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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Simple Meal Prep Dinners That Will Make Everyone Happy

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 17, 2025, updated August 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Meal prepping can be a game changer for busy weeknights, making it easy to enjoy delicious and satisfying dinners without the stress of cooking from scratch every day. Here are 22 simple meal prep dinner ideas that are sure to please everyone at the table. From hearty casseroles to fresh salads, these recipes are designed to be easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

    Beef and Barley Stew

    Beef and Barley Stew.
    Photo Credit Chew Out Loud.

    This stew is cooked in a slow cooker, which makes it super easy to prepare. It turns out tender and packed with flavor, perfect for a cozy dinner. Just set it up and let it do its thing while you go about your day.

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    4-Ingredient Chili

    Chili.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This meal is easy on the wallet and really filling, perfect for when you need something hearty. With just four simple ingredients, you can whip it up without much effort. It's a great option for busy nights when you want a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole

    Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    This cheesy tater tot casserole is packed with seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a creamy sauce that everyone enjoys. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners. With its layers of flavor and satisfying texture, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

    Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    Peanut chicken is a great option for a simple weeknight dinner. With just 5 minutes of prep time, this dish is covered in a tasty Thai-inspired peanut sauce. It's an easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal that's also high in protein.

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    Vegetable Stew

    Vegetable Stew.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This one pot vegetable stew is a great choice for a simple dinner that everyone can enjoy. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and is packed with hearty root vegetables and lentils, making it very satisfying. Perfect for busy evenings, this vegetarian dish is both nutritious and comforting.

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    Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs in Tangy Sauce

    Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs in Tangy Sauce.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    These meatballs with rice are simmered in a delicious sweet and tangy sauce that brings back fond memories. It's a simple dish that combines comfort and flavor, making it a great choice for any meal. Perfect for busy nights, this meal is easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.

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    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup

    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup.
    Photo Credit: Living Sweet Moments.

    Cream of Chicken & Leek Soup is a simple and satisfying dish that brings comfort to the table. With just six ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy families. This soup is a great option for a cozy dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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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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    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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    Chili Mac 'n Cheese

    Chili Mac 'n Cheese.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This creamy macaroni and cheese combines all the classic flavors of American beef chili into one simple dish. It's a great option for anyone looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for cooks of any skill level, this dish is sure to please everyone in the family, from kids to adults.

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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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    Tandoori Pasta

    Tandoori Pasta.
    Photo credit: My Vegan Minimalist.

    Tandoori pasta is a dish that you’ll want to make for dinner. It’s quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes, and it’s filling and flavorful. This meal is comforting and satisfying, perfect for a cozy night in.

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make this flavor-packed Marry Me Chicken Pasta in just 20 minutes - and don't be surprised if everyone asks for seconds (or your hand in marriage!). It's a super creamy sauce with a delicious flavor combo of crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika & oregano. All achieved with pantry staple dried herbs & minimal prep.

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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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    Baked Spicy Honey Chicken

    Slices of baked spicy honey chicken.
    Photo Credit: Well Fed Baker.

    This baked chicken dish is simple to prepare, with the chicken cooking directly in a spicy honey sauce that creates a delicious, sticky glaze. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of flavors makes it a favorite for quick dinners.

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    Minestrone Soup

    Minestrone Soup Recipe (Olive Garden Inspired).
    Photo Credit: The Kitchen Girl.

    This minestrone soup is a warm and filling dish made with a tasty tomato broth packed with fresh veggies, beans, and pasta. It's a great way to feed a crowd without spending too much. Inspired by the popular Olive Garden minestrone, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal.

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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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    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

    Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Cooking Duo.

    This dinner is all about comfort and simplicity. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor, thanks to some easy-to-find ingredients. This dish is a great addition to your weekly meals, appealing even to those who are usually picky about what they eat.

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    Cheesy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

    Cheesy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Mandi of the Mountains.

    This cheesy hamburger hashbrown casserole is a comforting dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It’s simple to prepare and comes together in no time, making it perfect for a busy evening. With its hearty ingredients, this meal is sure to satisfy and bring everyone to the table.

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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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    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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    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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    More Recipe Roundups

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      29 Easy Dinners That Will Transform Your Weeknights
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      26 Slow Cooker Wonders That Will Be On Your Weekly Menu This Fall

    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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