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Home » Recipe Collections

29 Big-Batch Meals That Help You Plan for the Whole Week

Published: Apr 4, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Big batch meals make life easier by cutting down on daily cooking and keeping your week on track. These recipes help you plan ahead, save time, and keep meals stress-free. Whether you're feeding a family or just want leftovers that actually last, having a fridge full of ready-to-eat food is a game changer.

An overhead image of green rice casserole in a white baking dish.

Green Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Close up of zucchini and summer squash casserole in glass dish.
Squash and Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Squash and zucchini casserole is packed with veggies and plenty of cheese, ready in 30 minutes. A simple meal that works well for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Close up view of vegan shepherd's pie in a white baking dish.
Vegan Shepherd's Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie has lentils, mushrooms, and a creamy mashed potato topping. A hearty dish that’s great for making ahead.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Eggplant Casserole

An eggplant casserole in a baking dish, accompanied by a wooden spoon.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Eggplant casserole layers baked vegetables with cheese and herbs for a rich, meatless meal. A solid choice for prepping meals in advance.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

An overhead image of three sweet potato black bean tacos.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These sweet potato black bean tacos combine seasoned sweet potatoes, spiced beans, and lime crema. A fast, easy meal that works for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Misir Wot - Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

A close-up of a plate featuring misir wot.
Misir Wot - Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ethiopian split lentil stew comes together in 45 minutes with bold spices and simple ingredients. A great make-ahead meal that pairs well with rice.
Get the Recipe: Misir Wot - Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

Green Rice Casserole

An overhead image of green rice casserole in a white baking dish.
Green Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green rice casserole is packed with flavor and ready in under 35 minutes. A quick, easy choice when you need meals planned ahead.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

A close up view of spaghetti squash lasagna placed in a baking dish.
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spaghetti squash lasagna has layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs for a rich, baked meal. It’s ready in 45 minutes and makes great leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

A bowl of vegan rasta pasta.
Vegan Rasta Pasta. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan rasta pasta is a mildly spiced dish made with fresh ingredients in 30 minutes. A quick, easy meal that fits well into weekly plans.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Ethiopian Cabbage

An image of an Ethiopian cabbage.
Ethiopian Cabbage. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Ethiopian cabbage stew, or Atakilt Wat, is a one-pot meal with bold spices and pantry veggies. It’s hearty, simple, and done in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

Chana Masala

Top view image of chana masala served in a white bowl.
Chana Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chana masala is a one-pot chickpea curry packed with bold flavors and ready in 30 minutes. A great way to meal prep with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala

Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)

An overview image of a bowl of rice with shiro wat - Ethiopian chickpea stew on top.
Shiro Wat. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Ethiopian chickpea stew comes together in 45 minutes with simple ingredients and big flavors. A great make-ahead dish for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)

Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

An overhead image of the vegan efo niro in a pot.
Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan efo riro is a Nigerian spinach stew made with mushrooms for a rich, plant-based meal. A solid option for batch cooking and easy leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

An image of cooked tater tot casserole.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tater tot casserole is a quick-prep dish with veggies, a creamy sauce, and crispy tots. A simple, hearty meal that’s easy to plan ahead.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

An overhead image of baked cauliflower with cheese with a serving missing at the bottom.
Baked Cauliflower with Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked cauliflower cheese is a creamy, cheesy dish with a crisp topping. An easy option when you need something filling for the week.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate.
Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetable lasagna layers pasta, ricotta, and roasted veggies for a meatless meal. A solid batch-cooking option that reheats well.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Overhead view of rigatoni arrabbiata dish placed on a white plate and baking dish. 
Rigatoni Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Rigatoni arrabbiata is a bold, garlic-packed pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil. Ready in 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

An image of a white plate with a serving of cheesy green bean casserole with a fork on the side, and the casserole behind it.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy green bean casserole is a baked dish with crispy beans and a golden topping. Ready in 30 minutes, making it an easy meal-prep choice.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This three-ingredient broccoli cheese casserole is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. A solid choice for prepping meals ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Sheet Pan Bibimbap

A bowl of Sheet Pan Bibimbap with a pair of chopsticks.
Sheet Pan Bibimbap. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sheet pan bibimbap has roasted veggies, crispy tofu, and bold Korean flavors. It’s easy to prep and works great for making extra portions.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bibimbap

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

An image of vegetarian enchilada casserole in a clear baking dish.
Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetarian enchilada casserole is packed with cheese, veggies, and homemade sauce. A simple way to prep meals that last through the week.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Carrot Casserole

An overhead image of baked carrot casserole.
Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Carrot casserole has a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping. A quick dish that makes meal planning easier.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Instant Pot Jollof

A plate full of instant pot jollof.
Instant Pot Jollof. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

This Instant Pot Nigerian jollof rice is a tomato-pepper stewed rice dish. A faster way to prep this classic meal without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jollof

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

An image of spaghetti squash casserole with a serving missing from the lower right side of the baking dish.
Spaghetti Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spaghetti squash casserole is a baked, veggie-packed meal that’s ready in 45 minutes. A simple, hearty dish that works for batch cooking.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Overhead image of a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup, garnished with parsley, ready to serve.
Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Stuffed pepper soup turns stuffed peppers into a rich, tomato-based soup. A great meal to make ahead and enjoy all week.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Soup

Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Close-up image of Chicken and Queso Rice Bake garnished with fresh chopped parsley on a plate.
Chicken and Queso Rice Bake. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Chicken and queso rice bake is a quick, cheesy meal that’s packed with flavor. A simple, prep-friendly choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Potato And Sausage Chowder

Overhead image of cozy bowl of potato and sausage chowder with breads on the side.
Potato And Sausage Chowder. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Potato and sausage chowder is a one-pot meal with bold flavors and a rich texture. A great batch-cooking option for colder days.
Get the Recipe: Potato And Sausage Chowder

Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

A serving of Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan in a plate.
Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Maple Dijon chicken sheet pan dinner has a sweet, tangy glaze with crispy bacon and veggies. A simple meal that’s easy to prep in advance.
Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Wild rice casserole combines earthy rice, mushrooms, and melted mozzarella for a hearty dish. A great choice for batch cooking and leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

A plate of Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake.
Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Fiesta chicken pasta casserole is packed with chicken, corn, beans, and Tex-Mex flavors. Using rotisserie or leftover chicken makes it an easy meal to prep.
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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