I Rely On 17 Fall Meal Preps When Time Feels Short

When time feels like it’s running faster than a kid chasing the ice cream truck, having a plan for meals is a lifesaver. That’s why 17 ready-to-go fall meal preps can turn stress into something a bit more manageable. They keep schedules moving without the constant “what’s for dinner?” debate.

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.

Cinnamon Applesauce

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

Fall gets busier, but quick meal preps like Cinnamon Applesauce can keep things simple. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for snacking or packing into lunches. What makes it stand out is the cozy flavors that work well after a long day. It’s a fall staple that’s easy to pair with almost anything you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Applesauce

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.

Days feel short in the fall, and quick bites like Cowboy Sliders come in handy. These little sandwiches pack a lot of flavor without feeling heavy. They’re great for meal prepping and work well for lunches or a casual dinner. Having these ready can really save time when you’re rushing.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders

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.

Some evenings call for warm, hearty meals, and Slow Cooker Pot Roast hits the mark. This dish cooks while you’re busy, making it perfect for fall meal prep. It’s ideal for those nights when you need something wholesome without extra effort. Leftovers from this are also perfect for lunches the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

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.

Putting together fall meals feels easier with options like Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins around. They’re just the right blend of sweet and spice to keep things interesting. Whether as a side or a snack, these muffins fit into all your busy-season meals. Prepping them ahead means your meals have an effortless extra touch.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

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.

When you want something quick but still flavorful, Egg Roll fills the gap. It’s a great option for prepping ahead and enjoying during the week. They’re portable, making them perfect for busy falls on the go. Having some in your fridge makes last-minute meals feel less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

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.

For nights when you need quick comfort, Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Viral Recipe fits perfectly with fall’s chaotic days. The rich, creamy texture makes it feel filling without a ton of prep work. It’s a lifesaver on those rushed nights when cooking feels like a chore. Plus, it’s easy to build around this dish, whether as a main or a side.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta – TikTok Viral 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.

Desserts don’t have to be complicated during busy fall days, which is why Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are great. They’re easy to make in batches, perfect for sweet cravings. Their simple sweetness works with coffee breaks or after-dinner moments. Keeping some on hand makes fall desserts feel effortless.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

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.

Stuffed Cabbage is like a little pocket of comfort after a long day. It works wonderfully as part of a meal prep routine since it reheats so well. The hearty filling matches fall’s pace, giving you a satisfying meal that doesn’t take a ton of effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with different sides you might already have.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage

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.

Fall is the season for simple, hearty meals, and Turkey Chili ties into that perfectly. Prepped ahead, it’s a dish that only gets better, especially when busy evenings hit. It’s filling enough to stand alone or serve with whatever quick sides you’ve got on hand. Perfect for keeping you warm and full during those cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

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.

Desserts feel better prepped ahead, especially in fall, and Oreo Cheesecake is always a great choice. It’s easy to slice and grab a piece whenever the mood strikes. The creamy texture and unique base make it a standout for quick after-meal sweet fixes. Plus, having dessert ready means one less thing to think about during busy days.
Get the Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake

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.

Busy nights don’t have to mean ordering takeout, especially with Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe prepped in advance. It’s quick and convenient with all the flavors of something you’d grab on the go. This option works well in bowls or with a variety of sides, making it flexible for meals throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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.

Peanut Butter Brownies can make busy fall days feel a bit easier. These are perfect to prep ahead and seal up for quick grab-and-go moments. They work for dessert but also double as a quick energy boost when days don’t slow down. Perfectly fitting into your fall meal prep plans.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Brownies

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

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

Options like Chick-fil-A Nuggets ready for fall nights can turn quick bites into a full meal. These little favorites go well with salads, sides, or even on their own. Meal prepping them makes weeknight dinners or kids’ lunches far less hectic. With all the meal prep chaos, this dish makes everything smoother.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

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.

Prepping ahead for fall meals can even include basics like Cheeseburger for the family. Having patties ready makes dinner in a pinch feel effortless. With the toppings prepped too, you’re saving time on the little things that add up. It’s a reliable option when your schedule feels packed.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

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.

Fall snack preps feel easier with Sausage Pinwheels. These bite-sized options are perfect for any point in the day. With easy prep, having them ready means instant solutions for busy mornings or snack breaks. They’re top picks for fall meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Pinwheels

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.

For evenings that feel rushed, Sweet Potato Gnocchi is a warm and hearty meal prep win. It’s versatile enough to pair with anything on your table. Having this on hand simplifies meals without sacrificing a filling dinner option. Great for fall’s fast-paced weeks without losing that homemade feel.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

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.

Meal prep gets interesting when you add Chicken and Waffles to your fall rotation. This hearty option brings breakfast-for-dinner vibes that fit perfectly in the season. Prepping the parts separately makes them even more convenient. When time’s tight, it’s nice to have something ready that’s fun and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffles

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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