or late dinner. The leftovers hold up after freezing. Plates are empty before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffles

Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Close-up of two stacked pieces of chocolate cake drizzled with caramel sauce on a plate, with more cake in the background.
Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A slice of cake with thick layers brings dessert to the front of everyone’s mind during meal prep nights. Cutting into Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake means no one skips dessert. Slices stay fresh chilled or frozen. Great for birthdays at home. The tray is always gone quick.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Breakfast Sandwich

A sesame seed bagel sandwich with cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onion, cucumber, and sprouts on a plate.
Breakfast Sandwich. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Handheld meals make a morning run smoother when flavors stack up easy and fast. Wrapping up Breakfast Sandwich keeps fillings hot and cheese melted. Friendly for reheating on busy days. Stays packed tight for meals on the move. Always requested for next week’s prep.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Sandwich

Sausage Pinwheels

Close-up of several baked puff pastry pinwheels filled with minced meat, arranged on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Sausage Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Savory bites roll out quick for parties or hungry afternoons at home. Serving Sausage Pinwheels gets plates moving with snacks perfect for sharing. They freeze well if you need extras. Handy for busy mornings or game nights. Always gone before halftime is over.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Pinwheels

Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Hearty bowls hit the spot when the weather changes and dinner needs to cook itself while you work. Scooping up Turkey Chili means meeting hunger with something easy and warm. Packs well into lunchboxes. The leftovers make a better bowl the next day. Always in rotation during rush hours.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Takeout-style meals turn weeknight plates fun when sweet sauces meet juicy pieces. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is great for pairing with rice or greens. Holds up for lunch or dinner prep. Stays saucy after refrigeration. No leftovers once the crew finds it.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Close-up of sliced crumbly cakes topped with white icing. One piece is positioned vertically to show its texture.
Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dessert bars make quick snacks when sugar is sprinkled just right across each slice. Stacking up Cinnamon Sugar Blondies means easy packing for picnics or lunch bags. Stays soft after chilling. Never dry or crumbly. Plates empty whenever these show up.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning.
Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick sides make main dishes brighter and easier during prep nights. Packing up Roasted Broccoli means you get crunchy bites any time of day. Good for lunch or mixing in bowls. Stays crisp after reheating. No more boring veggie trays.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Sheet pan meal with sliced roasted chicken breast, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, pecans, and pomegranate seeds, garnished with herbs.
Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

All the classics land in one tray saving time and cleanup after big meals. Sorting out portions from Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner keeps leftovers sorted and plates full. Good for quick dinners on long days. Stays fresh for lunch the next day. Zero hassle with prep.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Muhammara with Pita Bread

A bowl of tomato-based dip garnished with chopped parsley and walnuts, with pita bread pieces on the side.
Muhammara with Pita Bread. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Dip and crunch keep snack boards fun when trays get prepped ahead of time. Scooping Muhammara with Pita Bread lets lunches stand out. Stores well for late in the week. Always a hit for party platters. Easy to add to dinner as a side.
Get the Recipe: Muhammara with Pita Bread

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Soft dumplings turn meal prep into an easy win whenever quick bowls are needed. Dishing Sweet Potato Gnocchi brings out creamy textures that pair with sauce or cheese. Holds up for simple dinners. Good for packed lunches. Disappears fast once served.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Oreo Cheesecake

A slice of cookies and cream cheesecake is being lifted from a plate. The cake has a crumbly cookie crust, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a topping of crushed cookies.
Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet treats turn snack breaks into parties when creamy cake meets crunchy bits. Slicing Oreo Cheesecake is perfect for birthdays or quick dessert nights. Stays chilled for days. Packs up for picnic or office treats. Always gets asked for again.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

Cheeseburger

A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and ketchup on a plate. A bowl of lettuce is in the background.
Cheeseburger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Burger night gets simpler when patties stack up quickly for the week. Building Cheeseburger means lunch and dinner are sorted. Keeps fresh in the fridge. Good for busy evenings. No leftovers at the end of the week.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

Egg Roll

A wooden tray with spring rolls and lime wedges lined with parchment paper sits next to a small bowl of dipping sauce on a light surface.
Egg Roll. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crunchy wrappers give meal prep a fun option when fried bites pack easily. Pulling out Egg Roll means lunches and snacks filled fast. Stays crisp after reheating. Easy for dipping into sauces. Trays get cleared every time.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

Peanut Butter Brownies

A stack of rich peanut butter brownies with a spoonful of creamy peanut butter on the side.
Peanut Butter Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sticky bars land in dessert boxes and work for lunch treats just as well. Lifting up Peanut Butter Brownies makes snack time easy. Stays moist in storage. Good for sharing at work or school. The last piece always gets fought over.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Brownies

Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey Tetrazzini . Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.
Turkey Tetrazzini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy pasta dishes fix dinner in a pinch when leftovers are needed. Spoonfuls of Turkey Tetrazzini fill bowls quickly and reheat even better. Works for cold or hot lunches. Freezes well for emergency meals. Always requested for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of cheesecake with a caramelized sugar topping, resting on parchment paper with a crumbly base visible.
Creme Brûlée Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Special desserts keep meal prep interesting when crunchy tops crack after every cut. Dishing out Creme Brûlée Cheesecake makes a rich finish for any meal. Stays silky after chilling. Packs up for special events. Extra slices vanish quickly.
Get the Recipe: Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

Cheddar Biscuits

A close-up of several golden-brown biscuits stacked on parchment paper, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh herbs.
Cheddar Biscuits. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Savory snacks line up on meal prep trays making soup or dinner easier every time. Breaking into Cheddar Biscuits brings cheesy bites to work or after-school meals. Stays soft even after reheating. Works with any dinner main. Good for freezing in batches.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Biscuits

Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Viral Recipe

Baked bow-tie pasta with cherry tomatoes, creamy sauce, basil leaves, and red pepper flakes in a white dish.
Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Viral Recipe. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Social media favorites jump onto meal prep plans when warm pasta hits cheesy squares. Scooping up Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Viral Recipe fills up bowls for days. Easy to make and stores well. Reheats without getting gummy. People ask for this week after week.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Viral Recipe

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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