17 Non-chicken Dinners I Prepped for a Busy Week

ByMandy

It’s amazing how much variety shows up once chicken gets benched for the week. Prepping 17 non-chicken dinners might sound like a flex, but it’s really just damage control for future tired evenings. There’s something about not having to ask “chicken again?” that feels like winning. Leftovers? Absolutely part of the plan.

Roasted lamb leg on a platter with sliced potatoes, lemon, and herbs. A knife is placed beside the dish.
Lamb Shank. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Roast Beef

Sliced roast beef served on a bed of mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh rosemary.
Roast Beef. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re looking for a hearty dinner option, Roast Beef is a great choice. It’s perfect when you want something filling but versatile enough to pair with side dishes. The flavors come together beautifully after cooking to make every bite worthwhile. It works well as a meal prep idea since you can enjoy it warm or cold.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef

Grilled Tri Tip

Sliced medium-rare steak arranged on a wooden board, topped with a green herb sauce.
Grilled Tri Tip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a smoky and flavorful meal, Grilled Tri Tip is always a strong contender. It’s tender, packed with flavor, and works great with sauces or by itself. This recipe is easy to portion out for multiple meals if you’ve got a busy week ahead. Whether you serve it on its own or in wraps, it’s a solid option for variety and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tri Tip

Sausage Balls

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Need a quick and easy make-ahead option? Sausage Balls give you an amazing mix of hearty and grab-and-go bites. These are simple yet fulfilling for busy days when you don’t have much time to sit down and enjoy a big meal. They work as snacks or full meals, depending on how you pair them with other ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Three slices of glazed meatloaf are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of brown sauce.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you want something comforting and reliable, Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe delivers that classic appeal. The texture and flavors make it a timeless meal for busy weeks. It’s easy to reheat and keeps its taste no matter when you enjoy it. Pair it with a side dish, and you’ve got a dependable dinner ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Sweet and Sour Pork

Close-up of sweet and sour pork with chunks of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple, garnished with sesame seeds and chives.
Sweet and Sour Pork. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For something a bit different that’s still quick to prep, Sweet and Sour Pork hits the spot. It blends familiar flavors with a twist that keeps it interesting each time you eat it. Perfect for a packed schedule, it reheats well and retains its flavor. You can easily enjoy it with rice or on its own throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A plate of creamy spaghetti with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When both convenience and flavor matter, Marry Me Shrimp Pasta delivers every time. It combines shrimp and pasta for a filling, quick-to-reheat meal that works well for weeknight dinners. The flavor is balanced and fulfilling, making it perfect for leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Close-up of a savory pastry topped with a sunny-side-up egg, sliced ham, yellow bell pepper, and garnished with chopped parsley, served on a sesame seed bun.
Egg Prosciutto Bagel. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you need something easy but packed with protein, Egg Prosciutto Bagel is a simple option. It’s the kind of thing you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. This recipe works especially well for meal prepping since it holds up nicely in the fridge. You get the satisfaction of layers of flavor in something compact and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Egg Prosciutto Bagel

Lamb Stew

Close-up of beef stew with tomatoes and herbs served over mashed potatoes, garnished with parsley. A fork and spoon rest on the plate.
Lamb Stew. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Looking for a hearty one-pot option? Lamb Stew is a great choice for busy weeks. It’s easy to make ahead and keeps its rich flavors intact after reheating. You can portion it out for several meals, and it pairs excellently with bread or rice for a rounded dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Stew

Beef Enchilada Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy dish with melted cheese, beef, beans, and scattered cilantro leaves. Red onion slices are visible in the foreground.
Beef Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For something that feeds a crowd or lasts multiple days, Beef Enchilada Casserole is top-notch. It’s layered with bold flavors that make it different from your everyday dishes. Easy to store and reheat, it’s a reliable meal option for packed weeks. You can serve it as a whole dish or split it into portions for flexibility.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Casserole

Shrimp Tempura

A bowl of crispy fried shrimp with slices of green onions and jalapeños.
Shrimp Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you want something lighter but still filling, Shrimp Tempura is worth preparing. It’s crispy where it needs to be and works well as an appetizer or a main dish. You can use this recipe for multiple meal types, including quick weekday dinners. Reheats surprisingly well for something crispy, so it’s great for planning ahead.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

Baked Beef Tacos

Two tacos with beef, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on a white plate.
Baked Beef Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Need something fun but still practical for meal prepping? Baked Beef Tacos fit the bill. They’re easy to make, simple to store, and versatile for quick dinners. Pair them with a variety of toppings to keep things interesting during the week. They bring together convenience and flavor without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

Shrimp Scampi

Close-up of cooked shrimp seasoned with herbs and black pepper.
Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If pasta is your thing but you need something quick, Shrimp Scampi is always reliable. It’s flavorful without being heavy, making it ideal for weeknight meals. This dish reheats well and stays fresh throughout the week. You can portion it out for smaller servings or make it the centerpiece of your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Beef Bourguignon

Close-up of a savory beef stew with chunks of beef, bacon, onion, and vegetables in a rich, glossy sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes.
Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For something slow-cooked and fulfilling, Beef Bourguignon is a solid pick. It’s packed with layers of flavor that get even better after reheating. The recipe works well for meal prep, giving you a comforting dish ready to go any day. Pair it with bread or potatoes, and it’ll feel like a full meal every time.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Chili Relleno Casserole

A slice of lasagna with beef, mushrooms, cheese, and vegetables being lifted from a baking dish.
Chili Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Want a spin on something bold and easy to pack? Chili Relleno Casserole gives you a flavorful option for a busy week. It’s baked and comes together in a way that simplifies meal prep. This dish is easy to serve up in portions and works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chili Relleno Casserole

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

A bowl of seasoned shrimp, avocado, corn, black beans, rice, and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with cilantro.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If bowls are your go-to dinner style, Shrimp Burrito Bowls are something to add to your rotation. They’re easy to prep and let you mix and match toppings for flexibility throughout the week. Shrimp keeps it light yet hearty enough for busy days. Great for meal prep, they hold up well in the fridge without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Spicy Lasagna Soup

Close-up of a plate of pasta topped with a red tomato-based sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Spicy Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This recipe works well for portioning out into containers for weeknight convenience. Want something warm and easy to make ahead? Spicy Lasagna Soup is the perfect choice for those busy schedules. It has all the heartiness of lasagna in a quick-to-reheat soup form.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

Lamb Shank

Roasted lamb leg on a platter with sliced potatoes, lemon, and herbs. A knife is placed beside the dish.
Lamb Shank. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Need something impressive but easy to prep? Lamb Shank makes a great meal choice for dinner or meal prep alike. It cooks slowly but works well for big batches that you can enjoy for days. Pair it with sides or enjoy it solo; it’s versatile enough for busy weeks without feeling repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Shank

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