29 Meal Prep Meals That Let Me Cook Once And Feed Everyone All Week

Planning meals for the week usually feels like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. But with a stash of 29 prepared meals, you skip the chaos. Feed the whole family, avoid “what’s for dinner?” meltdowns, and secretly enjoy being the only one who knows you barely cooked. Smugness absolutely included.

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.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pork Chops

Close-up of a cooked, seasoned pork chop topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a dark plate.
Pork Chops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cooking pork chops ahead of time lets you serve up juicy, hearty meals throughout the week. Pork Chops are versatile, so you can pair them with different sides to change things up. Leftovers reheat well, staying tender and flavorful. They’re perfect for quick dinners or even lunches with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A large batch of Cowboy Casserole is ideal for meal prepping because it’s hearty and filling. It brings together flavors and textures that only improve after sitting for a day or two. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that works well as a complete meal. Heating up portions is simple, making weekday meals stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Make a batch of Garlic Knots and your weekly meals just got an easy upgrade. They’re great as a snack, an addition to dinner, or even something to pair with soups. Since they hold up well in storage, you can enjoy them fresh or reheated. Perfect for grabbing on the go or serving alongside meals during the week.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible.
Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ham and Cheese Sliders are compact but pack a lot of flavor, making them a meal prep favorite. They’re easy to store and just as simple to heat up for a meal or snack. You can dish them out during lunches or use them for a quick bite when you’re in a rush. Their size makes them kid-friendly, but they work for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

French Onion Soup

A savory dish of French Onion Soup, topped with melted cheese and garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme.
French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A pot of French Onion Soup becomes a lifesaver for meal prepping, as it’s comforting and easy to divide into portions. The flavors develop even more as it sits, making reheated bowls even better. It’s easy to pair with bread or keep simple on its own. Your week gets a great mix of warmth and convenience with this one.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

Close-up of golden-brown air fryer mushrooms garnished with chopped parsley. The mushrooms appear perfectly cooked to a tender texture.
Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cooking Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms ahead provides a flavorful snack or side that can fit into any part of the week. They’re quick to reheat and easy to pair with other dishes. While they’re light, they feel filling enough to complement meals without crowding your plate. Perfect for meal prepping and snacking in between meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Prepping Eggplant Casserole ahead turns a traditional comfort food into a great weekday option. It reheats nicely, retaining its texture and flavor each time. This dish works well when served alongside other dishes or stands strong as the main course. A solid choice to keep things varied all week long.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air fryer chicken wings served with fresh tomatoes and herbs on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings are crispy, making them a great addition to your weekly meal rotation. They store well, so you can enjoy them throughout the week without worrying about losing texture. These are versatile, working as both a snack or a main dish. Making a batch means you save time but still get great flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Hot and Sour Soup

Bowl of hot and sour soup with mushrooms, tofu, and sliced green onions, with a spoon on the side.
Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A pot of Hot and Sour Soup gives your week some variety with its mix of flavors. It works perfectly for prepping since the flavor holds strong after reheating. You can easily store it in portions, making quick lunches and dinners simple. It’s also a lighter meal option without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

Corn Chowder

A close-up of a hearty potato and corn chowder with diced vegetables and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with fresh parsley.
Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

These make meal prep both easy and enjoyable thanks to their hearty texture. A batch of this soup divvies up well, providing warm, filling servings throughout the week. Corn Chowder is easy to store and reheat without losing consistency. Perfect for when you need a quick dinner that’s comforting yet convenient.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder

Egg Bites

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

Egg Bites are a great option for anyone needing a quick breakfast solution during busy mornings. They’re portable, easy to store, and reheat perfectly. You can make enough for the week ahead and grab them without hassle. Their size means they’re perfect for kids or adults looking for an easy on-the-go meal.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Ice Cream Cake

Close-up of strawberry shortcake slices topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Layers of cake, cream, and strawberries are visible.
Ice Cream Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This is a surprisingly simple dessert to prep in advance for the entire week. Ice Cream Cake is stored cold, so it holds its texture and flavor just fine even after days. A slice makes any weekday feel a little more special without much work. Perfect for rounding out weeknight meals or special moments.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

A stack of four fluffy pancakes topped with fresh raspberries, pear slices, and a drizzle of syrup.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Prepping Cottage Cheese Pancakes ahead gives breakfast a quick refresh without the hassle of morning cooking. They work well reheated or cold and pair easily with other toppings. You can batch them up for a flexible breakfast plan throughout the week. These pancakes speed things up without cutting corners.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Air Fryer Chocolate Brownies

Close-up of chocolate brownies topped with sea salt flakes on a baking tray.
Air Fryer Chocolate Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cooking Air Fryer Chocolate Brownies ahead means dessert is always within reach during the week. They’re dense and store well, making them ideal for meal prepping. You can grab a piece to end meals or just enjoy a quick snack. Plus, no worries about the texture shifting even after days in storage.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chocolate Brownies

Egg Drop Soup

A comforting bowl of egg drop soup elegantly garnished with fresh cilantro, vibrant chives, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Making Egg Drop Soup as part of meal prep means quick warming bowls for lunch or dinner. It reheats well without losing its consistency or flavor. Portioning it out for the week keeps meals simple and saves you extra cooking time. A dish that fits right into any busy schedule without sacrificing options.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Italian Pasta with Salami is a go-to when you need meal options that feel complete but don’t overcrowd your time. It holds up in storage and the flavors meld together as it sits. Perfect for reheating or even eating chilled for a fresher lunch option. A reliable dish for varied meals throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Scalloped Potatoes

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

A large pan of Scalloped Potatoes makes the week ahead a little easier with its warm and comforting feel. It reheats well while keeping its creamy texture intact each time. You can serve it alongside proteins during dinner or even have it for lunch. It’s a versatile side dish that ties meals together all week long.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

Close-up of folded tortillas filled with chicken, cheese, and herbs, garnished with cilantro.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas spice up meal prep with bold flavors and an easy-to-store design. They’re compact but bring pleasing bites anytime during the week. These quesadillas work perfectly for quick meals and pack enough to fill you up. Easy to heat and pair with other side dishes if needed.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

Leek and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy soup garnished with sautéed green onions and herbs.
Leek and Potato Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cooking Leek and Potato Soup ahead ensures a steady supply of easy-to-serve meals during busy days. This soup stores well and reheats quickly, making it ideal for lunch or dinner. It’s a lighter dish that offers warmth and comfort without complicating prep. Perfect for staying on track with weekly meals.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hot Honey Chicken Salad changes up meal prep with bold, sweet, and savory flavors packed into one dish. It’s great to portion out and works just as well for dinner or lunch. You can serve it solo or pair it with lighter sides depending on the day. A refreshing take to shake up a typical weekly meal cycle.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

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.

This is a meal prep essential thanks to its hearty feel and ease of portioning. Lentil Soup stores beautifully, maintaining its texture and flavor after several days. Warming it up is quick, great for rushed lunches or lighter dinners. One batch makes enough to keep meals easy and comforting all week long.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Korean Corn Dogs

Several breaded and fried corn dogs on sticks, drizzled with mustard and ketchup, placed on white crumpled paper.
Korean Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Preparing Korean Corn Dogs ahead gives you a fun, on-the-go option that’s both filling and easy to store. They’re unique enough to keep meals interesting without much effort. Fulfilling as a snack or even paired with sides for dinner. Meal prep gets a little more fun with these in rotation.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Dogs

Pistachio Ice Cream

A glass bowl holds two scoops of pistachio ice cream topped with crushed pistachios, with a waffle cone placed upside down in the bowl.
Pistachio Ice Cream. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pistachio Ice Cream is a prep-friendly dessert option that keeps the week ahead deliciously simple. It holds up well in storage, ready to scoop anytime. While simple to make, it brings a calming treat to round out your meals. A storage-friendly dessert to keep things easy yet enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Ice Cream

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Close-up of crispy, Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken pieces garnished with chopped herbs and served with a lemon wedge. The pieces are placed on a parchment-lined surface.
Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Making Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken ahead gives your meal plans a protein-packed head start. It reheats well, keeping its texture intact without drying out. This dish pairs well with a range of sides, so meals can change why sticking to the prep plan. A great way to make weekday dinners effortless.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

A close-up image of three seasoned and grilled ears of corn arranged on a plate.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is great for meal prep since it keeps its flavor and crunch even after storage. It works alongside proteins or as a grab-and-go snack during busy days. Reheating is easy without losing texture, making it flexible for any meal. A simple way to add something light yet fulfilling to weekly plans.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Prepping Kung Pao Chicken lets you serve up a flavorful dish all week without extra effort. It reheats beautifully, keeping the texture and taste intact every time. Perfect for pairing with rice—or eating solo when you need a quick-but-filling meal. Variety is always in reach when this dish is prepped ahead.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Shrimp and Grits

A bowl of creamy grits topped with shrimp in a tomato-based sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.
Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Shrimp and Grits make for an easy-to-prep meal that’s perfect for quick warming during busy weekdays. It holds up in storage, keeping its texture consistent for multiple meals. This dish works great for dinner or even a hearty lunch option. Planning ahead gets easier with this comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Pizza Pinwheels

A plate of golden-brown pinwheel pastries filled with tomato sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of sauce is in the background.
Pizza Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A batch of Pizza Pinwheels simplifies meal prepping by offering a compact, grab-and-go option. They’re easy to store and heat, adding flexibility during busy days. These work for lunches, dinners, or even snacks, fitting into almost any meal schedule. Adding variety just takes minutes with these on hand.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

Funeral Potatoes

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.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cooking Funeral Potatoes ahead makes a big difference in busy weeks with their hearty, easy-to-reheat nature. They pair well with proteins or stand alone when needed as a simpler meal. A tray of these keeps the fridge stocked with steady options. Comfort food that doesn’t complicate meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

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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