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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Simple Meal Prep Dinners That Don’t Skimp on Flavor

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 4, 2025, updated August 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Meal prepping can be a game changer for busy weeknights, and it doesn't have to be boring. With these 21 simple dinner ideas, you can enjoy flavorful meals that are easy to prepare in advance. From hearty casseroles to vibrant salads, these recipes will keep your week exciting and satisfying.

    Crockpot Chuck Roast

    Crockpot Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    A big pot roast with hearty vegetables is always a comforting meal. This chuck roast is super easy to prepare, taking just 5 minutes to get ready. Once it's slow-cooked, the meat becomes so tender that it practically falls apart, making it a simple yet satisfying dish.

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    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a great comfort food option. It's perfect for busy weeknights and combines seasoned ground beef, corn, and beans, all topped with a light and fluffy cornbread layer. This dish is filling and satisfying, making it a favorite for family dinners.

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    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Flank Steak is quick and easy to prepare, taking only 8-10 minutes to cook. The marinade adds great flavor and helps to make the meat tender, resulting in a juicy steak that's ready in no time. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Roasted Sweet Potato & Feta Cheese Salad

    A plate of sweet potato salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A healthy salad can be just what you need, and this sweet potato salad fits the bill perfectly. It's warm, filling, and makes a great meal for lunch or dinner. Plus, it tastes just as good the next day, making it a convenient choice for meal prep.

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    Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas

    sweetheart cabbage salad.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sweetheart cabbage salad comes together in just 15 minutes and is perfect for anyone who thinks they don't like salads. It features fresh spinach, crunchy sweetheart cabbage, and tasty chickpeas, all topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This dish is not only healthy but also satisfying and simple to prepare.

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    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are simple to prepare and can be ready in less than an hour. You can cook them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, giving you plenty of options. The result is a juicy and flavorful meatball that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Alpine Chicken

    Slow Cooker Alpine Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This creamy chicken dish features Swiss cheese, stuffing mix, and crunchy almonds. It's a simple and tasty meal that you can easily prepare in the slow cooker. Using stove-top stuffing adds a nice twist and makes it a fun way to enjoy chicken.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies

    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
    Photo Credit: Wholesome Made Easy.

    This dish is simple to put together. Just toss some chicken thighs and vegetables onto a sheet pan, bake them, and you have a delicious dinner ready to go with tender chicken and flavorful roasted veggies.

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    French Onion Pasta

    French Onion Pasta with wooden spoon.
    Photo Credit: Sunglow Kitchen.

    French onion pasta combines sweet caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and Gruyere cheese, all cooked together in one pot for a creamy dish. It has a fancy feel, perfect for impressing guests, yet it's simple enough for a weeknight meal. This is a great option for those busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

    Cheesy smoked sausage pasta on a skillet.
    Photo Credit: On My Kids' Plate.

    Cheesy sausage pasta is a simple dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes using just one pot. It's great for busy weeknights and can be easily adjusted based on what you have at home. This dish is satisfying and perfect for a family meal.

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    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan-fried gnocchi is a hidden gem that really outshines the boiled version. When you cook it this way, it gets a nice crispy texture that adds a lot to the dish. Adding bacon and mushrooms brings in a rich flavor that makes this meal even more enjoyable.

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    Chicken Burgers

    A stack of chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These chicken patties are simple to prepare and come together in no time. With just a few easy steps and only 10 minutes in the air fryer, you can have a delicious meal ready. There's no need for chopping, as powdered seasonings do all the work, and a splash of fresh lemon juice keeps them juicy.

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    Mexican Shredded Chicken

    Pulled chicken.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    This shredded chicken has a tasty Mexican twist and is perfect for quick meals. Chicken thighs are seasoned with a smoky spice blend and cooked until they're nice and crispy. After that, they're easily shredded with forks, making them great for burritos, tacos, or even as a main dish. It's a simple and healthy option that fits well into any meal prep.

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    The Best Tater Tot Casserole

    The Best Tater Tot Casserole
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This tater tot casserole is a family favorite Midwest comfort food that's layered with tender veggies and ground beef in a creamy gravy topped with melted cheese and tater tots. It's loaded with real ingredients - which means NO CONDENSED SOUP - and it's made all in one pot so it can go from the stove to the oven, right to your dinner table!

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese

    Chicken Caprese Sheet Pan.
    Photo Credit: Wholly Tasteful.

    Chicken Caprese Sheet Pan is a simple and impressive meal that can be ready in just 30 minutes. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also looks fantastic and is packed with flavor, using just a few ingredients.

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    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon
    Photo credit: always use butter

    These Lamb Meatballs are simple to prepare and packed with fresh lemon and cilantro flavor. They pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, but also work great as a snack or part of a larger spread. I've been making these for years, and they always hit the spot.

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    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a hit with everyone, from kids to food lovers. Filled with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, these wraps are full of flavor. They come together in just 20 minutes and are really simple to prepare.

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    Chicken Pot Pie Soup

    Chicken Pot Pie Soup.
    Photo Credit: Cooking in My Genes.

    This soup brings all the comforting flavors of pot pie into a cozy bowl. It's perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and satisfying. With its hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite for easy meal prep.

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    Potato Leek Soup

    Potato Leek Soup.
    Photo Credit: Sugar Spun Run.

    This potato leek soup is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. You can get everything ready in just 10 minutes using one pot, and it will be ready in under an hour. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for any day of the week.

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    Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

    Slow Cooker Pepper Steak.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    Tender beef strips and colorful bell peppers come together in a flavorful sauce that's perfect for the Crock-Pot. This simple dish features Asian-inspired flavors and is delicious served over rice, making it a satisfying meal. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

    Baked potato soup in a slow cooker.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This soup is perfect for a laid-back dinner, as it cooks in the crockpot while you go about your day. You can throw in tender chunks of potato and vegetables in a flavorful chicken broth, letting them simmer until they're nice and soft. To finish it off, a splash of evaporated milk and some cheese create a rich and creamy texture that everyone will enjoy.

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      19 Slow Cooker Meals Perfect for Cozy Fall Vibes

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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