Planning your week just got easier with these 23 delicious meals you can prep in advance. By taking a little time to prepare ahead, you can avoid the last-minute scramble and enjoy homemade dishes that are ready whenever you need them. These meal ideas are simple to make and will save you time, so you can focus on other things while still enjoying a home-cooked meal every day.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Save time by cooking this shredded BBQ chicken in advance for easy meals throughout the week. Its tender, smoky flavor works perfectly in sandwiches, salads, or even baked potatoes. Once it’s ready, you’ll have a versatile dish that makes dinner stress-free and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Potato Corn Chowder
Get ahead with this creamy potato corn chowder that’s packed with smoky bacon and hearty flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food that tastes even better after a day in the fridge. Whip it up early, and you’ll always have a warm, satisfying bowl waiting to make mealtime simple.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Chicken Taco Wraps
Simplify your week with these flavorful chicken taco wraps that are easy to prepare in advance. Using rotisserie chicken, they deliver bold, zesty flavor without much effort. Stash them in the fridge, and you’ve got a delicious, portable meal ready whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Hearts of Palm Salad
Brighten up your meals with this refreshing hearts of palm salad packed with crisp veggies and tangy dressing. It’s a light yet flavorful option that stays fresh and vibrant when prepped ahead. Have it ready and waiting, so a healthy, tasty dish is never out of reach.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Cream of Celery Soup
Make life easier with this creamy, comforting cream of celery soup that’s ideal for planning ahead. With simple ingredients and rich flavor, it’s perfect for reheating whenever you need a warm meal. Store it in the fridge, and you’ll always have a bowl of coziness ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Celery Soup
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Transform dinner prep with these cheesy lasagna roll-ups that deliver classic flavors with half the hassle. They’re easy to make ahead and reheat beautifully when needed. Keep them on hand for a stress-free, comforting meal whenever the craving strikes.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This hearty chicken tortilla soup is your answer to busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, beans, and corn, it’s a meal you can prepare early and enjoy later. Warm it up in minutes for a dinner that’s both filling and flavorful without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Simplify your meals with this hearty Instant Pot lentil soup that’s easy to make ahead. Loaded with veggies and protein-rich lentils, it’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Have it ready to reheat, so a healthy dinner is always just a moment away.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Tomato Basil Bisque
Treat yourself to a comforting bowl of creamy tomato basil bisque made ahead of time. The tangy tomatoes and fresh basil create a rich, flavorful base that stores perfectly. Keep it in the fridge for a quick meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Crockpot Chili
Let this crockpot chili do the work while you enjoy the payoff later. With tender meat, beans, and a blend of spices, it’s a crowd-pleaser you can make in advance. Reheat it when needed, and enjoy a dish that’s as satisfying as it is effortless.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Plan ahead with this creamy, savory mac and cheese that’s anything but ordinary. Bacon and tomatoes give it a rich twist that makes it perfect for any night. Prepare it early, and you’ll always have a hearty, comforting meal ready when life gets busy.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Chicken Curry
Skip the last-minute rush by making this creamy chicken curry ahead of time. With coconut milk and bold spices, it’s a dish that only gets better as it sits. Reheat and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s ready whenever you are.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Maximize your week with this protein-packed Mexican skillet quinoa that stores beautifully. With quinoa, beans, and salsa, it’s a flavorful dish that works for lunch or dinner. Cook it in advance, and you’ll always have a filling meal waiting for you.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Get dinner out of the way with this tender, zesty lemon garlic chicken that’s perfect for planning ahead. The Instant Pot locks in all the flavor for a dish that reheats beautifully. Keep it on hand for nights when you need something both quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Spinach Orzo Salad
Make mealtime easy with this fresh spinach and orzo salad that holds up perfectly in the fridge. The combination of leafy greens, pasta, and savory flavors makes it a great option for any meal. Have it ready and enjoy a light yet satisfying dish anytime.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Keep your meals on track with this spinach and Parmesan quinoa that’s both nutritious and flavorful. It’s a versatile dish that works as a side or main and stores well for busy days. Cook it now, and you’ll have a healthy option waiting whenever hunger hits.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
These cheesy chicken enchiladas are a time-saving trick for easy, delicious dinners. Using rotisserie chicken keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. Get them ready ahead of time, and enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Harvest Quinoa Salad
This hearty harvest quinoa salad is the perfect dish to prepare in advance for a busy schedule. With roasted squash, cranberries, and feta, it balances sweet and savory flavors. Keep it in the fridge, and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is convenient.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Beer Cheese Soup
Make life easier by cooking this rich beer cheese soup in advance. With bold flavors and a creamy texture, it’s a comforting choice for any meal. Store it in the fridge, and you’ll always have a warm, cheesy option ready when you need it most.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Simplify your week with this hearty chickpea tomato soup that stores beautifully. The creamy base made from chickpeas and tomatoes offers bold, satisfying flavors. Keep it on hand, and enjoy a warm, filling meal whenever the day demands it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Meatballs and Sauce
These savory meatballs and rich tomato sauce are a meal prep favorite for good reason. They reheat perfectly for a quick, satisfying dinner whenever you need it. Make them ahead, and enjoy classic comfort food that’s ready at a moment’s notice.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Prepare this chicken stew with biscuits in advance for a hearty, filling dish that’s perfect any time. The tender chicken, veggies, and fluffy biscuits come together beautifully. Make it early, and you’ll always have a meal that feels like home waiting for you.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Stay ahead of your meals with this fresh tomato quinoa salad that stores well for days. The blend of quinoa, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a light yet filling option. Make it now, and you’ll always have a healthy, refreshing dish ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad