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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    27 Simple Meal Prep Recipes for a Stress-Free Week

    Published: May 18, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Meal prepping can make your week so much easier, saving you time and stress when it comes to cooking. With 27 simple recipes, you can prepare healthy and satisfying meals in advance, ensuring you have delicious options ready to go. These recipes are designed to be easy to follow and perfect for busy schedules, helping you stay on track with your eating goals.

    Turkey Burgers

    An air fryer turkey burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This turkey burger is unlike any other you'll find. It's a simple and tasty option that's perfect for easy meal prep.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Lemon Chicken Marinade is quick to whip up using simple and healthy ingredients. Perfect for grilling, pan frying, or baking, it keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor with olive oil, lemon, and basil.

    Get the recipe

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon

    Lamb meatballs.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Lamb meatballs are easy to make and full of fresh lemon and cilantro flavor. They pair well with mashed potatoes or can be served as appetizers at gatherings, and they've been a hit in my home for years.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Pasta Casserole

    Chicken Pasta Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Chicken Pasta Casserole features tender chicken and pasta mixed in a creamy cheese sauce. It's a great option for a quick and filling dinner during the week.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Taco Casserole

    Chicken Taco Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This Chicken Taco Casserole brings together all the great flavors of chicken tacos in a simple casserole form. With creamy chicken, crunchy tortilla chips, and plenty of cheese, it's sure to become a family favorite.

    Get the Recipe

    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant moussaka.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a simple dinner packed with vegetables, ground beef or lamb, and plenty of cheese on top. This version skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, using more eggplant instead, creating a healthy and tasty Mediterranean meal.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Food Blog.

    Slow cooker cream cheese chicken chili is an easy dish full of protein, veggies, and Tex-Mex flavors. The cream cheese gives it a rich and creamy broth, making it a comforting meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans

    Easy Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne is packed with chili flavor and plenty of veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's full of flavor and different textures, and it comes together with just a few easy steps.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is simple to prepare using rotisserie chicken and is full of fresh lemon and rosemary flavors. It's a great option for a cozy dinner that doesn't require much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes with only 15 minutes of hands-on time. It's loaded with veggies and flavor, and you can enjoy it hot or cold, whether you use homemade or store-bought pesto.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce. With just a few simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up a rich and hearty meal in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

    Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe is a filling option that everyone will enjoy. With tender Russet potatoes, ground beef, and straightforward flavors, it's a great choice for dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Divan

    Chicken divan.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This creamy chicken divan features tender broccoli and shredded chicken mixed in a rich cheese sauce. It's finished off with melted cheese and crunchy Ritz crackers for added flavor and texture.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: 4 Sons R Us.

    Enjoy the delicious flavors of a Sunday roast chicken any night of the week. This dish is simple to prepare and allows for a cozy dinner with minimal effort.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Pizza and Pasta Soup

    Slow Cooker Pizza and Pasta Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This hearty soup is packed with pizza flavors and bow-tie pasta, making it a hit with the whole family. It's also great for meal prep and can be easily stored in the freezer.

    Get the Recipe

    Easy Balsamic Chicken

    Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes
    Photo credit: Karen Kelly.

    Balsamic Chicken is quick to make and cooks in less than 20 minutes. The combination of tomatoes and balsamic vinegar creates a delicious sauce that pairs well with pasta or rice.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Sausage Gnocchi Soup

    Slow Cooker Sausage Gnocchi Soup.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    This easy gnocchi soup is inspired by the well-loved Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden. It's great for busy days because you can just set it in the slow cooker and let it do the work.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup.
    Photo Credit: Nutritious Deliciousness.

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup combines tender pieces of ham and chicken in a rich, tasty broth. It's a comforting meal that brings together all the classic flavors you enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a delicious twist on carbonara that packs in even more flavor than the traditional version. It's a great option for easy meal prep, making dinner simple and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are easy to make and can be done in less than an hour. You can prepare them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, and they'll turn out juicy and full of flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Massaman Chicken Curry

    A bowl of massaman chicken curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This authentic Massaman Chicken Curry (Gaeng Massaman Gai) is made in one pot in just 45 minutes, using store-bought curry paste. With coconut milk, chicken, potatoes and peanuts it's super creamy, subtly sweet and not so spicy.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    A bowl of chicken pesto pasta salad.
    Photo Credit: Frozen Bananas.

    This pasta salad is quick to prepare and really tasty. You can whip it up in less than 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Lemongrass Chicken

    Lemongrass chicken.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Lemongrass chicken is a favorite Vietnamese dish known for its bright citrus flavor and savory garlic. It's a versatile option that works well in rice bowls, noodle dishes, and more.

    Get the recipe

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Out Grilling.

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a simple dinner option that's perfect for busy weeknights. With a quick ground beef chili, frozen tater tots, and lots of melted cheese, this dish is sure to please everyone.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
    Photo Credit: Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen.

    Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a warm and cozy dish that's perfect after a long day. Pair it with some crusty bread to soak up the cheesy goodness and you've got a satisfying meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Spinach Broccoli Pea Soup

    Spinach Broccoli Peas Soup.
    Photo Credit: Mildly Indian.

    This is a filling and hearty dinner option that everyone will enjoy. It's easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for easy weeknight meals. With just a little chopping to begin, everything cooks together with chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce, making cleanup a breeze.

    Get the recipe

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    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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