Nighttime can feel rushed, and the last thing you want is to worry about lunch the next day. These 13 simple recipes are perfect for making a big batch, which means dinner is covered and there will be plenty left for tomorrow’s lunch. They are quick to make, taste great the next day, and help make busy weeks feel a little easier.
Kung Pao Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Bacon Egg Salad
Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch to this creamy egg salad, giving it more flavor without much extra work. It’s perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or crackers, and it comes together quickly enough to mix while dinner is finishing on the stove. Make this simple weeknight recipe and enjoy the best leftovers for school lunch the next day without having to cook again.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg Salad
Cacio e Pepe
This pasta only needs noodles, cheese, and pepper, yet it still feels like a full meal that is simple to make. It cooks quickly, reheats well, and makes enough to cover both dinner and lunch the next day without any extra effort. Add this to your list of simple weeknight recipes that make the best leftovers for school lunch and keep busy nights stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Crockpot Chili
This hearty chili simmers in the slow cooker while you take care of homework, chores, or anything else on your list. It is filled with meat and beans, and the flavors taste even better the next day after they have had time to blend together. Make this easy back-to-school meal and have lunch ready for tomorrow without lifting a finger.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Chicken Curry
This one-pan chicken curry uses pantry staples and still brings a deep, rich flavor that feels like it took more work than it did. It tastes great over rice for dinner and easily turns into another meal the next day without adding anything extra. Keep this recipe handy for busy back-to-school weeks when you want to solve dinner and lunch in one step.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Shortcut Chicken Salad
This chicken salad comes together in minutes using canned chicken, mayonnaise, and your favorite mix-ins for a personal touch. It works well in sandwiches, with crackers, or packed into containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch. Try this easy back-to-school meal and cover two meals in one quick and simple recipe.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Juicy lemon garlic chicken cooks fast in the Instant Pot and delivers bold flavor with just a few ingredients. It pairs perfectly with rice for dinner and can be wrapped up for an easy lunch the next day. Make this simple weeknight recipe that turns dinner into the best leftovers for school lunch without adding extra work.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Fresh tomatoes and creamy ricotta melt together to make a rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta. It comes together with just a few ingredients, cooks quickly, and leaves you with almost no mess to clean. Add this easy back-to-school dinner to your week and enjoy the same delicious meal for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
These tortilla pizzas crisp up fast in the air fryer using whatever toppings you already have in the kitchen. They are fun to make, require almost no cleanup, and still taste great even after they have cooled. Make this back-to-school dinner and have extra ready for lunch or a quick snack the next day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Crunchy vegetables and a spicy dressing give this salad a bold flavor that stays fresh in the fridge. It is filling enough for dinner and holds up well for lunch the next day without getting soggy. Keep this back-to-school recipe in rotation for meals that feel fresh, fast, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Tomato Lime Chicken
This flavorful chicken cooks in one pan with tomato and lime while you handle the rest of your evening. It works in wraps, salads, or rice bowls and still tastes just as good the next day without much extra work. Try this fast back-to-school dinner that turns into a ready-to-go lunch with no extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Honey Glazed Chicken
This sweet and sticky chicken comes together with a few pantry staples and takes very little time to cook. It is delicious served with rice or vegetables and still works well cold for a quick lunch the next day. Make this simple back-to-school recipe and get two meals from one easy cooking session.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Asian Glazed Salmon
Soy sauce and honey give this salmon a bold glaze that cooks quickly and leaves you with little to clean. It tastes great warm for dinner and still holds its flavor when eaten cold for lunch the next day. Keep this easy back-to-school recipe on hand for nights when you need two solid meals without the extra time.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Spinach and parmesan bring flavor and texture to this light but filling quinoa dish. It is simple to make, works well hot or cold, and packs easily for school lunches. Try this healthy back-to-school recipe that makes both dinner and lunch feel quick and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa