29 Meal Prep Recipes That Make Weeknights a Breeze

Stop making weeknights harder than they need to be. These 29 meal prep recipes do the work ahead of time, so dinner is ready when you are. No last-minute stress, no staring into the fridge hoping something cooks itself. Just real food, ready to go, and way better than takeout.

Three Cheese Manicotti

For those nights when you want something hearty, Three Cheese Manicotti has got you covered. This dish is a no-brainer for anyone looking to prep meals in advance. It’s easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. Plus, it’s a nice break from the usual meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is the perfect answer when you’re craving something with a bit of kick but also sweet. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make ahead and reheat. Forget takeout, because this will keep your weeknights stress-free. Best part? It reheats like a dream.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken

Tiramisu

If you’re in the mood for dessert that doubles as a great next-day snack, Tiramisu is the way to go. It’s one of those desserts that gets better with time, making it perfect for meal prep. Whip it up, let it chill, and you’ve got yourself a treat that’s ready whenever you are. Honestly, it’s a coffee lover’s dream.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu

Crack Chicken Casserole

We all have those days when only comfort food will do, and Crack Chicken Casserole is the ultimate. It’s creamy, it’s filling, and yes, it’s addictive. Make it once, and you’ll understand why it’s a weeknight game changer. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are the go-to when you need something that’s both fun and filling. They’re the perfect size for grabbing and going, whether it’s dinner or a quick lunch. Everyone loves them, and they make meal prep a total breeze. Trust me, they’re a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Feeling adventurous? Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites bring the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. They’re spicy, they’re cheesy, and they’re downright irresistible. Making them at home is surprisingly straightforward. And boy, do they make your weeknight meals exciting.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

White Bean Soup

White Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially when you need something warming and hearty. It’s simple to make in big batches and freezes well for those times you can’t deal with cooking. This soup is proof that simple ingredients can create something special. Meal prep has never been this comforting.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Love going out for Italian? Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara might just make you prefer staying in. It’s rich, it’s creamy, and it captures that restaurant taste perfectly. Not to mention, it’s way cheaper to make at home. Talk about a win-win for your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a solid choice when you’re tired of the same old chili. It’s lighter but doesn’t skimp on flavor or heartiness. Perfect for cooler evenings, it’s a meal that warms you up from the inside out. And it’s super easy to batch cook for the week.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Cowboy Casserole

This dish will quickly become a staple in your meal prep lineup. Cowboy Casserole is packed with goodness that keeps you full and satisfied. It’s a true throw-it-all-in type of dish, which means less fuss for you. Plus, who doesn’t love a casserole that’s this easy and delicious?
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice Baked Potatoes are basically the best of both worlds. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and you can dress them up however you like. Whether it’s a side dish or the main event, they’re always a welcome addition to the table. And yes, they reheat beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Corn Chowder

When you’re craving something hearty and comforting, Corn Chowder is the answer. It’s thick, it’s creamy, and it’s full of goodness. Perfect for those nights you need something warming, and it’s super simple to make a big pot for the week. Honestly, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

For a dessert that both looks and tastes like you put in way more effort, Pineapple Upside Down Cake is your best bet. It’s surprisingly simple, totally delicious, and it actually gets better the next day. This means you can enjoy it all week long. Prep once, enjoy many times.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is what you need when you’re tired of boring lunches. It’s got crunch, it’s got sweetness, and it’s super satisfying. Make a big batch at the start of the week and enjoy hassle-free lunches. It’s a game changer, for sure.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Pork Chops

Sometimes, you just need a meal that feels like a warm hug, and that’s where Pork Chops come in. They’re hearty, they’re comforting, and when prepped right, they’re incredibly easy to cook up on a weeknight. Perfect for those evenings when you want something a bit special without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Make your weeknights less hectic with Tuna Noodle Casserole. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for those times you just can’t deal with fancy meals. You’ll appreciate how it saves on dishes too. Plus, leftovers taste amazing the next day.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tom Yum Soup

For those nights you want something with a bit of a kick, Tom Yum Soup is the answer. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare in advance. Just heat it up, and you’re good to go. A real timesaver without skimping on that rich taste.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

Tuscan Pasta

Tuscan Pasta is your go-to when you’re craving something hearty. It’s great for meal prep because it reheats well. Bring a little bit of Italy to your kitchen table any night of the week. It’s also way cheaper than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This casserole packs all the flavors you love without the hassle of actual stuffing. Just mix everything together, bake, and you’ve got a weeknight lifesaver. Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s comforting without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

If you love IKEA’s food court, then Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat) is a must-try. It comes together quickly and freezes well. Perfect for those evenings when you want something a bit special without going out. It’s a hug in a meal form.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

Ravioli Casserole

Ravioli Casserole is a solid pick for when pasta cravings hit but you also want to keep things simple. Bake a big batch and have it ready for several meals. It definitely beats boiling water on a busy night. And yes, it’s kid-approved too.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Kick your snack game up a notch with Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. They’re not just for parties; make a batch and enjoy throughout the week. Easy to grab from the fridge and super satisfying. They somehow make even the longest days a bit better.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Sushi Bake

Change up your meal prep with Sushi Bake. It’s like having your favorite sushi roll in a casserole form. Super convenient to serve and no rolling required. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have you looking forward to leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Corn Casserole

Corn Casserole is the answer when you need something easy and comforting. It’s ridiculously simple to throw together. Perfect for busy weeknights, and it pairs well with nearly anything. Trust me, you won’t have to convince anyone to dig in.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Stuffed Peppers

These peppers offer a fantastic way to get your veggies in without feeling like it’s a chore. Stuffed Peppers make for a colorful meal prep option. Plus, they reheat well which is always a win. It’s a full meal in a veggie vessel.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole is that dish you didn’t know you needed until now. It’s creamy, it’s hearty, and it goes with everything. Prep it ahead, and your future self will thank you. It’s a side that often steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Tortellini Soup

When you’re looking for comfort in a bowl, Tortellini Soup is there for you. It’s easy to make in big batches. Reheats like a dream and feels like a warm hug. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you want coziness in edible form.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Wild Rice Casserole

Wild Rice Casserole is a unique twist on your typical rice dish. It’s filling, nutritious, and not at all bland. Makes for a great side or a main dish if you’re looking to mix things up. Plus, it’s awesome for batch cooking.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Copycat Smash Burger

Craving a burger but not the hassle of grilling? Copycat Smash Burger has got you covered. It’s surprisingly simple to make at home. You can prep the patties in advance and just cook when you’re ready. It really hits the spot without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger