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These make ahead lunches for work include everything from creamy casseroles to veggie-packed soups. They’re all simple, flavorful, and easy to prep ahead.
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Preparing lunches during a busy workday can feel like just one more thing on an already full plate. But the truth is, you don’t have to cook every day.
Just set aside time once or twice a week to meal prep, and you’re set.
These simple recipes use ingredients you already have (and probably love!) and are easy to customize.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
This simple pasta dish is one of the most comforting meals ever.
You can make a big batch ahead of time! It only takes a few simple ingredients and stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup is light but flavorful, with subtle herbs and savory notes from shredded chicken.
It feels like a warm hug, especially on a stressful workday. Why not pair it with soft dinner rolls?
Get The Recipe: Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup
Best Damn Chili
In search of something comforting, filling, and family-friendly? This chili recipe is a great choice.
Freeze individual portions so you can grab and go throughout the week.
Get The Recipe: Best Damn Chili
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
Grab your crockpot and make one of the most flavorful savory pies.
This shepherd’s pie features a delicious topping made with russet potatoes, butter, and parmesan.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
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Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
Got some extra rotisserie chicken? This pot pie is so easy to prep ahead.
Aside from chicken, you’ll need mixed veggies, milk, puff pastry dough, and condensed cream of chicken soup.
Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Want a satisfying lunch that doesn’t take hours to make? Try these steak bites!
They’re rich and flavorful, just like a steakhouse meal packed in your lunchbox.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix
Planning your work lunches for the week? This stew is packed with deep, savory flavors.
You’ll end up with generous portions that taste even better after a day or two in the fridge.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix
Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings
This creamy dish is packed with chicken breast, carrots, milk, chicken broth, and dried herbs.
Remember to pack the soup and dumplings in separate containers and store them in the fridge for up to three days.
Get The Recipe: Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings
Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
You don’t have to settle for dry sandwiches or bland reheated meals.
This chili is exactly what you’re looking for on a busy day. It has boneless, skinless chicken thighs, white beans, and cream cheese.
Get The Recipe: Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
This recipe offers a great way to turn leftovers into something even more delicious.
Main ingredients include potatoes, cheddar cheese, ham, milk, and condensed cream of mushroom soup.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Nigerian Chicken Stew
If you’re looking to bring bold, spicy flavors to your lunch rotation, this stew is one of your best options.
It stores well in the fridge and gets even more delicious the next day!
Get The Recipe: Nigerian Chicken Stew
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Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Make these sausage balls a part of your lunch rotation.
You only need four simple ingredients to make them, including hot pork sausage and cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
If you haven’t made homemade plant-based casseroles yet, now’s your time to try it!
This one has a comforting, cheesy texture you’ll want to have again and again. It pairs well with mini quesadillas.
Get The Recipe: Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Vegan Meatloaf
This plant-based meatloaf is just as delicious and satisfying as the traditional one!
It features a nutty flavor and meaty texture, with lentils, tomato sauce, oats, barbecue sauce, and dairy-free cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf
Vegan Ratatouille
Craving restaurant-quality meals? Thanks to these recipes, you can enjoy them for the rest of the week at work.
Try this ratatouille next. You can make it in less than an hour.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Bring together all the cozy flavors of chicken noodle soup in casserole form.
It’s hearty, freezer-friendly, and packed with simple ingredients. Serve it with a green salad or roasted zucchini.
Get The Recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole
Taco Casserole
This casserole is layered with tomatoes, cheeses, salsa, black beans, and ground beef.
Make it ahead, store it and garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños just before serving.
Get The Recipe: Taco Casserole
Kale and Quinoa Cakes
If you’re looking for something a bit healthier, look no further than these cakes.
They’re a filling lunch, especially when served alongside soup or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy them as an appetizer with homemade guacamole.
Get The Recipe: Kale and Quinoa Cakes
Indian Lemon Rice
This rice meal works beautifully as a make-ahead lunch.
Ingredients include boiled rice, tomatoes, turmeric powder, and raw mango. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days.
Get The Recipe: Indian Lemon Rice
Southern Tuna Salad
No time to make complex seafood dishes? Make this protein-rich salad instead.
It includes hard-boiled eggs, canned tuna, and mayo. Enjoy it in wraps, with crackers, or on bread.
Get The Recipe: Southern Tuna Salad
Enchilada Pasta Salad
Ready to explore another pasta salad recipe? This one is brimming with bold Tex-Mex flavors.
Feel free to add more toppings like grilled chicken, avocado, or olives.
Get The Recipe: Enchilada Pasta Salad
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Curried Chicken Salad
This 15-minute salad is made with chicken, mayo, Greek yogurt, onions, walnuts, and curry powder.
It’s a smart, satisfying choice for meal prep. Go ahead and add some chopped cashews to make it crunchier.
Get The Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad
Quesadillas with Leftover Pulled Pork Carnitas
Quesadillas are amazing options not only for camping trips and beach parties. You can also make them ahead and enjoy them on busy workdays.
These savory treats can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
Get The Recipe: Quesadillas with Leftover Pulled Pork Carnitas
Instant Pot Mexican Casserole
Give yourself something to look forward to when noon rolls around.
Explore this casserole recipe! It combines ground beef with black beans, bell peppers, and delicious seasonings.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Casserole
Cottage Cheese Greek Chicken Bowls
Go for protein-packed options that can fuel your day.
This chicken creation comes together in just 20 minutes. It includes grilled chicken, cottage cheese, and plain yogurt.
Get The Recipe: Cottage Cheese Greek Chicken Bowls
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You won’t believe how simple it is to prep these lunches. Casseroles? Salads? Stews?
Start with meals you already enjoy, then try swapping in new spices or sauces. Maybe incorporate garlic, lemon, more herbs, or a little bit of chili for heat!
25 Make Ahead Chicken Recipes That Won’t Let You Down at Dinnertime
These make ahead chicken recipes were made for your weekly rotation. From cozy soups to creamy casseroles, these meals take the stress out of everyday cooking.
Read it here: 25 Make Ahead Chicken Recipes That Won’t Let You Down at Dinnertime
25 Make Ahead Casseroles for Effortless Family Dinners
These make ahead casseroles will help you get an easy dinner on the table without much effort. You can make the casseroles ahead of time so that you can freeze or store in the fridge for a weeknight dinner throughout the week.
Read it here: 25 Make Ahead Casseroles for Effortless Family Dinners
Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.
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Tired of bland meals? These options are all about real comfort and convenience: