Meal prep magic: 17 recipes that will make your weekdays a breeze

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Make your weekdays easier with these 17 meal prep recipes that save time and stress. Perfect for busy schedules, these recipes help you plan and prepare delicious meals in advance, so you can enjoy home-cooked goodness without the daily hassle. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, these dishes are designed to simplify your week. Take the guesswork out of mealtime with these easy and efficient meal prep recipes.

A plate of porcupine meatballs covered in tomato sauce and garnished with fresh basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Paprikash is a comforting meal that combines tender chicken in a creamy paprika sauce, making it perfect for preparing ahead and reheating throughout the week. The rich flavors meld beautifully over time, enhancing each subsequent serving. It’s an ideal dish for those chilly evenings when only something hearty will do.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

A top-down shot of Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies on a white plate.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Keep a batch on hand for when you need a sweet lift during your busy days. Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten up your week. These cookies are crisp on the outside and chewy inside, with a vibrant lemon flavor that makes them irresistible. They’re easy to bake in large batches and perfect for grabbing on the go.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Spanish Rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with any protein and can be made in large quantities for meal prep. It’s perfect for a hassle-free meal that requires minimal attention while baking. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal that feels both special and easy. It’s a foolproof way to add some Spanish flair to your weekly meals.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Butter Scones

Two butter scones on a plate with a cup of tea on a marble surface.
Butter Scones. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These scones are a guaranteed hit for their classic taste and effortless preparation. Butter Scones are a simple pleasure that makes morning coffee or afternoon tea something to look forward to. These scones are light and flaky, with a rich buttery taste that pairs perfectly with jams and creams. Bake a batch on Sunday and enjoy the ease of having a treat ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Butter Scones

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the sophisticated flavors of this dish any night of the week. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole transforms the classic elegance of chicken cordon bleu into a convenient, one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s designed for simplicity and flavor, making it a great make-ahead meal that reheats well. It’s a family-friendly option that brings gourmet tastes to your regular meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Wild Rice Salad offers a variety of textures and flavors. It’s excellent for batch cooking and stores well, making it perfect for quick lunches throughout the week. Enjoy it as a side or as a light main course. Its robust ingredients make it a hearty option that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Cinnamon Muffins

Muffins with white icing on a blue napkin.
Cinnamon Muffins. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

These muffins are a perfect pick-me-up during busy weekdays. Cinnamon Muffins are a sweet way to spice up your meal prep. These muffins are soft and fluffy, with a rich cinnamon swirl that makes them a delicious treat at any time of day. Bake a batch at the start of the week and enjoy it as a quick breakfast or a comforting snack.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Muffins

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle is an exciting dish that brings the flavors of Thailand to your kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner. The vibrant flavors ensure that this dish is never boring, and its quick cooking time makes it a practical choice for meal prep. Enjoy a taste of Thailand any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

These burgers are wrapped in bacon and cooked to perfection, offering a smoky, savory flavor that’s hard to resist. Bacon-Wrapped Burgers are an indulgent twist on a classic favorite. They’re perfect for grilling or pan-frying and are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Prepare these burgers in advance and cook them up for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A plate of porcupine meatballs covered in tomato sauce and garnished with fresh basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs are a stress-free dish that cooks itself while you’re busy with other tasks. This recipe is perfect for setting up in the morning and coming home to a delicious meal. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, infused with rice that absorbs the savory sauce as they cook. Just set it and forget it; these meatballs will be ready to delight your family with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Raspberry Crumb Cake

A piece of cranberry crumb cake on a plate.
Raspberry Crumb Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

This cake’s fresh, fruity flavor makes it a favorite, and it keeps well, ensuring you can savor it throughout the week. Raspberry Crumb Cake is a sweet addition to any meal prep plan, perfect for breakfast or as a midday snack. You can bake it ahead and enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as a dessert. It’s a little treat that will brighten up your busy days.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Crumb Cake

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish. The meal is set on a white wooden table beside silver cutlery and a floral napkin.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings the comfort of a classic diner meal to your kitchen. This recipe features seasoned ground beef steaks smothered in a rich, oniony gravy that’s both hearty and heartwarming. It’s perfect for a prepared meal that just needs reheating, making your dinner decision easy after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Meal prep this casserole over the weekend, and you’ll have a ready-to-go dinner that’s both easy and satisfying. Beefy John Wayne Casserole is a robust and hearty dish that’s sure to become a weeknight staple. This casserole is named for its bold flavors and crowd-pleasing appeal. It’s filling, comforting, and perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Salmon Pasta Salad is a light yet fulfilling dish that’s perfect for meal prep. This salad is ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner, providing a healthy balance of proteins and carbs. It keeps well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal any day of the week. Plus, this salad is versatile enough to match your taste preferences, making it a reliable recipe for busy weekdays.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Serve it sliced with a side of roasted vegetables or over a bed of greens. Roast Pork with Apples is a flavorful dish that marries the savory taste of pork with the sweet tang of apples. This combination not only enhances the pork’s flavor but also ensures it stays moist and tender. It’s an excellent choice for a Sunday roast, with leftovers that can easily be transformed into quick weekday meals.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Croissant Breakfast Casserole

A white plate with a slice of Croissant breakfast casserole and orange next to it.
Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This casserole turns your first meal into a decadent treat, proving that breakfast doesn’t have to be boring, even on a tight schedule. Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a luxurious way to start your day. It’s perfect for a make-ahead breakfast that you can enjoy throughout the week. Simply reheat a portion in the morning for a quick, satisfying start.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Close-up shot of Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers on a Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill topped with cheesy onion on a plate.
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to wow your guests, Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers are sure to please. These burgers are a gourmet twist on traditional burgers. Infused with the rich flavors of French onion soup, these pork burgers are juicy and packed with taste. They’re perfect for grilling in advance and reheating for a quick, delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

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