Stop Cooking Daily With 29 Time-Saving Meal Prep Recipes

Cooking every day can feel like a never-ending task, but it doesn’t have to be. A little planning now means less time in the kitchen and more time for everything else. Whether it’s quick lunches or stress-free dinners, prepping ahead makes life easier. These 29 recipes help you stop cooking daily while still eating well.

Focaccia Bread

If you love a good crunch with a soft center, this recipe won’t disappoint. Homemade bread might sound hard, but this one is worth the effort, even for beginners. Focaccia Bread can serve as a side or become the star of your meal with just a few simple toppings. It’s perfect to make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Say hello to a refreshing change from your typical lunch routine. This mixture is a great way to liven up your salad game with a blend of sweet and nutty flavors. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad keeps well in the fridge, making your meal prep a breeze. It’s a versatile option that works on sandwiches, atop greens, or just by itself.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Leek and Potato Soup

On those days you want comfort in a bowl, this blend brings coziness to the table. Simple, hearty ingredients come together in a soup that warms you from the inside. Leek and Potato Soup is an excellent choice for making in large batches to save time on busy nights. It’s a classic you can lean on week after week for sheer satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Craving something hearty? This dish brings robust flavors and a creamy texture together in a way that feels indulgent. Creamy Beef Stroganoff is a tasty dish that hits the spot, especially on days you’re extra hungry. Prepare a batch and see how well it reheats, giving you more time to relax after work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Kickstart your mornings with this filling breakfast that you bake once and eat all week. It’s a no-fuss, delicious start to the day, packed with energy to keep you going. Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole is as tasty as it is convenient, easily portioned out for daily servings. This casserole is a morning time-saver, no more cooking eggs daily.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Kimchi Stew

Interested in a dish with a unique twist and a little kick? This stew brings traditional Korean flavors to your kitchen in a comforting and spicy way. Kimchi Stew has a depth of flavor that develops even more the next day. It’s a meal prep champion that’s sure to add some excitement to your regular meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Funeral Potatoes

Despite the somber name, this dish is all about comfort and joy on a plate. Creamy, cheesy, and with a worthwhile crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s also easy to share. Funeral Potatoes are a make-ahead dream, reheating well for any meal of the week. This indulgent side dish might just become a mainstay in your home.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Creamy,Cheesy,Broccoli Soup

There are times when you just need a little green in your life, and this soup fits the bill. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with a vegetable that’s good for you. Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup can be your go-to for a quick lunch or a side at dinner. You’ll find it’s even better the next day, so it’s ideal for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Creamy,Cheesy,Broccoli Soup

Ravioli Casserole

Imagine your favorite pasta dish, now make it even easier to prepare and just as enjoyable. This one-dish wonder combines all the flavors you love without the hassle. Ravioli Casserole is an all-in-one meal that saves on dishes and time. It’s a clever shortcut when you’re craving homemade comfort without all the work.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Minestrone Soup

Sometimes you need a bit of everything, and this soup delivers with a variety of ingredients. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and it brings a touch of Italian-inspired comfort to your table. Minestrone Soup is perfect for days when you want something both nutritious and filling. Plus, it’s even better after the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Longing for a classic dinner that reminds you of home? This dish brings simple ingredients together for a flavor that’s familiar and deeply comforting. Easy Meatloaf Recipe is a reliable standby that’s straightforward to prepare in bulk. Slice it up for the week, and you’ll have a homemade meal every day that’s humble yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Enter a world of sweet, nutty flavors with a soup that’s as nutritious as it is comforting. It’s a smooth, velvety way to enjoy a seasonal favorite without much fuss. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup can brighten up your meal prep with its vibrant color and rich taste. Make a big pot, and you’ll have a cozy meal ready in minutes throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Homemade Lasagna

For many, lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, and making it at home gives it an extra special touch. Layers upon layers of flavor make for a fantastic make-ahead meal that everyone craves. Homemade Lasagna is just as good, if not better, the following days, making it a meal prep superstar.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

