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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Grandma Approved Recipes That Are Perfect for Meal Prep

    Published: Jul 5, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Meal prepping can be a game changer for busy weeks, and what better way to fill your fridge than with recipes that have stood the test of time? These 21 grandma-approved recipes are not only comforting and satisfying, but they also make for easy reheating and serving throughout the week. From hearty casseroles to simple soups, these dishes are sure to bring warmth and nostalgia to your table.

    Slow Cooker Taco Soup

    Slow Cooker Taco Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This soup is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, all thanks to the slow cooker. It features fire roasted corn, fresh salsa, and whole black olives, creating a delicious combination. Perfect for busy nights, this dish requires minimal effort while delivering great taste. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do the work for you. Enjoy a warm and satisfying meal with very little fuss.

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce combines crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika, and oregano for a delicious flavor. Using common dried herbs and simple ingredients, it requires very little prep work. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everyone will likely want seconds, and you might even get some compliments!

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    Slow Cooker Chicken And Corn Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken And Corn Soup.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Caramel Sunday.

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup is a simple and comforting dish. It features tender chicken, sweet corn, and flavorful broth, all coming together effortlessly. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients, it's a meal that everyone in the family will love. You can set it up and let it cook while you take care of other things.

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    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 from start to finish. With only 15 minutes of actual cooking and prepping time, it's a simple dish that's full of vegetables and flavor. You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, making it even easier to whip up. It's versatile too, as it tastes great whether served hot or cold. This is a perfect option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale

    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is warm and filling, featuring Italian turkey sausage for a hearty touch and fresh kale or baby spinach for some greens. It's simple to prepare, whether you choose to use the stovetop, an Instant Pot, or a slow cooker. Perfect for busy nights, this dish offers a satisfying meal without a lot of work. The combination of flavors makes it a great choice for any day of the week. Enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup anytime you need a quick and delicious dinner.

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    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is an easy dinner option that combines the delicious flavors of Tuscan chicken with minimal effort. This dish features tender chicken, mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and your choice of pasta all cooked together in a rich and creamy sauce. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you prepare the pasta. It's a filling meal that's perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dinner that everyone will love.

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    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Air Fryer Flank Steak is quick and easy, taking only 8-10 minutes to cook. The marinade not only adds delicious flavor but also helps to make the meat tender. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. Enjoy a tasty dinner that everyone will love.

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    Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken

    Grilled lemon chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Lemon Chicken Marinade is quick and easy to whip up using simple, healthy ingredients. It's perfect for grilling, pan frying, or baking in the oven. With a mix of olive oil, lemon, and basil, the chicken turns out juicy and tender. This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to please everyone at the table. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish features a creamy steak and mushroom pasta mixed with a cheesy casserole. It's a comforting and classy dinner that you can whip up in just 45 minutes. Using an oven-safe skillet means you can prepare everything in one pan, which cuts down on cleanup. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dinner that feels special but is easy to make.

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    Spinach Artichoke Chicken

    One Pot Spinach Artichoke Chicken
    Photo Credit: Life as a Strawberry.

    This one pan chicken dish features a creamy sauce with spinach and artichokes, made from cream cheese and chicken stock. It's simple to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner. The combination of flavors is satisfying and comforting. Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado features tender beef cooked in a flavorful red chile sauce. It's a simple dish that comes together with minimal effort. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and delicious. Enjoy it with warm tortillas to soak up all the tasty sauce. It's a satisfying option that everyone will love.

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    Hamburger Soup

    Hamburger Soup
    Photo Credit: Fed by Sab.

    Hamburger Soup is a hearty dish filled with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and potatoes simmered in a tasty tomato broth. It's a simple meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. Everyone in the family will enjoy this comforting soup, and it's sure to become a favorite. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that warms you up. This is a great option for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken Burgers

    Air fryer chicken patties.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken burger is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal. It's simple to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work. The flavors come together nicely, making it a favorite for everyone at the table. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and sides. This dish is sure to please and keep everyone coming back for more.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

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

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while cooking. It offers a rich and hearty pasta sauce that captures the essence of the classic dish. With just a few simple ingredients you probably already have at home, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. This recipe allows you to enjoy all the flavors of a slow-cooked sauce without spending hours in the kitchen. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying and easy.

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    Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

    Parmesan crusted chicken,
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Parmesan crusted chicken is a simple and delicious dinner option that everyone will enjoy. It has a cheesy, crispy coating that pairs well with your favorite dipping sauces. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can have it ready in less than 30 minutes, so it fits easily into your schedule. It's a great way to please the whole family with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Slow Cooker Meals.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are a great choice for anyone who enjoys flavorful chicken. These thighs are cooked slowly in BBQ sauce, giving them a nice blend of sweetness and smokiness. After cooking, they get a quick broil to achieve a crispy finish and caramelized sauce. With just a few ingredients and only 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is simple to make. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

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    Stuffed Pepper Casserole

    Stuffed Pepper Casserole.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime.

    Stuffed pepper casserole brings together the familiar tastes of a classic dish in a simpler way. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It combines all the good stuff you love about stuffed peppers, but in a more convenient form. You can enjoy a satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and clean up afterward. This is a great choice for busy evenings when you still want a home-cooked meal.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This casserole will be your new favorite way to have all your taco flavors! Served up in a simple one-dish meal, loaded with ground beef, salsa and lots and lots of cheese. Make for a potluck or easy weeknight dinner.

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    Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce on a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Instant pot spaghetti is a simple dish that only needs 9 ingredients and one pot. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This classic meal is sure to please the whole family. With minimal cleanup, you can enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a great option when you want something quick and satisfying.

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    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce are a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in just 10 minutes. This dish combines tender chicken with garlic, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in melted cheese and zesty green chile sauce. It's a great option for any night when you want something comforting and delicious. You can prepare everything from scratch or take a shortcut if you prefer. Either way, it's sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

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    Creamy Steak and Potato Soup

    Creamy Steak and Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Delicious Little Bites.

    This dish features tender beef and potatoes swimming in a creamy, cheesy broth. It's a filling meal that brings a sense of comfort, especially on chilly days. Perfect for when you want something warm and satisfying, this recipe is simple to prepare. It's a great option for busy nights when you still want a hearty dinner. Enjoy this cozy meal that everyone will love.

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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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