Batch cooking for weeknight dinners is a game changer when time’s tight, and everyone’s hungry. With these 19 ideas, you can prep meals ahead of time and enjoy them all week without breaking a sweat. No more rushing after work to throw something together—you’ll already have delicious meals waiting. Seriously, your future self will thank you for the low-effort, high-reward dinners, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash
When it’s chilly outside, nothing beats a hot bowl of Authentic Hungarian Goulash. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, easily made in large quantities. After a long day, reheating a serving makes mealtime a breeze, giving you a hearty meal without the fuss. Plus, freezing portions means you always have a homemade dinner ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Paprikash is a comforting dish that brings a touch of tradition to your dinner table. Make it once, and enjoy the convenience of having multiple meals ready to go. It’s a thoughtful way to simplify your meal prep routine, ensuring you have a delicious option on hand. Serve it over noodles or rice, and dinner is served—no last-minute scrambling required.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Molly Bars
Dessert enthusiasts, rejoice with Molly Bars. These sweet treats are not only simple to make but also perfect for fulfilling your sweet tooth any night of the week. Bake a batch during the weekend, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready whenever the mood strikes. It’s a straightforward, hassle-free way to keep homemade treats on hand.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars
Pizza Pasta Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad offers a playful twist on two beloved classics, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike. It’s an excellent choice for batch cooking, as it keeps well and even tastes better the next day. Packing this for lunch or having it ready for a quick dinner saves time during busy weeks. Full of vibrant ingredients, it’s a meal that’s both fun and practical.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Raspberry Crumb Cake
There’s something incredibly comforting about a slice of Raspberry Crumb Cake, especially when it’s readily available at home. This cake combines the sweet tartness of raspberries with a buttery crumb topping in a way that’s hard to resist. Make it ahead, and enjoy a piece with your morning coffee or as a dessert after dinner. It’s an easy way to ensure you always have something delicious to complement your meals or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Crumb Cake
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle
If you’re looking to spice up your dinner options, try this Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. It’s a vibrant dish that’s perfect for those who love a meal with a kick. Cooking this in a large batch ensures you have an exciting option ready to go, adding variety to your weekly meals. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy restaurant-quality food right at home.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
For a lighter dessert option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are the way to go. These cookies are as delicious to make as they are to eat, offering a refreshing twist to your sweet treat repertoire. Prepare a big batch, and you’ll have a pick-me-up waiting in your kitchen. They’re perfect for those moments when you need a little brightness in your day.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is an inspired choice when you’re in the mood for a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your home. It’s surprisingly simple to recreate and perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious dinner option ready throughout the week. The combination of flavors and ease of reheating make it a favorite. It’s a surefire way to enjoy a special meal any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
Sloppy Joe Casserole
For a unique take on a classic, this Sloppy Joe Casserole puts a fun twist on traditional flavors. This dish is hearty and filling, making it a fantastic choice for feeding a family or having leftovers for the week. It combines the best of both worlds: the comfort of a casserole with the familiar taste of sloppy joes. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient for those evenings when you need something quick and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings the comfort of your favorite diner right into your kitchen. This meal is a nod to classic comfort food and is perfect for preparing ahead. Having it on standby means you can enjoy a comforting meal without the wait or the work. It’s ideal for those nights when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Beef and Barley Soup
As the seasons change, a warm bowl of Beef and Barley Soup can make any evening feel cozy. This soup is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying, making it a wonderful meal to have ready to go. It freezes well, ensuring you can enjoy a homemade soup anytime you like. Plus, it’s a great way to warm up and relax after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup
Salmon Pasta Salad
Light yet filling, this Salmon Pasta Salad is a refreshing change of pace from heavier meals. It’s perfect for those warmer days when you want something fulfilling without feeling weighed down. Making this in advance means you always have an option that’s both practical and pleasing. It’s a fantastic way to ensure your meals throughout the week are balanced and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts are a sure way to bring excitement to your dinner lineup. This dish not only promises a combination of flavors but also is great for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet feels special enough for the weekend. Whether you’re dining solo or with family, it’s a meal that promises enjoyment without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Baked Spanish Rice
Batch cooking shouldn’t be boring, and Baked Spanish Rice is here to prove just that. It’s an easy meal to prep on a Sunday and enjoy throughout the week, with all the ingredients sitting nicely in one dish. The rice absorbs all the juices as it bakes, so every bite is packed with goodness. Not only does this dish save time, but it also brings a hearty meal to your dinner table without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Looking for a restaurant-quality meal without leaving the house? Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers is your ticket to a flavorful evening. This dish is perfect for making in large batches, ensuring you have delicious meals ready on any night. Give your weeknight dinners an upgrade with this recipe that promises bold tastes and minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Transform a classic dish into an easy, weeknight staple with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This recipe takes all the traditional elements of the beloved dish and simplifies it into a casserole that’s perfect for batch cooking. It’s comforting, filling, and keeps well, making it a fantastic option for any day of the week. Say goodbye to dinner stress with this casserole that’s always ready to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)
Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your meal prep routine, Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans) offers a light yet fulfilling option. This dish is all about simplicity and letting the green beans shine, cooked with olive oil and tomatoes until perfectly tender. It’s a great way to add some veggies to your weekly menu without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with just about any main, offering versatility throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)
Shrimp & Corn Chowder
If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, Shrimp & Corn Chowder is a must-try. This soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with the sweetness of corn and the succulence of shrimp. It freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a cozy meal any night of the week with little to no effort. Perfect for chilly evenings, this chowder is a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy make for a deliciously hearty meal that’s a cinch to prepare in batches. The chicken comes out juicy and tender every time, while the creamy gravy adds a rich depth of flavor. It’s an excellent choice for those evenings when you crave something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the comfort of a home-cooked meal any night, with minimal prep and maximum enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
