If cooking every day feels like a chore, then these 17 recipes are your golden ticket out of cooking purgatory. Knock out the week’s meals in one session, and suddenly, your evenings are yours again. No more dreading the daily ritual of chopping, stirring, and standing over the stove. You’ll be free to live your best post-dinner life, with meals that don’t make you feel like you’ve just run a kitchen gauntlet.

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

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re looking for something filling but don’t want to spend every night cooking, Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy is a solid choice. It’s a one-pan meal that cuts down on dishes and leaves you with plenty of leftovers. After prepping this once, you can easily reheat and enjoy it throughout the week without any extra effort. Perfect for those who want a comforting meal without the daily grind of cooking.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy

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 Six.

Salmon Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that keeps things simple and practical for your week ahead. It’s perfect for meal prepping, offering a grab-and-go solution for lunch or dinner that doesn’t feel like the same old thing every day. With its balanced flavors, this is one of those meals that stays fresh in the fridge and just gets better with time. If you’re tired of making something new each day, this is an easy win.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

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 Six.

There’s something about Diner Style Salisbury Steak that makes it the ultimate comfort meal, and it’s even better when you only have to make it once. This dish holds up well, and you can easily divide it into portions for later in the week. Whether you’re coming home after a long day or need a quick lunch, it’s ready to go with minimal fuss. Make it in bulk, and you’ll forget about cooking for the next few days.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Baked Spanish Rice

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

If you’re looking for a meal that does double duty, Baked Spanish Rice has you covered. It works great as both a main dish and a side, making your meal prep even more efficient. The best part is how well it reheats, meaning you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week without any drop in flavor. Say goodbye to scrambling for meals every night, and let this do the heavy lifting for you.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Beef And Barley Soup

A bowl of Beef and Barley Soup with a burger on a long white tray.
Beef And Barley Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Beef And Barley Soup is the kind of meal that fills you up and keeps you warm without any extra effort during the week. Once you’ve made a batch, it’s ready to be reheated whenever you need something hearty and quick. You can portion it out and freeze some if you need to stretch it even further. It’s a smart way to avoid cooking every day while still enjoying something homemade.
Get the Recipe: Beef And Barley Soup

Shrimp And Grits Casserole

A casserole dish with chicken and vegetables in it.
Shrimp And Grits Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Meal prep just got more exciting with Shrimp And Grits Casserole, a dish that gives you all the comfort without the daily cooking. This recipe works perfectly for those busy days when you want something hearty but don’t have time to cook from scratch. Make it once, and you’ve got a few easy meals waiting for you in the fridge. It’s the kind of meal that makes your week so much easier and tastier.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp And Grits Casserole

Roast Pork With Apples

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

Prepping meals in advance can be a game-changer, and Roast Pork With Apples makes it incredibly easy. With just one cooking session, you’ll have flavorful, tender pork that’s ready to be enjoyed throughout the week. It reheats well and pairs with a variety of sides, making it versatile for different meals. No need to stand over the stove every day when you’ve got this waiting in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork With Apples

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

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

When you’ve got a busy week ahead, Beefy John Wayne Casserole is your go-to for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that saves you time. This casserole holds up well, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time and portioning out for later. The leftovers are just as good as the day you made it, so you can relax knowing dinner is already handled. It’s a great way to ensure you’re fed for days without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those nights when you want something comforting but don’t want to cook, Turkey à la King is the perfect solution. It’s rich enough to feel like a treat but simple enough to make ahead and reheat throughout the week. The leftovers are easy to portion out, so you’re covered for multiple meals without the stress of daily cooking. It’s a small bit of effort that saves you loads of time in the long run.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you love pasta but hate the hassle of cooking it every day, Million Dollar Spaghetti will change how you meal prep. This dish gives you all the richness you crave in a pasta dish, with enough leftovers to last you through several meals. Just make it once, and you’ll have an easy, ready-to-go dinner for the rest of the week. It’s one of those meals that makes your weeknights so much simpler and tastier.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Why settle for takeout when you can have Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers prepped and ready at home? It’s a dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor into your kitchen without needing to cook every night. This meal holds up well, so you can easily reheat it during the week whenever hunger strikes. Prepping this once will save you time and keep you well-fed for days.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you want something fun and filling but without the daily cooking, Sloppy Joe Casserole is your answer. This dish brings the flavors of the classic sandwich into a convenient one-pan meal that’s perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch, and you’ve got meals ready to go for days, so you can enjoy hearty, rewarding dinners with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those who love comfort food without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Pickled Yellow Beans

Pickled yellow beans in a jar on a wooden table.
Pickled Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A great way to mix up your meal prep routine is by adding Pickled Yellow Beans to the mix. They’re a tangy, crunchy addition to just about anything, from sandwiches to salads, and they last for weeks. Prep a big batch once, and you’ll have an easy, flavorful side or snack that’s always ready. You won’t have to worry about making something fresh every day when you’ve got these in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans

Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing, Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp is an excellent meal prep option. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something healthy and easy to grab from the fridge. Make a big batch, and you’ve got several portions that can last you throughout the week. You’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meals with this one.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp

Beef Bourguignon

Beef bourguignon in a white bowl with thyme.
Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen every night to enjoy something rich and flavorful like Beef Bourguignon. This dish is perfect for making ahead of time and enjoying over several days. It only gets better as the flavors develop, so you’ll be looking forward to each serving. Prep it once, and you’ve got an impressive meal waiting for you all week long.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a one-pan wonder that simplifies your meal prep while still giving you something filling and flavorful. With everything cooking in one skillet, cleanup is quick, and you’ve got multiple meals ready in no time. It reheats well, making it perfect for those nights when you just don’t have the energy to cook. No more worrying about dinner when you’ve got this prepped ahead.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

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.

When you want something comforting but don’t want to spend every night in the kitchen, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a perfect choice. It’s easy to make in advance, and the leftovers hold up well, making it an ideal meal prep option. You can reheat it anytime you need a rewarding, hearty meal without extra effort. It’s a great way to enjoy something homemade all week long without the daily cooking stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

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