Home » Trending » 17 Meal Prep Dishes That’ll Have You Excited For Leftovers

17 Meal Prep Dishes That’ll Have You Excited For Leftovers

Planning your meals has never been so rewarding with these 17 dishes that make leftovers something to look forward to. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or just want to save time, these recipes offer convenience without compromising flavor. The best part? These meals taste even better the next day, making meal prep an absolute win.

A bowl of Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl with a bottle of dressing and a fork in the background.
Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re someone who appreciates comfort food, Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy will become a staple in your meal prep rotation. This dish brings a homely warmth to any dinner table, offering tender chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy gravy. Ideal for a cozy night in, it reheats wonderfully, ensuring your leftovers will be just as enjoyable the next day.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who love a hearty stew, Authentic Hungarian Goulash offers a flavorful experience that is perfect for meal prepping. This dish combines rich spices and slow-cooked tender meat to provide a warming meal ready to be enjoyed any day of the week. Leftovers even seem to taste better, as the flavors deepen and meld together overnight.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Chicken Paprikash

Three pieces of chicken smothered in a creamy, orange-hued sauce topped with chopped herbs, served on a white rectangular plate.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Paprikash is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken and a savory sauce for a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve to guests. When reheated, the flavors become even more pronounced, making your leftovers something to anticipate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce with pita dipped in a black bowl.
Authentic Tzatziki Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A versatile addition to your meal prep that can brighten up a variety of dishes is Authentic Tzatziki Sauce. Its refreshing taste offers a cool contrast to spicier meals or adds an extra layer of flavor to simpler dishes. Whether used as a sauce, dip or spread, it keeps well in the fridge and can even taste better as the flavors meld.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish. The meal is set on a white wooden table beside silver cutlery and a floral napkin.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bringing the classic diner experience home, Diner Style Salisbury Steak is a meal that nostalgically reminds you of simple, yet flavorful dishes. This comfort food classic combines a savory beef patty with a silky mushroom gravy, perfect for a satisfying meal prep option. It’s a throwback dish that reheats well, making it a practical and delicious choice for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transforming a classic into something even more comforting, Sloppy Joe Casserole is a fun and hearty dish that’s sure to be a hit. It’s the perfect blend of familiar flavors and homestyle cooking, baked together to create something truly special. Leftovers are just as scrumptious, if not better, as the flavors continue to blend.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Easy Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice with a slice of lime on a black bowl.
Easy Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Easy Mexican Rice serves as the perfect side dish to add a dash of excitement to your weekly meals. This flavorful staple pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses and offers an easy solution for a delicious meal prep component. It holds up well in the fridge, ensuring that the flavors remain vibrant and ready to accompany whatever you’re serving up next.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice

Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Salmon Pasta Salad is a refreshing choice. It combines the richness of salmon with the lightness of pasta and fresh flavors, making it an ideal meal prep option for those looking for something fulfilling yet healthy. This dish seems to become tastier over time, making leftovers something to truly look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Cauliflower with lemon and dill on a black board.
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill offers a fresh and light side dish option that complements a wide array of main courses. It’s simple to prepare, yet the flavors work together beautifully to create something special. This dish retains its delicious taste even after being stored, making your meal prep both easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

An excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious and fulfilling addition to their meal prep roster with Wild Rice Salad. This hearty salad combines the nuttiness of wild rice with a mix of flavors that complement each other perfectly. It’s a dish that keeps well, ensuring that your lunches or dinners will remain interesting and enjoyable throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Butter Scones

Two butter scones on a plate with a cup of tea on a marble surface.
Butter Scones. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

When in need of a comforting snack or a quick breakfast option, Butter Scones is a delicious choice. They bake to a perfect golden brown, offering a slightly crisp exterior with a soft, buttery inside. These scones hold up well over a few days, ensuring that you can enjoy them at their best. Treat yourself to a homemade scone and find comfort in its simple, yet fulfilling taste.
Get the Recipe: Butter Scones

Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki Salad with feta cheese on top served on a plate.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a burst of freshness with your meals, Horiatiki Salad is unmatched. This classic Greek salad brings together crisp vegetables and flavorful accents to create a dish that’s both vibrant and fulfilling. It’s an excellent way to add some lightness to your meal prep, offering a refreshing taste that’s best enjoyed chilled.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Classic Shrimp Scampi

Two cast iron skillets contain shrimp scampi garnished with lemon wedges.
Classic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Classic Shrimp Scampi is a luxurious yet simple dish that can transform any weeknight meal into a special occasion. With its garlic and butter-infused sauce, this pasta dish promises a flavorful experience that surprisingly adapts well to reheating. Whether served fresh or as leftovers, it maintains its allure, offering a delicious escape into comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi

Shipwreck Casserole

Shipwreck Casserole in a black dish with a spoon.
Shipwreck Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

With a name as intriguing as Shipwreck Casserole, this dish is bound to be a conversation starter. It’s a layered, hearty meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Each spoonful reveals a new layer of flavor, making it a hearty choice for meal prep. This casserole not only promises a heartwarming meal but also ensures that leftovers will be anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter

Four grilled cheese sandwiches with hot honey butter on a black slate serving board.
Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Taking the classic grilled cheese to new heights, Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter offer a decadent twist on a beloved favorite. The addition of crispy bacon and the unique flavor of hot honey butter makes for an irresistible combination. They are perfect for an indulgent lunch or a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches w/ Hot Honey Butter

Southern Ham Salad

A bowl of Southern ham salad and croissants on a wooden table.
Southern Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Southern Ham Salad is a delicious nod to classic Southern cuisine, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s a versatile dish that can be served on crackers, sandwiches, or even on its own. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a great option for meal prep. For a touch of Southern charm in your weekly meals, this ham salad is a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad

Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl

A bowl of Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl with a bottle of dressing and a fork in the background.
Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Embracing the flavors of the season, Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl is a vibrant and nourishing meal that will bring color and joy to your meal prep. It combines perfectly cooked salmon with a variety of seasonal vegetables, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. This bowl is designed to nourish and satisfy, ensuring that your leftovers will be eagerly anticipated.
Get the Recipe: Fall Harvest Salmon Bowl

By

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.