French Onion Soup

Rustic and elegant at the same time, this soup has a deep flavor that’s hard to beat. It’s a labor of love that pays off when you need a quick and easy meal. French Onion Soup keeps well, developing even richer taste as it sits. Just reheat and serve for a meal that feels like it came straight from a bistro.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Fast food cravings but want to keep it homemade? Try this for a spicy, crispy chicken burger that rivals your favorite drive-thru. Homemade KFC Zinger Burger is great for batch cooking – fry up the chicken and have it ready for a quick assembly. It’s a tasty and worthwhile meal that’ll simplify your busy workweek evenings.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Garlic Knots

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious side that doubles as a snack, these small, twisted bread treats are perfect. They’re garlic-forward and great for pulling apart. Garlic Knots are fantastic to make in batches and are equally good with meals or on their own. Bake a bunch, and grab a couple whenever you need a quick bite.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Who doesn’t love a good casserole that’s as fun as it is easy to put together? This one is a hit with kids and adults alike, especially if you’re into crispy potato bites. Easy Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting dish that’s perfect for those nights you need something hearty with minimal prep. It reheats nicely, meaning less work and more enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

You’re never too old for chicken tenders, and this version comes with a tangy twist. They’re perfect for dipping, snacking, or adding to a meal for some protein. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are simple to batch cook and a joy to eat throughout the week. Mealtime becomes less of a chore and more of a treat.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Bring a taste of the Caribbean home with a dish that’s aromatic and full of flavor. It’s a staple that is both filling and budget-friendly. Jamaican Red Beans and Rice is a great way to spice up your meal routine. Make a big batch and discover how well it holds up as a delicious leftover.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Miso Soup

Looking for something light yet tasty to add to your meals? This Japanese staple is deceptively simple but packed with umami. Miso Soup is an excellent addition to any meal or perfect as a quick stand-alone snack. It’s ready in a flash, making your meal prep as easy as it gets.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup

Korean Corn Dogs

Add some fun to your menu with a snack that’s sweet, flavorful, and a little bit crunchy. They’re a playful twist on an American classic with a Korean street food vibe. Korean Corn Dogs are great for grabbing on the go and easy to make in large batches. Enjoy them for lunch, dinner, or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Korean Corn Dogs

Lentil Soup

When you’re hankering for something hearty but still healthy, this soup does the job. It’s a filling and nutritious option that’s remarkably simple to prep for the entire week. Lentil Soup delivers rich flavor that’s comforting on any day. Plus, it’s a staple that’s easy to customize to your liking.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Kung Pao Chicken

If you like a little heat with your meat, this dish has just the right amount of spice. It’s a bold, rewarding choice that makes your weeknight dinners feel a bit more special. Kung Pao Chicken is ideal for prepping ahead, retaining its zing even when reheated. It’s a dinner that’ll break the monotony without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Imagine potatoes in their most indulgent form – that’s what you get with this dish. It’s cheesy, gooey goodness in every bite, and it’s perfect for those who love their spuds with a decadent edge. Mississippi Mud Potatoes can be a show-stopping side or a comfort-filled main. Either way, it’s a dish that’ll simplify your kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Roasted Tomato Soup

There’s something about roasted tomatoes that makes a soup go from good to great. This is a lighter option that still brings a lot of flavor to the table. Roasted Tomato Soup is as comforting as they come, and easy to prep for many meals ahead. It’s just perfect for those days when you want something a little vibrant and very pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Kiss goodbye to time-consuming meals with this easy-to-make and easier-to-love dish. It’s all about juicy chicken with a cheesy crust, cooked all on one pan for ease. Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a hit with kids and adults, and it’s nice and simple to toss together. Perfect for a busy week where you still want a meal that feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Italian Pasta with Salami

Give your pasta night an upgrade with flavors that are anything but boring. This dish combines pasta with salami for a meal that packs a punch. Italian Pasta with Salami is the meal prep hero for those who love a bold taste. Make it once, enjoy it multiple times – this dish has got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re after a side dish that feels like a treat, look no further. These creamy, layered potatoes are as delicious as they are comforting. Scalloped Potatoes can accompany almost any meal or stand alone for a rewarding experience. You’ll appreciate having this dish prepared and ready to go in your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Crack Chicken Casserole

Who can resist the call of a cheesy, rich chicken casserole? This all-in-one meal is creamy and hearty, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Crack Chicken Casserole offers convenience without skimping on the comfort factor. It’s always a success and a wise choice for meal prep throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole