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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    25 Easy Meal Prep Dinners to Keep You on Track This Week

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 28, 2025, updated September 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Meal prepping can be a game changer for busy weeks, helping you stay organized and eat healthier. With 25 easy dinner ideas, you can save time and stress while enjoying a variety of flavors. These recipes are simple to make and perfect for keeping you on track with your weekly meals.

    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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    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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    Chickpea Soup

    Chickpea Soup.
    Photo Credit: Narturallie Plant Based.

    A warm bowl of Tuscan Chickpea Soup is perfect for chilly days. This soup brings together Mediterranean flavors like sundried tomatoes and fresh herbs, along with hearty chickpeas, creating a creamy dish that you'll love. It's a comforting meal that's easy to prepare and great for sharing.

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    Chinese Chicken Salad

    A bowl of Chinese chicken salad.
    Photo Credit: XOXOBella.

    Chinese chicken salad is a simple and healthy option for a quick dinner or lunch during the week. With a light dressing, it brings together fresh ingredients and tender chicken for a satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

    Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Supergolden Bakes.

    Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a creamy and flavorful dish that's simple to prepare in your slow cooker. It's perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs well with pilau rice or cauliflower rice if you're looking for a low-carb option.

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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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    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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    Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

    Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup.
    Photo Credit: Curry Trail.

    This creamy tomato tortellini soup comes together in just 20 minutes. It's a warm and comforting vegetarian dish featuring cheese tortellini, canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spinach. Topped with parmesan cheese and served with some crusty bread, it's a satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.

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    One Pan Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and potatoes.
    Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

    This one pan chicken and potatoes dinner features juicy roasted chicken thighs and drumsticks, along with tender potatoes, whole cloves of roasted garlic, and button mushrooms, all cooked together on a single sheet pan. It's a simple meal that cuts down on cleanup, and you can have it in the oven in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup

    Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Vegan Lunch Box.

    This butternut squash soup is simple to make and features roasted butternut squash and red pepper. It's a cozy option that's great for lunch or dinner. Perfect for those days when you want something warm and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken Stuffing Casserole

    Chicken Stuffing Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This chicken stuffing casserole bake is a great choice for a weeknight dinner. It features savory stove-top stuffing mixed with shredded chicken and a creamy mushroom sauce, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Everyone will enjoy this dish, and it's sure to have everyone coming back for more.

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    Mini Calzones

    Mini Calzones
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Mini calzones are a simple and quick meal option that everyone will enjoy. With just five ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, they're perfect for busy nights. Using store-bought biscuit dough makes the process even easier, and the whole family can join in to roll out the dough and choose their favorite fillings.

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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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    Instant Pot Chicken Soup

    A bowl of chicken soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make this Instant Pot Chicken Soup in just over an hour for a flavor packed and cosy dinner. Creamy with a light spicy kick, this soup is just the comfort food you need.

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    Hamburger Rice Casserole

    Hamburger Rice Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Deliciously Homecooked.

    This hamburger rice casserole is a simple and tasty dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. Made with ground beef and paired with steamed broccoli, it's the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. It's easy to prepare and satisfying, making it a great choice for dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry

    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken in a Hurry is a simple and tasty dish that you can make in a crockpot. It features tender chicken cooked with onion soup mix, apricot preserves, and Russian dressing, creating a sweet and tangy sauce. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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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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    Cottage Cheese Lasagna

    Cottage cheese lasagna on a dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Cottage cheese lasagna is a cozy and satisfying dish that's easy to whip up. It's perfect for those busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can even make it ahead of time and just bake it when you're ready to eat. Enjoy a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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    Creamy Leek, Ham & Potato Soup

    Creamy Leek, Ham & Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Family Food Kitchen.

    This creamy soup is simple to prepare and really tasty. It's rich and comforting, loaded with vegetables, and can be ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick meal, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.

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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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    Ground Beef Chili

    Ground Beef Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    This healthy chili is made in the slow cooker and includes beans, corn, and peppers, all mixed with masa harina. It's packed with delicious Southwest flavors that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and full of good ingredients.

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    Homemade Spaghettios

    Homemade Spaghettios.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Homemade Spaghettios offer a warm and comforting taste of nostalgia. This simple meal can be ready in just 30 minutes, bringing back fond memories while using fresh ingredients instead of canned ones. It's a great option for a quick dinner that feels both familiar and satisfying.

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    Spinach and Cheese Manicotti

    Vegetarian Spinach and Cheese Manicotti.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    No-Boil Baked Manicotti is a great option for a cozy Sunday dinner, but it's also simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. This dish combines pasta and cheese in a way that's satisfying and comforting. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Busy Family Recipes.

    This is a simple and delicious crockpot meal that works great for a weekday dinner. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and let the crockpot do the rest. It's a nice mix of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will enjoy.

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    Pasta Rosa

    20 Minute Pasta Rosa.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Penne pasta cooked just right is mixed with a smooth tomato cream sauce and fresh baby spinach. It's topped off with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some extra flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Chicken soup.
      23 Easy Dinners That Are Perfect for Weeknights
    • Chicken gnocchi soup.
      21 Slow Cooker Dishes That Will Make You Wish for Sweater Weather
    • Picking up a quesadilla.
      Snack Like a Champion: 23 Game Day Appetizers You Can't Resist
    • Mushroom miso pasta.
      12 Cozy Mushroom Dishes That Were Made for 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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