29 Recipes That Turn A Few Hours Of Prep Into Weeklong Meals

Cooking every night is overrated. One solid prep day, and suddenly, dinner is handled for the week. No panicked grocery runs, no staring at the fridge like it holds secrets—just quick, easy meals waiting to be enjoyed. More time for important things, like sitting down before eating.

A plate with honey chicken tenders, broccoli florets, and mashed potatoes.
Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

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.

Lean into a simple yet classic prep that’ll last you days. You can give Pork Chops a spotlight in your meal plan with various sides. Mix it up with some vegetables one day, a salad the next. You’ve got options that keep things intriguing meal after meal.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sliced, seasoned, roasted turkey breast on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who knew that a holiday favorite could be a week-long staple? With Air Fryer Turkey Breast, it’s all about ease and the juicy result. Slice it up for sandwiches or pair with your favorite greens. It’s versatile for lunches or dinners, and you’ll look forward to it every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Minestrone Soup

A bowl of hearty minestrone soup packed with green beans, pasta, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, served with crusty bread slices.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dig into a pot that promises a hearty choice every day. Minestrone Soup champions diversity with its ingredients, offering a different spoonful each time. It’s a comfort classic that only gets better as the days go on. A bowl can be a solo act or the perfect encore to a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Asian Style Pork Chops

Close-up of sliced grilled pork belly garnished with sesame seeds and green chili, served on a bed of kale.
Asian Style Pork Chops. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Revamp your pork routine with a twist that brings new vibes to the table. Asian Style Pork Chops carry a unique flair you can enjoy with rice or noodles. Keep your palate intrigued with diverse spice and flavors as you look forward to this dish all week. A touch of the East makes your weekly meal prep anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

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.

Veggie lovers, here’s a dish that keeps on giving. Layered and baked, Eggplant Casserole stands as a testament to hearty plant-based dining. Whether solo or as an accompaniment, it’s a choice that promises comfort in every bite. It stays appetizing, giving you something to look forward to at the day’s end.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy and smooth, perfect for customization and variety throughout the week. Mashed Potatoes can be your canvas, playing well with gravies, herbs, or even cheese. Dress them down for a simple side or jazz them up for something more special. They’re the reliable base for a myriad of meal types, never letting you down.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Welcome a dish that brings breakfast for dinner into a whole new light. Hashbrown Casserole is both comforting and convenient. Have it in the morning or pair it with a salad for an unconventional dinner. It’s the dish that adapts to your cravings whenever they hit.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, with fries in the background.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Why queue at the fast-food chain when you can create that buzz at home? A bold Homemade KFC Zinger Burger stands its ground as a meal prep champion. Prep the components and assemble fresh when hunger strikes. It’s a hands-on favorite that brings the fast-food experience to you, one meal at a time.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

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.

Embrace a soup that introduces a dance of flavors with every spoonful. There’s always room for more Hot and Sour Soup, whether as a start to your meals or a light lunch. It’s a comforting contradiction – both warming and refreshing. Plus, its depth and complexity grow with each day, making every bowl something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

Tuna burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a bun, served on a white plate.
Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Transform a simple can of tuna into a meal that has you counting down to lunchtime. Your Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich gets a crispy edge that beats any deli version. Assemble when ready and relish a warm, comforting hug in sandwich form. It’s a quick, no-fuss option that’s loaded with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Whip up a pot of love that just might have someone popping the question. Marry Me Chicken Soup is rich, warming, and perfect for cozy evenings. Keep a batch on standby; it’s the ultimate comfort food waiting to embrace you. Over the days, it blends and mellows, proving a pot of soup can indeed feel like home.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring out your inner child with a dish that’s all about comfort and nostalgia. Easy Tater Tot Casserole forms a golden, crispy top layer every time. It’s the kind of meal that supports a busy week with its ready-to-go goodness. Dig into its layers and find warmth, no matter the day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Simplicity meets elegance in a classic that’s all too easy to feast on throughout the week. Egg Drop Soup is light yet rewarding, turning each lunch break into a moment of tranquility. It’s the soup that doesn’t weigh you down but fills you up. A staple that feels as good as it tastes, with comforting warmth in every cup.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If variety is the spice of life, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Antipasto Salad rolls out the red carpet for a medley of flavors and textures. It’s a dish that’s equally exciting on day one or day four. Snack on it or make it the star—this salad’s flexibility is your week-long win.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

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.

