49 Fall Meal Prep For The Week That Actually Works

Most meal prep plans sound great until the third day when everything feels like leftovers on repeat. Not this time; 49 practical fall recipes keep the week running smoothly without boredom or burnout. They make weekday cooking less about survival and more about ease. Whoever said meal prep doesn’t work clearly didn’t try one that actually fits real life.

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

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.

Quick bites work well for busy weeks when everyone wants something easy. Cowboy Sliders fit into lunchboxes or serve as dinner for a crowd. They stack up tall and disappear fast. Kids love how small and snackable they feel. These sliders end up requested again by everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A close-up of a spoonful of chicken stuffing, showcasing croutons, shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and sprinkled herbs. — Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Full pans make meal prep easier for families juggling different schedules. Chicken and Stuffing Casserole packs layers of flavor into every bite. Leftovers reheat quickly for stress-free lunches. Big servings mean no one leaves hungry. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of several chocolate chip cookies on parchment paper, with one cookie broken in half to show the chocolate chips inside. — Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cookie batches always brighten snack breaks or afternoon coffee breaks. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies mix sweet chunks with a smooth base. Kids ask for a handful as dessert. These cookies keep well for days, making them ideal for quick snacks. Extra batches never last long.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

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.

One pan meals help serve both small groups and big crowds. Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner brings everything together without extra dishes. All parts cook side by side for easy cleanup. Everyone gets their favorite piece on one tray. This meal makes weeknight dinners much simpler.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

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.

Breakfast favorites go further when prepared in a shareable dish. Eggs Benedict Casserole delivers both classic flavor and creamy layers. Slices serve up fast to hungry families. Extras reheat for busy mornings. Kids like how easy it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Eggs Benedict Casserole

Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

A baked pull-apart bread ring with melted cheese and cranberries on a gray plate, garnished with rosemary sprigs. — Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pull-apart snacks work for breakfast, brunch, or last-minute parties. Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread gives soft and gooey pieces with a hint of sweetness. Plates empty fast whenever these show up. Kids enjoy tearing off extras for themselves. Breads like this keep everyone happy at mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

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.

Slow cooker meals save time and fill up dinner plates without fuss. Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken keeps flavors simple and bold. It stores well for leftovers and works in sandwiches too. There are rarely any leftovers to save. Family members quickly add it to their meal requests.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Ravioli Casserole

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

A new twist on pasta night makes things more exciting. Ravioli Casserole piles layers of pasta and sauce in every slice. Kids grab big servings without any coaxing. It’s easy to pack for lunch. This casserole rarely sees any leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Cinnamon Applesauce

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

Sweet sides add color and comfort to packed lunches or quick snacks. Cinnamon Applesauce goes down smooth, even with picky eaters. Kids scoop it straight from the bowl. It’s simple to divide into containers for meal prep. This treat never lasts through the week.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Applesauce

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.

Trends sometimes show up at dinner time and stick around for good reasons. Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Viral Recipe combines creamy cheese with baked pasta in one dish. Kids love scooping extra sauce onto their plates. The whole pan clears fast with just a few forks. This pasta dish feels fresh each time it’s made.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Viral Recipe

Stuffed Cabbage

Hearty, rolled meals pack up easily for work or school lunches. Stuffed Cabbage brings layers of flavor wrapped into neat bundles. Each serving feels both filling and easy to eat. Kids like the rolled shape most. This recipe works well for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs. — Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pasta dishes make prepping for the week a breeze with big servings. Spaghetti Casserole feeds groups or packs up for quick lunches. Kids dig in without a lot of fuss. The leftovers stand up to reheating. This casserole lands on weekly rotation often.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

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 warm up any dinner table with little effort. Turkey Chili keeps things light but full of flavor. Bowls pile up with toppings and extras. Leftovers carry over to lunch or another dinner. This chili becomes a go-to for family prep.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Casseroles help busy families cover both classic and new favorites. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole merges flavors that surprise with every bite. Kids love the mix of layers. Simple to serve up for a crowd. It always sees requests when meal planning starts.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Roasted Broccoli

Crispy veggies finish off any meal and keep hungry hands occupied. Roasted Broccoli looks bright and tastes great hot or cold. Kids munch on it without complaints. It packs up easily for next-day snacks. The pan empties by dinnertime more often than not.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

Cattle Drive Casserole

A slice of cheesy lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley. — Cattle Drive Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Filling casseroles work best for big appetites during the week. Cattle Drive Casserole brings a strong flavor and enough layers for every plate. It packs up for lunch or dinner with little effort. Kids ask for seconds before dessert. This casserole is often gone before the week ends.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

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 prepping for the week simple and sweet. Cinnamon Sugar Blondies stack up high, ideal for lunchboxes or late-night bites. Kids snag the softest pieces every time. Blondies keep well for days. Everyone asks for more after the pan runs out.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands. — Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A pizza twist keeps casserole fans coming back for more. Pizza Casserole blends cheesy layers with familiar toppings for kid-friendly lunches. It packs up for work, school, or busy evenings. Plates clean up fast. Extra servings rarely stay long in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

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.

