21 Meals That Last a Week in the Fridge

Make once, for meals all week!

baked vegetable spring rolls

Carving out some time to whip up one simple, scrumptious recipe isn’t enough to give you meals all week. You can’t go wrong by prepping large, freezer-friendly dishes. Dinner becomes an afterthought when you remember that mouthwatering veggie casserole waiting for you in the fridge, or that leftover savory stew you popped in the freezer a few days ago.

Meals That Last a Week in the Fridge

Having a few pre-prepared or partially prepared meals on hand might be a lifesaver for an instant weekday meal for the family. They can also help you save money because you won’t be tempted to order in, and the ingredients make for meals that last a week in the fridge. But what’s the nicest part about having all or most of your meal prep done? On weekdays, you have more time to do whatever you want.

It’s also a fantastic time to spend in the kitchen with family members preparing for the next busy schedule, which could include everything from after-school activities to after-work engagements. If you have children or grandchildren, it’s an ideal opportunity to get them to participate in food preparation and planning for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re keeping a close eye on your budget or have no time to squeeze any cooking into your schedule, these make-ahead meals will remove added stress and have you covered throughout the week. With their easy prep and affordability, these dishes bump any amateur in the kitchen up to smart-chef status.

1. Indian Style Meatball Curry

Indian Style Meatball Curry


Make this recipe ahead by preparing the meatballs and freezing for later. Thaw the meatballs in the fridge before adding to the skillet and cooking with the other ingredients. This spicy recipe is a must try. An added benefit is that there are certain curry meals that last a week in the fridge and up to 6 months if you freeze them!

2. Stuffed Philly Chicken Peppers 

Stuffed Philly Chicken Peppers 


Bursting with feel-good ingredients and topped with cheesy goodness, these Philly peppers will have your dinner guests going wild. Make this meal ahead by assembling the recipe, place filled peppers in a casserole dish, cover with a lid or foil, and refrigerate. The next evening, cook the peppers as directed.

3. Baked Sweet Potato with Crispy Kale & Feta

Baked Sweet Potato with Crispy Kale & Feta


Who would’ve thought a green vegetable could star in scrumptious meal? Kale boosts this dish’s nutritional value and is oh-so-savory in the spotlight. Bake several sweet potatoes over the weekend and complete this recipe for dinner.

4. Spicy Asian Chicken Meatballs

Spicy Asian Chicken Meatballs


This make-ahead meal is easier than you might think. Combine ingredients, shape into meatballs, and freeze for later. You now have a tasty Asian inspired entrée the entire family will love again and again.

5. Grilled Turkey Veggie Burgers

meals that last a week in the fridge


Your favorite summer recipe just got a make-over. Combine two specific veggies with ground turkey, and family & friends will enjoy a super juicy burger that tastes like it was meant for summer grilling.

6. Baked Parmesan Chicken

Baked Parmesan Chicken


This recipe is fork tender and delicious. Make the entire recipe ahead by wrapping the coated chicken individualy in foil, then placing in a freezer safe container. Thaw chicken in the fridge before cooking the following day.

7. Skinny Quinoa with Black Beans

meals that last a week in the fridge


Cook this dish ahead of time and enjoy for lunch or dinner the next day. With 7 grams of protein and 201 calories, you’ll want to add this superfood packed dish to your regular menu.

8. Zucchini Crusted Pizza

Zucchini Crusted Pizza


Chock-full of fat, calories, and refined carbs, ordinary pizza gets a bad reputation. Watch the beloved classic transform from notorious to nutritious in this mouthwatering zucchini-themed dish! Most pizza recipes can be make ahead by first preparing then freezing for baking later in the week.

9. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Southwestern Style

meals that last a week in the fridge

This meal-in-one is a Texas-inspired recipe that gets its flavor from the combination of sweet potato, black beans, and spices. Nutritious and filling, this recipe will welcome you home after a long day at work!

10. Mexican Style Lasagna

Mexican Style Lasagna

This recipe puts a Mexican twist on a traditional pasta dish. Complete with zesty spices and flavorful ingredients, this gooey lasagna is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Making and freezing casseroles are easier than you might think. This pasta dish can be prepared and frozen for enjoying later in the week.

11. One-Skillet Chicken and Broccoli

meals that last a week in the fridge


A dish that’s easy to make and better than takeout! It’s simple to prep this recipe the day before and stir-fry the next.

12. Tex-Mex Mac & Cheese Casserole

Tex-Mex Mac & Cheese Casserole


This recipe yields cheesy slices of heaven rich in south-of-the-border flavor. A tasty make-ahead casserole the entire family will love.

13. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Ragout

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Ragout


With easy-to-follow instructions and unforgettable flavor, this dish is bookmark-worthy! Save time by rinsing the chicken after bringing home from the grocery store, cut into strips or cubes, then feeze for this delicious Ragout and other dishes. Always allow chicken to thaw in the fridge the day before cooking.

14. Chicken and Penne Parmesan Casserole

Chicken and Penne Parmesan Casserole


This dish is layered with luscious ingredients in a casserole pan. The result? A succulent, juicy casserole that can easily be prepared ahead of time and frozen for later.

15. Quinoa and Vegetable Stir-fry

meals that last a week in the fridge


Cozy up to a bowl of this comforting stir-fry with just the right amount of spices. Make the quinoa ahead of time and use frozen diced carrots for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.

16. 6-Ingredient Chinese Chicken

6-Ingredient Chinese Chicken

With just 6-ingredients and a skillet, make this dish for later in the week. With 25 grams of lean protein and only 4 SmartPoints, you can’t go wrong.

17. Best Ever Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Best Ever Chicken Lettuce Wraps


Need a night off from cooking? Make the chicken and dipping sauce ahead and simply warm the chicken in a sauce pan and add to lettuce leaves for dinner the next evening. This recipe beats takeout any day of the week.

18. Baked Vegetable Spring Rolls

Baked Vegetable Spring Rolls


Veggies combined with Asian flavors takes the stage in this vegetarian recipe. Packed with feel-good veggies and complex carbs, it’s certain to leave you energized and satisfied.

19. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Add everything to the slow cooker and enjoy this tender pork the same evening, or freeze for later.

20. Slow Cooker Chicken & Rice Casserole

meals that last a week in the fridge


As delicious as it is filling, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare this recipe ahead, or enjoy the same day.

21. Soft Chicken Tacos

meals that last a week in the fridge

Everyone loves taco night! Prepare the ground chicken by cooking ahead of time. Cooked ground chicken can be frozen with or without adding the spices. Thaw the chicken in the fridge the night before adding to the tacos. Now you’ve got a taco recipe that will take about 5 minutes to throw together.

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Ellie Krasner

Ellie is a full-time violinist living in Las Vegas, and a writer with an insatiable appetite for clean eating and fitness! She is a graduate of Binghamton University with degrees in English literature and violin, and loves investigating the world of healthy living.

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