These 12 Easy Meals Ensure You Have Leftovers For The Entire Week

Want to cook once and eat for days? These big-batch meals are not only easy to make but also perfect for reheating, freezing, or transforming into something new later in the week. Whether you’re meal prepping or just hate doing dishes, these 12 crowd-pleasing recipes are the ultimate leftovers win.

1. Baked Ziti with Sausage

With its cheesy embrace and savory sausage bites, baked ziti offers solace like no other. This Italian-inspired comfort food fills your home with irresistible aromas and creates memories around the dining table. Share it early in the week with a crisp salad, letting the flavors meld even more for the days to come.

Did you know that ziti, meaning “bride” in Italian, is traditionally served at weddings in Southern Italy? Its hearty layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese ensure it remains a beloved staple for celebrations and cozy family dinners alike. Embrace the tradition.

2. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

The slow cooker transforms a humble pork shoulder into tender, flavorful pulled pork, perfect for endless culinary adventures. Whether piled high on sandwiches or nestled in tacos, this versatile dish delights. A slow magic happens, infusing each shred with savory goodness.

Pulled pork’s roots trace back to the American South, where barbecue reigns supreme. This dish epitomizes casual dining with a rich history. Try it for breakfast in a hearty hash or spice it up for dinner tacos.

Let the slow cooker work its magic, and savor the convenience and taste all week.

3. Hearty Chili

Hearty chili serves as a warming anchor during chilly evenings, alluring with its rich, spiced aroma. Beans, meat, and vibrant spices meld into a robust dish that tastes even better the next day. Pair it with cornbread or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal.

Chili’s roots are as diverse as its ingredients, with origins in Texas and connections to Mexican cuisine. Customize your pot with different beans or meats, making it uniquely yours. Transform leftovers into chili dogs or nachos, ensuring each day offers new tastes.

4. Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

Bright, crisp vegetables and succulent chicken meet in a sizzling stir-fry, offering a burst of flavors and textures. This dish keeps you on your toes with its playful mix of colors and aromatic ginger and garlic notes. Perfect for a quick dinner, it reheats wonderfully for lunch the next day.

Stir-fry’s origins lie in China, celebrated for its speed and efficiency in cooking. Double the recipe and divide into containers to ensure a ready-to-eat meal throughout the week. Each bite delights with freshness and zest, keeping your meals exciting.

5. Lasagna

Lasagna is the king of comfort, layered with love and flavor. Its rich layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce make it a family favorite, promising satisfaction and warmth with every forkful. Prepare a big dish on Sunday, and enjoy morsels of joy throughout the week.

This dish, originating from Italy, brings a piece of Mediterranean soul to your kitchen. Each slice tells a story of tradition and culinary craftsmanship. Reheat it for lunch or dinner, and savor the way its flavors harmonize over time, only getting better with each day.

6. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Packed with flavor and nutrition, stuffed bell peppers serve as vibrant vessels of taste. Filled with rice, beans, or ground meat, they hold their texture and warmth, satisfying appetites with every bite. These nutrient-rich delights make an excellent choice for meal prep.

Bell peppers, native to Central and South America, offer a sweet, mild flavor that complements various fillings. Prepare a dozen, and see how their versatility shines. From lunch to dinner, these peppers transform the ordinary into extraordinary, ensuring your fridge is always full.

7. Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Roasted Veggies

The beauty of sheet pan meals lies in their simplicity and flavor. Chicken thighs, with their juicy tenderness, pair perfectly with roasted veggies, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish. One pan, easy cleanup, and a week of delicious meals await.

Sheet pan cooking allows for creativity; swap in seasonal veggies to keep things fresh. The method offers a delightful way to explore flavors without the fuss. From your first bite to your last, savor the convenience and taste of this modern culinary darling.

8. Big-Batch Burrito Bowls

Crafting burrito bowls in big batches presents endless possibilities. Each bowl becomes a canvas for culinary creativity, with seasoned rice, beans, and your choice of protein. Add vibrant toppings to enhance each bite’s flavor profile.

Originating from Mexican cuisine, burrito bowls offer a fresh twist to traditional wraps. They are versatile, healthy, and easy to customize for different dietary needs. Assemble diverse combinations throughout the week to keep your meals exciting, ensuring boredom never strikes your palate.

9. Classic Beef Stew

Rich, filling, and soul-warming, classic beef stew transforms simple ingredients into a feast fit for royalty. Tender beef mingles with carrots and potatoes, delivering depth and comfort with every spoonful. As it sits, flavors deepen, perfect for savoring over several days.

Beef stew’s origins trace back to homely kitchens worldwide, celebrated for its heartiness and versatility. Serve it over mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a hearty meal. As leftovers, it transforms easily into a pie or enriched soup, extending its culinary charm.

10. Vegetarian Curry with Chickpeas

Aromatic, rich in flavor, and brimming with nutrients, vegetarian curry with chickpeas offers a plant-based delight. Infused with spices, it brings exotic warmth to your table. Enjoy this curry with basmati rice or naan for a satisfying meal.

Curry’s diverse origins span across India and Southeast Asia, celebrated for its adaptability. This dish becomes even more flavorful over time, a perfect reason to cook in large batches. Relish the leftovers, allowing the spices to mature and meld, infusing every bite with depth.

11. Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Nostalgia and flavor meet in the classic combination of meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Juicy and tender, this dish comforts with every bite, offering a taste of home and heritage. Prepare a generous loaf, ensuring enough for sandwiches and innovative dishes later.

Meatloaf’s history is rooted in frugality, turning simple ingredients into hearty meals. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes for a complete culinary experience. Transform leftovers into sandwiches the next day, celebrating the meal’s enduring appeal and versatility.

12. Baked Chicken Enchiladas

Satisfy your cravings with baked chicken enchiladas, filled with succulent shredded chicken, cheese, and enveloped in rich sauce. This dish promises layers of flavor in every bite, and its reheating ease makes it perfect for leftovers.

Enchiladas trace their origins to Mexican cuisine, where they are celebrated for their bold flavors and comforting nature. Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for future feasts. Relish the blend of spices, cheese, and sauce, delighting your taste buds throughout the week.