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    Home » Weeknight Dinners

    24 Grandma Approved Meal Prep Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine

    Published: Sep 10, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Meal prepping can be a game changer for busy weeknights, especially when you have easy and comforting recipes on hand. These 24 dinners are not only simple to prepare but also bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making them perfect for the whole family. With a mix of classic flavors and hearty ingredients, these meals will help streamline your evenings and keep everyone satisfied.

    Slow Cooker Vegetable Alphabet Soup

    Slow Cooker Vegetable Alphabet Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Alphabet soup packed with vegetables is a fun and healthy meal option. Everyone in the family will enjoy this tasty vegetarian dish. It's a great way to get some nutrients while keeping mealtime interesting.

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    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts

    Thin Basil Chicken Breasts.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thin chicken breasts cooked in an air fryer offer a quick and easy dinner option. In just 6 minutes, you can have a flavorful meal ready to enjoy, seasoned with garlic and basil for extra taste. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Creamy Polish Parsnip Soup

    Creamy Parsnip Soup-Polish Way.
    Photo Credit: The Tastes of Life.

    This soup is rich and smooth, making it a great choice for cool fall nights. It's packed with healthy ingredients and works well for any meal. Whether you're looking for something comforting or just want a simple dish, this soup fits the bill.

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    Meatball Sandwiches

    Meatball sandwiches on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This meatball sandwich is a quick and easy dinner option that can be ready in just 30 minutes. It's a simple meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. Perfect for those nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Bites

    Air Fryer Steak Bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer steak bites come together in less than 10 minutes, making this a quick dinner option that everyone in the family will enjoy. The steak is marinated in a mix of lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and herbs, which helps to tenderize the meat and pack in plenty of flavor. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Taco Soup

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

    This soup is simple to make 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 those evenings when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Soup

    A bowl of chicken soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot Chicken Soup is ready in just over an hour and is perfect for a cozy dinner. It's creamy with a hint of spice, making it a comforting choice for any night. Enjoy a warm bowl that's full of flavor and easy to prepare.

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    Crock Pot Pork Chops and Gravy

    Crock Pot Pork Chops and Gravy.
    Photo Credit: One Hot Oven.

    Crock Pot Pork Chops and Gravy is an easy dish that turns out tender and flavorful in a creamy mushroom and onion sauce. This is a good dinner option for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and satisfying. It's a meal that everyone in the family can enjoy, making it a great choice for any night.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is incredibly tender and requires very little effort. This simple dish is perfect for weeknights, whether you serve it on a plate or in a bun. Just grab your CrockPot and a few ingredients, and in about three hours, dinner will be ready.

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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, paired with warm tortillas. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a simple and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    Ravioli casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With only four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it prepped in just five minutes and on the table in under 40 minutes. It's perfect for those evenings when you want a quick meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Peach Barbecue Glaze

    Chicken with sweet barbecue glaze served with mashed potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Modern Honey.

    This simple slow cooker meal features tender chicken breasts smothered in a sweet peach barbecue sauce. With just five ingredients, it's a breeze to prepare. Dinner can be quick and easy, and this dish is perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    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 without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients, all made with simple items you probably already have at home. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe gives you a delicious meal with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ravioli can be a great shortcut for making lasagna, turning a classic dish into something super simple. This slow cooker ravioli lasagna is a hit with my family and is perfect for those nights when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With the ravioli serving as the noodles and the ricotta adding creaminess, it all comes together effortlessly.

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    Salmon Stew

    A bowl of salmon stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Salmon Stew is full of flavor and has a bit of spice, all ready in under 30 minutes. Using everyday ingredients and a simple cooking method, it's perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish is sure to become a favorite for anyone who enjoys fish.

    Get the recipe

    Macaroni Salad

    Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

    The Best Macaroni Salad is a classic dish that fits right in at any gathering. It has a creamy and tangy flavor that appeals to everyone, making it a favorite for holidays, BBQs, and potlucks. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this salad comes together quickly, making it a great choice for busy weeks or festive occasions.

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    Vegetarian Tortellini Soup

    Vegetarian Tortellini Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Stingy Vegan.

    This soup is loaded with vegetables and filled pasta, making it a filling option. It's a simple meal that comes together quickly, perfect for when you want something warm and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad

    Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Pypers Kitchen.

    Orzo Pesto Salad is a versatile dish that fits well into any meal. It can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even brunch. Whether you want it as a main dish or a side, this salad is a great choice.

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    Pesto Pasta Bake

    Pesto pasta bake.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This pesto pasta bake comes together in just 20 minutes using fresh veggies and plenty of pasta and cheese.

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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, garlic-flavored chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, all smothered in melted cheese and a delicious green chile sauce. Whether you want to make everything from scratch or take a shortcut, it's a flexible option for any night of the week.

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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 a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick and tasty dish 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 that everyone will love. With just a few common ingredients and minimal prep, this meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying 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 paired 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, making cleanup a breeze.

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    Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

    Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    This 5-ingredient Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is quick to prepare and full of flavor. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    More Weeknight Dinners

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      19 Cozy Dinners That Come Together in Just 15 Minutes
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      22 Weeknight Dinners Your Family Will Actually Get Excited About
    • Spicy sausage pasta.
      50 Insanely Good Recipes for Busy Weeknights
    • Cottage pie.
      23 Kid-Approved Beef Dinners Made for the Chilly Months
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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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