22 simple recipes that go a long way

Running out of meal ideas can feel tiring, especially during a busy week. Simple recipes do more than fill plates, they keep meal prep easy and leftovers useful. It's always nice to have dishes that stay good for days. Here are 22 recipes that help meals last and keep things simple.

Best Roasted Potato Salad

A bowl of potato salad with roasted potatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing, garnished with dill. — Best Roasted Potato Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Get more from meal prep when Best Roasted Potato Salad is made ahead. Simple flavors work for any day of the week. Each serving feels fresh and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Potato Salad

Thai Fried Rice

Preparing Thai Fried Rice means less work later and meals stay fresh all week. Portions are always ready for reheating. A good fit for anyone needing quick options.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley

A bowl of creamy soup with roasted cauliflower, red peppers, carrots, and onions. — Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Mealtime goes smoothly when Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley is included. It’s easy to mix and match with other dishes. Extra portions are always welcome later.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish in a rectangular metal pan with a golden breadcrumb topping, pieces of pasta, baked cheese, and green herbs visible. — Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Family meals feel less stressful with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole. It’s good for making ahead and keeping handy for busy evenings. No one leaves the table hungry.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Casserole

Tuscan White Bean Soup

A close-up of a bowl of white bean and vegetable soup with a spoon, showing beans, diced carrots, celery, and herbs in a broth. — Tuscan White Bean Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Making Tuscan White Bean Soup means there’s always something ready for quick meals. Each bowl is filling and easy to reheat. Family and friends enjoy it every time.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Soup

Creamy Sundried Tomato Tofu (Marry Me Tofu)

A close-up of rigatoni pasta topped with a creamy tomato-based sauce containing chunks of meat and garnished with a fresh basil leaf, served in a white bowl. — Creamy Sundried Tomato Tofu (Marry Me Tofu). Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Meal variety gets easier with Creamy Sundried Tomato Tofu (Marry Me Tofu) for lunch or dinner. Leftovers carry flavor forward. It’s a practical choice for different meal needs.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sundried Tomato Tofu (Marry Me Tofu)

Thai Basil Pork – Pad Kra Pao

A plate of white rice served with stir-fried minced meat, red chilies, basil leaves, and a fried egg, garnished with herbs. Gold cutlery, ingredients, and a drink are nearby. — Thai Basil Pork – Pad Kra Pao. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Saving time on meal prep starts with Thai Basil Pork – Pad Kra Pao. Portions come together quickly for lunch or dinner. It brings a new option to your meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Pork – Pad Kra Pao

Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk)

A bowl of shredded jackfruit cooked with green olives and garnished with fresh cilantro, served with a wooden spoon. — Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Serving Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk) brings variety to the table for days. The flavors stay interesting throughout the week. Every meal feels new again.
Get the Recipe: Ginataang Langka (Filipino Jackfruit in Coconut Milk)

20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Plate of basil pesto chicken with grilled tomatoes and avocado slices. — 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Fast meal prep is simple using 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado. Plan ahead for busy days and quick lunches. Each serving tastes just right every time.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Weeknight dinners are simpler with Pasta e Fagioli Soup stored in the fridge. Each spoonful stays fresh even after a day or two. It’s great for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Best Butter Bean Stew

A wooden spoon holds a serving of tomato-based stew with white beans, chopped greens, and visible spices in a pot. — Best Butter Bean Stew. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Everyone can stretch meals further with Best Butter Bean Stew on the table. One batch makes lunches and dinners easier. Leftovers never go unnoticed.
Get the Recipe: Best Butter Bean Stew

Burger Bowls

Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce. — Burger Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A bit of planning with Burger Bowls means meals are always nearby. Quick assembly helps with last-minute cravings. Extra servings store well and stay fresh.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Best Vegetarian Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with tomato-based sauce, lentils, chopped parsley, and grated cheese, with a fork resting on the dish. — Best Vegetarian Bolognese. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Cooking Best Vegetarian Bolognese helps meals go further all week long. It’s easy to reheat and share with others. You’ll wonder why you didn’t make extra sooner.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegetarian Bolognese

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Gnocchi with ground pork, tomatoes, mozzarella and spinach in a cast iron skillet. — Baked Skillet Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Flexibility shines with Baked Skillet Gnocchi for both main meals and leftovers. Reheating is simple and reliable. It’s easy to enjoy for days after cooking.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

Dinners are ready faster with Pad Kee Mao with Chicken on hand. The dish keeps well and is tasty every time it’s reheated. Planning extra is always a smart move.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

Avocado Pesto Pasta

Lunch and dinner plans come together fast with Avocado Pesto Pasta. Easy portions fill up plates again and again. It’s a recipe that keeps things simple.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta

Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Easy lunch and dinner options increase with Air Fryer Skirt Steak available. Meals are ready in minutes from a single batch. Each portion holds its flavor well.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Tofu Thai Wrap

Two tortilla wraps tied with twine on a black plate, filled with colorful vegetables and protein, with a lime wedge and scattered cabbage on a marble surface. — Tofu Thai Wrap. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Busy days run smoother with Tofu Thai Wrap packed as a meal or snack. It keeps its flavor through the week. It’s nice to have something ready to grab.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Thai Wrap

Gluten-Free Naan Bread with Buckwheat Flour (Vegan Option)

Close-up of sliced whole grain bread with visible herbs and seeds. — Gluten-Free Naan Bread with Buckwheat Flour (Vegan Option). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Needing a side or a snack is easier with Gluten-Free Naan Bread with Buckwheat Flour (Vegan Option). Quick to grab from the fridge. It pairs well with nearly everything.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Naan Bread with Buckwheat Flour (Vegan Option)

Air Fryer Scallops

Keeping meals interesting is easier when Air Fryer Scallops are added to the mix. A small batch works in many dishes. It’s always nice to have them ready for quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops

Rasta Pasta

Sharing Rasta Pasta is simple with its large servings and easy storage. It makes meal planning straightforward. Everyone looks forward to leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with vegetables and cheese garnished with basil on a table next to a pepper mill and a linen napkin. — Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick dinners feel easier with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta tucked away in the fridge. Each bowl tastes just as good on day two. Portioning for lunches is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta