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Home » Recipe Collections

Don’t Call It Meal Prep Until You’ve Tried These 25 Recipes

Published: Jun 30, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

You might think you’ve seen every kind of meal prep recipe out there, but these ones hit different. This isn’t about packing the same sad lunch every day—it’s about finding smart, easy meals you’ll actually want to eat. These picks are the kind that make your week smoother without feeling like a chore. If you’ve written off meal prep before, it’s time to give it another shot.

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.

Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Black Bean Quinoa Burger

An image of black bean quinoa burger on a cutting board with the top bun on the side.
Black Bean Quinoa Burger. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These black bean quinoa burgers pack protein and fiber into a simple, satisfying meal. They're a smart make-ahead option that shows how flexible and doable meal prep can be.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Burger

Greek Chickpea Soup

An image of greek chickpea soup in a bowl with utensils beside it.
Greek Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Greek chickpea soup is ready in 45 minutes and works well year-round. It's a solid example of how fast, homemade meals can make prep easier.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

A close up image of slow cooker vegetarian chili in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker vegetarian chili takes minimal effort and comes out full of flavor. It fits right into a weekly prep routine without adding extra work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

A slice of cottage cheese egg bake served on a plate.
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cottage cheese egg bake is packed with protein and loaded with veggies. It’s a practical breakfast to prep ahead and keep mornings easy.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

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.

Broccoli cheese casserole uses just three ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes. It proves how quick and efficient prepping meals can actually be.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Country-style ribs made in the slow cooker require almost no hands-on time. They're proof that prepping ahead doesn’t have to mean cutting corners on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Country Style Ribs

Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

An image of corn casserole with cream cheese, ready to be served.
Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cheesy corn casserole works with whatever corn you have—fresh, frozen, or canned. It’s simple to prep and works well as a side all week.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

A close up view of a cooked asparagus casserole in a baking dish.
Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Asparagus, breadcrumbs, and cheddar come together in this easy-to-make bake. It’s ready in under an hour and makes weekly planning way more doable.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Beef and noodles in a creamy mushroom sauce is pure comfort with little effort. This dish shows how prepping ahead can mean less stress and better dinners.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad takes just 25 minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have. It fits into meal prep, quick dinners, or potlucks without missing a beat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Beef Barbacoa

Top view of keto beef barbacoa in a square pan.
Beef Barbacoa. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Slow cooker beef barbacoa comes together with almost no hands-on time. It’s a smart pick when you want a rich, hearty meal ready to go through the week.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Meal Prep Tofu

Meal Prep Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one-pan tofu, cabbage, and pepper combo is easy to throw together. It’s a fast option that shows how plant-based meals can fit easily into your prep.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Tofu

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hungarian Goulash becomes deeply flavorful when slow cooked. It’s a great fall option for prepping meals that feel comforting without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

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

This veggie-loaded tater tot casserole is easy to prep and bakes up crisp. It’s a no-fuss solution for weeknights when you just need things to work.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Green Chili Chicken

Three chicken tacos topped with cilantro, avocado and red onions on a wooden cutting board.
Green Chili Chicken. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Crockpot green chili chicken brings together bold seasoning and tender meat. It’s a reliable pick for prepping something that reheats well and tastes great.
Get the Recipe: Green Chili Chicken

Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato lime chicken in the slow cooker adds a bright kick with very little prep. It’s a hands-off recipe that makes weekly planning feel more doable.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

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 cooks in under 35 minutes and brings solid flavor. It’s a great example of how prepping doesn’t need to be complicated to work.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

Easy Keto Mexican Casserole

Easy Keto Mexican Casserole in a casserole dish with cilantro, green onion, and a spatula.
Easy Keto Mexican Casserole. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This Mexican casserole uses beef, tortillas, and your favorite toppings in one easy dish. It comes together quickly and holds up well for the week ahead.
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Mexican Casserole

Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust

A plate of Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust.
Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Red lentil flatbread pizza crust is high in fiber and protein and easy to prep. It’s flexible enough to use in different meals, which makes it perfect for planning ahead.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust

Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas

Overhead image of slow cooker beef carnitas with a tongs in a pan.
Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Slow cooker beef carnitas need only a few minutes of prep and a quick broil. It’s a smart way to build flavor without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas

Zuppa Toscana

A Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana with potatoes and kale.
Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Zuppa Toscana made in the slow cooker is packed with sausage, kale, and bacon. It fits right into fall meal prep, offering a filling bowl with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

Squash Casserole with Stuffing

An image of Squash Casserole in a baking dish.
Squash Casserole with Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Squash casserole layers squash, hatch chiles, and mushroom soup into one easy dish. It’s a solid prep-ahead choice for weeknight dinners or group meals.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing

Birria de Res

Top view of 2 bowls of slow cooker birria de res on a wooden table.
Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mexican beef stew simmers with bold chili flavors and tender meat. It’s a low-effort meal that keeps prep simple without cutting down on comfort.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Lamb Ragu

a plate of slow cooker lamb ragu over pappardelle pasta surrounded by a block of parmesan, a white linen, and torn baguette.
Lamb Ragu. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slow cooker lamb ragu brings rich flavor with minimal prep and pairs easily with pasta. It’s a great way to build out your fall meal rotation with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Ragu

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Slow cooker beef and broccoli with onion in brown bowl.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Beef and broccoli slow-cooked with garlic and ginger gives you a solid takeout-style meal. It works well for prepping ahead and keeping dinner easy during the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

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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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