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These thermos lunch ideas prove you don’t need a microwave to enjoy something amazing at work. They include tasty casseroles, stews, pastas, and more.
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These thermos meals are perfect for anyone who’s constantly on the move!
They keep you full, they’re easy to pack, and they taste amazing even hours after cooking. Check out these recipes — you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner.
Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
This dish is a cozy dinner favorite that layers potatoes, ham, cheddar cheese, and onions.
The taste is rich and savory, with just the right amount of saltiness from the ham!
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix
In search of the most comforting stews?
This beef stew is savory and satisfying, perfect for lunch on the go or even for elegant dinner parties.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix
Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Make these steak bites in less than an hour.
The recipe only requires a few simple ingredients and comes together quickly in the Instant Pot.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Crawfish Fettuccine
This pasta surprisingly works great as a thermos lunch.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and filling, with crawfish, Velveeta cheese, green onions, and black pepper.
Get The Recipe: Crawfish Fettuccine
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Slow Cooker Hoppin John
If you want something warm, filling, and full of Southern flavor, this slow cooker dish is a must-try.
The black-eyed peas soften into a hearty texture, and the rice soaks up the flavor as it cooks.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Hoppin John
Nigerian Tomato Stew
This isn’t your average tomato-based lunch!
This delicious stew stays flavorful even hours after cooking. It’s made with plum tomatoes, onions, and curry powder.
Get The Recipe: Nigerian Tomato Stew
Crockpot Black Eyed Peas
This crockpot dish is made with black-eyed peas, chicken broth, tomatoes, ham, sweet onions, and oregano.
Fill your thermos to the top and garnish with a little parsley.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Black Eyed Peas
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Copycat
Enjoy your favorite mac and cheese wherever you go.
This version is soft, cheesy, and so smooth, thanks to whole milk and Colby-Jack cheese.
Get The Recipe: Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Copycat
Instant Pot Chicken Bites
These chicken bites will work whether you’re looking for an easy lunch or hearty snacks.
Instead of chicken breasts, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs!
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Bites
Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl
This recipe brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in one bowl.
Feel free to include your favorite toppings — pineapple chunks, cucumbers, carrots, and more!
Get The Recipe: Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl
Nigerian Egg Stew
This stew is big on flavor but so easy to prep.
It’s ready in under 30 minutes and is great for batch prepping and packing. It has mackerel, tomatoes, and eggs!
Get The Recipe: Nigerian Egg Stew
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Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
This spaghetti recipe is bound to be an all-time favorite!
The flavor is exactly what you’d expect from a Sunday dinner: garlicky, herby, and full of savory depth.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
One Pot French Onion Pasta
Pack this pasta in your thermos and share it with everyone in your office!
Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a baguette to scoop up any extra sauce.
Get The Recipe: One Pot French Onion Pasta
Vegan Stir Fry
Explore this recipe and make lunch the best part of your day. You’ll love its rich, savory-sweet sauce!
Don’t forget to garnish it with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Stir Fry
Vegetarian Porcupine Meatballs
Tired of the usual meatballs? Then this plant-based version is for you.
These meatballs come with a sweet and sour sauce, but if you’re not a fan of that, feel free to switch things up and experiment.
Get The Recipe: Vegetarian Porcupine Meatballs
Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
This casserole layers black beans, vegan cheese, corn kernels, bell peppers, and red enchilada sauce.
You don’t need to roll anything — just layer and bake!
Get The Recipe: Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Vegan Meatloaf
This hearty meatloaf is everything you want in a comforting lunch — savory, satisfying, and full of flavor.
It’s made with lentils, oats, flax egg, tomato sauce, and dairy-free cheese.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf
3 Bean Vegetarian Chili
One batch of this chili and you’ve got something good ready all week.
This dish is thick and chunky, featuring beans, tomatoes, lentils, onions, and veggie broth.
Get The Recipe: 3 Bean Vegetarian Chili
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
A protein-packed lunch with minimal ingredients? You’ve come to the right place.
Pair this stir-fry with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice.
Get The Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Tuna Pasta Bake with Tomato Sauce
This pasta combines rigatoni with marinara sauce, cheddar cheese, and canned tuna.
You can make it in one baking dish and portion it out for the week.
Get The Recipe: Tuna Pasta Bake with Tomato Sauce
Pasta e Fagioli aka Pasta and Beans
This mouthwatering pasta works for lunch, dinner, or whatever’s in between.
You only need a handful of ingredients, including cannellini beans, meatless pasta sauce, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Get The Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli aka Pasta and Beans
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5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes
This casserole proves that five ingredients are all you need for a satisfying thermos lunch.
Even picky eaters will love this recipe! It has ground beef, potatoes, and cheddar cheese.
‘Get The Recipe: 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes
Slow Cooker Lamb Stew
Make this stew for an on-the-go lunch or whenever you need something comforting and deeply flavorful.
Main ingredients include lamb, yellow onions, mushrooms, and beef broth.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Stew
Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry
You don’t need to be a chef to make delicious lunches. Try this curry!
It has lightly spicy, herby flavors and a velvety texture. You can make it in less than an hour.
Get The Recipe: Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry
Vegan Hamburger Helper
This vegan spin on a nostalgic classic is cheesy, savory, and surprisingly creamy — without a trace of dairy.
Aside from plant-based ground meat, you’ll need tomato paste, vegan cheddar, and onions.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Hamburger Helper
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Make something delicious and special, even on your busiest days.
If you’re a beginner cook, it’s best to start with simple recipes! Try mac and cheese, pastas, and meatballs.
As you feel more confident in the kitchen, you can make rice bowls, curries, and stir-fries!
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