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Home » Recipe Collections

25 Big-Batch Recipes That Make Cooking Once Last for Days

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

Big batch recipes are perfect for making cooking once last for days. With the right recipes, you can save time and effort by preparing meals in large quantities that will last throughout the week. Whether you're feeding a family or just want to cut down on daily kitchen time, these recipes make it easy to enjoy a variety of meals without spending hours cooking every day.

An eggplant casserole in a baking dish, accompanied by a wooden spoon.

Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

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 is layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs for a hearty baked meal. It’s ready in 45 minutes and makes great leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

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 and quick, packed with flavor. It’s a great choice for prepping meals ahead of time and storing leftovers.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

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 baked with crispy beans and a golden topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy choice for meal prep with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

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, creamy sauce, and crispy tots. A hearty, straightforward meal that’s perfect for planning ahead.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Ethiopian Cabbage

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

Ethiopian cabbage stew, or Atakilt Wat, is a one-pot dish with bold spices and pantry veggies. It’s simple, filling, and done in 30 minutes, making it easy to prepare in advance.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

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 veggie-packed, baked dish that’s ready in 45 minutes. It’s a great option for batch cooking and leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Casserole

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 full of bold flavors, ready in 30 minutes. This meal is great for making ahead with minimal prep.
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. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)

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

Carrot Casserole

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

Carrot casserole has a creamy cheese sauce with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s a quick, easy meal that makes planning ahead a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

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 garlic-packed pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil, ready in just 30 minutes. A great meal to prepare when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

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, ready in 30 minutes. This quick meal fits well into a busy weekly meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

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 is made with lentils, mushrooms, and a creamy mashed potato topping. A hearty, filling dish that’s perfect for making ahead.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Shepherd's Pie

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

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 any flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jollof

Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

A bowl of vegan efo riro.
Vegan Efo Riro. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan efo riro is a Nigerian spinach stew made with mushrooms for a rich, plant-based meal. It’s a great batch-cooking option with easy leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach 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 meal when you need to plan ahead for the week.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

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

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 perfect for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

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

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 packed with flavor. It’s a simple, prep-friendly choice that works well for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

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. It’s a great make-ahead meal that’s perfect for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Soup

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 and perfect for making extra portions.
Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

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 leftover chicken makes it an easy dish to prep.
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole Bake

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. It’s a great option for batch cooking and leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

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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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