Imagine a dish that feels indulgent and homely at the same time. Million Dollar Casserole is your go-to for a decadent yet effortless dining experience all week. Each serving re-heats like a charm and promises a bite that’s as good as the last. It’s the weeknight meal you’ll treasure, earning its name bite after luxurious bite.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

Roasted air fryer whole chicken served on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Take the rotisserie out of the equation and still get all the praise. Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!) is about the juiciest outcome with minimal mastery needed. Carve it up, shred it, or slice it; this bird is your blank canvas. It’s weeknight wonder that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe (Super Easy!)

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Close-up of a serving of cheesy baked spaghetti with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley, being lifted from a dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pasta lovers, get ready for a feast that feels like a jackpot every time. Million Dollar Spaghetti serves up layers of comfort, reheating beautifully for daily enjoyment. Whether it’s an anticipated lunch break or a simple dinner fix, each forkful feels like a treat. The name says it all, elevating your pasta game to richness in every twirl.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

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.

Think outside the box with a salad that’s got a bit of kick and plenty of flavors. Hot Honey Chicken Salad breaks the monotony with its sweet and spicy dressing. It’s just as good on day one as it is on day five. Versatile as a stand-alone or a hearty side, it’s the punchy companion to your weekly spread.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

A plate with a slice of Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole and a fork.
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Start your mornings with a filling blend that’s bound to keep you fueled. Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole is a breakfast champ that doubles as a fantastic brinner (breakfast for dinner). Its flavors meld overnight, giving you peak deliciousness with each warming bite.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Get your veggie fix with a dish that promises freshness and zing. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies is the vibrant hero of your meal prep, bringing color to your plate. Toss it together and watch it stay perky and delicious. It’s the light but fulfilling salad that keeps you looking forward to lunchtime all week.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Miso Soup

A bowl of miso soup with tofu cubes, seaweed, and green onions.
Miso Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Find solace in a traditional dish that’s both soul-soothing and restorative. Miso Soup is the simple, yet profound bowl that invites you back again and again. It’s as authentic on the first day as on the last, holding its character beautifully. Ready in minutes, it’s your passport to instant warmth and wellness, any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stack up layers of joy that’ll taste like they took hours to craft, even midweek. There’s something about a square of Homemade Lasagna that feels like a hug in food form. It holds up incredibly well, making for stellar leftovers. You’ll have a reliable go-to that promises a comforting meal every time you reheat it.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Embrace the bounty of colors and flavors with a dish that’s as bright as it is flavorful. Pasta Primavera offers a generous serving of veggies tangled in pasta. Have it hot for dinner or cold for a picnic-style lunch. It’s a flexible, cheerful dish that keeps your meals light and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Close-up of several crispy, twisted strips of cooked bacon on a white surface.
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Step up your snack game with a twist—literally. Air Fryer Twisted Bacon comes out perfectly crispy and is a fuss-free treat. Whether adding to breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s a fun addition that never gets old. Easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy, you’ll want this twist on your weekly menu.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Egg Bites

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

Say hello to the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast that doubles as a savory snack. Handy Egg Bites are compact powerhouses that fit your busy schedule. They’re a breeze to heat up, making mornings a little brighter. Portable and protein-packed, they keep you charged all day long.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Close-up of beef and cheese sliders with toasted buns on a white surface.
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bring the essence of Philly into your kitchen with these small but mighty bites. Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are the perfect mini sandwiches that deliver big on flavor. Compact and easy to eat on the run, they’re the perfect meal prep for lunches or easy dinners. Every bite is a nod to the city of brotherly love, right from your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A slice of pineapple cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white surface.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Who says dessert can’t be part of meal prep? Welcoming a slice of Pineapple Upside Down Cake is like a ray of sunshine at the end of your meal. Its sweet presence is a consistent treat, boasting a longevity that’s perfect for a week of sweets. A cheerful ending to any meal, it’s a classic bake that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Gear up for a comfort dish that’s a reliable friend throughout the week. An Easy Meatloaf Recipe yields a loaf that’s both versatile and homely. Slice for sandwiches or enjoy as a main; it’s comfort food that works any time of day. Hearty and filling, it’s the classic you return to, knowing it’ll hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

A plate with honey chicken tenders, broccoli florets, and mashed potatoes.
Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Say goodbye to bland with hand-held bites that pack a sweet and tangy punch. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders stand as a lively addition to your meal prep. They’re perfect on their own or thrown into a wrap. The flavors stick around, ensuring a perk-up to your routine midweek meals.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

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