Warm meals take care of themselves with simple slow cooker recipes. Slow Cooker Pot Roast fills plates with tender cuts and rich sauce. Kids look forward to it after a long day. Leftovers make easy sandwiches for lunch. One meal sets up the whole week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs. — Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Comfort food in a big pan makes weeknight dinners less stressful. Marry Me Chicken Casserole wins fans right away with its simple flavors. Slices serve up quickly to all ages. Leftovers hold up well for lunch packs. Everyone asks for it again next week.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

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.

Finger foods save time and make lunches easy to organize. Egg Roll packs flavor into every crunchy bite. Kids love dipping them in their favorite sauce. They come in handy for packed meals or snacks. Baskets run out before you realize it.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

Sausage Casserole

A baked dish containing sliced sausages, potatoes, and green beans in a white casserole dish with a serving spoon. — Sausage Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For hearty meals, this casserole never disappoints at dinner time. Sausage Casserole combines layers that fill everyone up for hours. It packs up for meal prep with no fuss. Kids enjoy the strong flavors and sauce. Everyone agrees it’s worth remaking often.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Casserole

Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Sweet slices make breakfast or dessert a breeze when prepping ahead. Pumpkin Coffee Cake goes well with drinks and keeps fresh for days. Kids ask for it as a snack after school. Crumb topping is a favorite part for many. Cake plates seem to empty faster with each batch.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Pancake Casserole

A baked French toast casserole topped with powdered sugar, sliced strawberries, and blueberries in a white dish. — Pancake Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Weekday breakfasts don’t get easier than when you bake ahead. Pancake Casserole should be sliced and packed for morning meals or snacks. Families enjoy topping each serving as they like. Leftovers reheat well for extra servings. It’s often picked for meal prep thanks to how easy it is.
Get the Recipe: Pancake Casserole

Turkey Pinwheels

Quick wraps fit into lunch bags, parties, or snack boards with no problem. Turkey Pinwheels come together with smooth layers kids can hold. They stand out on platters for gatherings. Leftovers keep well for days. These pinwheels get finished off fast.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pinwheels

Crack Chicken Casserole

Close-up of a baked apple crumble dessert in a ceramic dish, featuring a golden-brown crumbly topping. — Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creamy casseroles make weeknight dinners simple and filling. Crack Chicken Casserole mixes bold flavors with soft layers. It serves up quickly and works for all age groups. Kids ask for another scoop before the pan is put away. This casserole gets made over and over.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Cheese ball shaped like a pumpkin with a green stem, coated in crumbled topping, surrounded by herbs and decorative pumpkins on a wooden surface. — Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Festive snacks look fun and add some color to dinner spreads. Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball brings creamy bites that go fast at gatherings. Kids enjoy breaking the shape apart. Pairing with crackers makes a strong snack. Cheeseballs look good on any table but never last long.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Hamburger Casserole

Filling up dinner plates with classic flavors keeps mealtime stress-free. Hamburger Casserole piles up layers for hearty servings. Kids dig into familiar flavors they love. Leftovers are easy for lunches. This recipe lands on repeat lists for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Chicken and Biscuits

A close-up of a baked chicken pot pie topped with six round biscuits and garnished with chopped parsley. — Chicken and Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm biscuits make dinners feel special with little extra work. Chicken and Biscuits combines tender bites and soft bread in each spoonful. Kids love mixing both together. It packs up for lunches without drying out. Extra servings disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Biscuits

Million Dollar Casserole

A serving spoon lifts a portion of creamy, baked casserole with a crunchy topping, revealing melted cheese. — Million Dollar Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Meal prep wins big with recipes that layer up filling pieces for later. Million Dollar Casserole brings creamy and rich bites with every cut. Kids grab pieces for quick dinners or snacks. Best served warm but reheats well. This casserole gets added to the plan more than once.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Cornbread Stuffing

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish. — Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hearty sides keep everyone happy at dinner, especially when meal prepping. Cornbread Stuffing adds simple flavor to plates. Kids scoop up extra helpings with main meals. Batches work well for lunches throughout the week. Leftovers never stick around for long.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing

Mexican Casserole

A plated serving of cheesy casserole with ground meat, topped with sliced green onions and parsley, accompanied by a fork. — Mexican Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Mixing up dinner with bold flavors gets everyone interested. Mexican Casserole layers up with smooth, cool toppings and a bit of heat. It works for groups as well as single servings. Kids like making their own plate because of all the options. This casserole ends up as a go-to when prepping ahead.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper. — Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Veggies with extra color liven up dinner and make snacking fun. Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze get glossed up for a sweet finish. Kids actually reach for seconds. Sides like these pair well with all sorts of meals. Leftovers work for school lunches as well.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Breakfast casseroles make mornings run smoother for every busy group. Biscuits and Gravy Casserole keeps everyone full for hours. Slices serve up quickly and taste good even after reheating. Kids enjoy extra gravy on top. This casserole helps make breakfast a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Turkey Meatloaf

Classic comfort foods work well for dinner and leftovers. Turkey Meatloaf cuts easily into slices and packs up for sandwiches too. Kids like adding their own toppings. Meal prep is simple with big batches. This meatloaf ends up as a favorite in many families.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf

Chicken Divan Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy casserole topped with chopped parsley and crumbly bits, featuring melted cheese and a creamy texture. — Chicken Divan Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Casseroles with creamy layers make dinner easy to plan ahead. Chicken Divan Casserole offers a smooth base that holds up for days. Kids mix and match their portions with sides. Leftovers taste just as good as day one. It is a fast favorite for weekly meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan Casserole

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.

Spreads and dips are always handy for snacks or light meals. Muhammara with Pita Bread brings a unique texture with every scoop. Kids enjoy loading up their pita. It works well as a side or the main event. This dip goes quickly during busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Muhammara with Pita Bread

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Close-up of a dish of warm cinnamon rolls topped with white glaze. — Cinnamon Roll Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baking up breakfast makes meal prep a bit more fun. Cinnamon Roll Casserole comes out soft, layered, and perfect for busy mornings. Kids drizzle extras on top. Slices can be packed for school or work. Leftover casserole holds up nicely for quick breakfasts all week.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Casserole

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.

Roll-ups add variety to packed lunches and work well at parties. Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels bring just the right amount of kick. Kids grab them first off the tray. Extras store well for later. Pinwheels remain a top choice for weekly lists.
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.

Bars loaded with a creamy filling go quickly at snack time. Cream Cheese Brownies layer up chocolate and smooth bites in every piece. Kids take extras for school lunches. These brownies never last through the weekend. They’re a must-have for easy dessert prep.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Brownies

Turkey Tetrazzini

Pasta blends with turkey in a dish that works for dinners and lunches. Turkey Tetrazzini makes big pans that feed everyone with little effort. It holds up well for leftovers, staying creamy all week. Kids like the simple flavors in each bite. This recipe is a regular on meal prep lists.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

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.

Warm biscuits add comfort to any dinner plate. Cheddar Biscuits stand up as a side or quick snack. Kids snack on extras after dinner. Batches are simple to store or freeze. Biscuits like these tend to disappear quickly every week.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Biscuits

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting and small pastel-colored marshmallows on top, arranged in a group against a neutral background. — Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dessert gets a cozy boost with cakes that pack classic flavor in every bite. Hot Chocolate Cupcakes show up after dinner and fill treat trays quickly. Kids top them with extras for a sweet finish. Cupcakes pack up for lunches. Leftovers are rare with these around.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Casserole dish with Brussels sprouts, crispy onions, cheese, and herbs, mixed with a spoon. — Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baking veggies brings out new flavors that meals sometimes miss. Brussels Sprouts Casserole serves creamy, rich bites that even kids grab. This casserole fits into many meal plans as a main or a side. It keeps well for lunches and snacks. Batches disappear quickly during busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole

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.

Treat trays feel more fun when you mix classic cookies with creamy bites. Oreo Cheesecake cuts neatly into pieces for dessert. Kids like picking out their favorite chunks. It is easy to pack up as a lunch treat. Cheesecake squares never see the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Hearty breakfasts do well for both school mornings and weekend brunches. Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole puts crispy bites across a creamy base. Kids dig for extras in every pan. Slices make a quick lunch too. The casserole pan empties before noon.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

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.

Mixing two favorite desserts together never fails for meal prep. Creme Brûlée Cheesecake puts a crisp top over each creamy slice. Kids take extras for snacks. The texture stays just right for days. It’s one of the most requested desserts week after week.
Get the Recipe: Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

Potato Croquettes

Breaded and fried patties garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce with herbs. — Potato Croquettes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Finger foods rise to the top for lunches and side dish options. Potato Croquettes bring a crispy coating with a soft center. Kids snack on them straight from the fridge. Croquettes fit into lunchboxes or dinner plates. They rarely stick around for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Potato Croquettes

Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Muffins with a kick brightens up lunch spreads and dinner plates. Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins bake up quick and serve up easily. Kids mix sweet and spicy in every bite. Muffins work well for packing or freezing extra. Batches run out faster each time they’re made.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

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.