Map out dinner with these easy meal planning recipes. How? Start with a big batch of a basic ingredient. Think: roast chicken, pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes or meatballs. Serve a portion for dinner, then tuck the rest into a make-ahead recipe.
6 Brilliant Meal Plans That Let You Cook Once and Eat All Week
Updated on Mar. 09, 2023
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Start With: Roast Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store or roast your own with this top-rated recipe. Serve half for dinner tonight. Then, click to explore easy recipes that’ll use up all the leftovers.
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 272 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
2/33
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
45 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken enchiladas recipe is so quick and easy, and I always receive a ton of compliments. It quickly becomes a favorite of friends whenever I share the recipe. Modify the spiciness with the intensity of the salsa and the green chiles to suit your taste. —Kristi Black, Harrison Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 468 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1394mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 34g protein.
3/33
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Facebook fans of my blog, Chef in Training, inspired me to make this creamy pasta casserole out of ingredients I had on hand. Success! I took the dish for another flavorful spin and added a bit of smoky bacon and toasted bread crumbs. —Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 826 calories, 56g fat (33g saturated fat), 249mg cholesterol, 1093mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 47g protein.
4/33
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 317 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
5/33
Chicken-Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 230 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
6/33
Chicken Potpie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 potpies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 475 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 768mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
7/33
Start With: Cooked Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cooked shrimp is healthy protein to pack for lunch and dish out for dinner. We’ll show you how to top it on a salad, toss it in a pasta or add it to a stew.
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp: 14 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
8/33
Shrimp Tortellini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No matter how you toss 'em, shrimp and thyme play nicely with any spring-fresh vegetable. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 413 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
9/33
Cioppino
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
10/33
Jambalaya
Total Time
4 hours 50 min
Servings
11 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
During chilly times of the year, I fix this jambalaya at least once a month. It’s so easy—just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup jambalaya: 230 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1016mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
11/33
Shrimp & Nectarine Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a cool salad on a hot summer day, I combine shrimp, corn, tomatoes and nectarines with a drizzle of tarragon dressing. We love it chilled, but it's delectable served right away, too. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 252 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 448mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
12/33
Shrimp with Orzo and Feta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. —Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 406 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
13/33
Deluxe Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it comes to mashed potatoes recipes, this is one of my favorites because they can be made ahead, refrigerated and then popped into the oven just prior to dinnertime. When my grandchildren come for dinner, I have to double this recipe. They love it! —Vivian Bailey, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 301 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
14/33
The Best Shepherd’s Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
15/33
Pierogi Quesadillas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I had hungry children in the kitchen and nothing but leftovers, I invented these quesadillas. Now it's how we always use up our potatoes, meats and sometimes veggies. —Andrea Dibble, Solon, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla: 630 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 1559mg sodium, 82g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
16/33
Bacon-Cheddar Potato Croquettes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 46 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
17/33
Meat Shell Potato Pie
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests always comment on the presentation and flavor of this delightfully different dish. —Julie Sterchi, Flora, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 326 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
18/33
Spinach Quiche with Potato Crust
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While this recipe is delicious using ingredients exactly as listed, it’s also a smart way to make the most of any leftover potatoes and veggies. Use 2-1/2 cups leftover mashed potatoes and whatever cooked vegetables you have on hand. You can also substitute 1/2 pound Italian sausage for the bacon if you want a heartier quiche. —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 284 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
19/33
Ham Potato Puffs
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 puffs
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a different way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. It was an instant hit with our teenagers. —Brad Eichelberger, York, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 puff: 165 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 592mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
20/33
Meatballs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
48 meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
Keep a batch of these meatballs in your freezer for an easy weeknight meal. This simple meatball recipe can be used for pizzas, sub sandwiches, in soups and more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 meatballs: 276 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
21/33
Meatball Pizza
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 320 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
22/33
Contest-Winning Bavarian Meatball Hoagies
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband is not manning the grill, I count on my slow cooker. These meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when I serve them as a party appetizer or spooned over crusty rolls and topped with cheese for irresistible sandwiches. —Peggy Rios, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 643 calories, 36g fat (18g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1302mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
23/33
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a meal on busy days, I pop ready-made meatballs in the slow cooker to make this tantalizing Asian-style specialty. Nothing is more convenient than walking in the door to dinner. —Lisa Stepanski, Munnsville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
8 meatballs: 794 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 94g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
24/33
Easy Stuffed Shells
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I threw this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish. —Dolores Betchner, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 334 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 711mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
25/33
Crescent Turkey Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic but doesn’t take any time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 453 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
26/33
Turkey-Vegetable Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The blend of flavors and colors in this hearty soup will bring everyone at the table back for more. —Charlotte Welch, Utica, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 191 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
27/33
Turkey Bundles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is definitely a must-try, and all you do is bundle up creamy turkey filling in crescent dough. I usually double the recipe so I have extra for lunch the next day. —Lydia Garrod, Tacoma, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 bundle: 418 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
28/33
Turkey Biscuit Stew
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chunky stew makes a hearty supper, especially in the fall and winter. It'salso a great way to use extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup stew with 1 biscuit: 345 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 960mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
29/33
Mediterranean Turkey Potpies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your clan will love these wonderful stick-to-the-ribs potpies with a Mediterranean twist. I always use the leftovers from our big holiday turkey to prepare this recipe. I think my family enjoys the potpies more than the original feast! —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 potpie: 326 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
30/33
Savory Pork Roast
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this herbed roast so much that I make it as often as I can. It's wonderful for special occasions, particularly when served with sweet potatoes and corn muffins. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork: 188 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
31/33
Carne Guisada
Total Time
7 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
While living away from Texas for a while, my boyfriend and I grew homesick for the spicy flavors of home. We've made this recipe a few times now, and it goes really well with homemade flour tortillas. We love it over rice, too. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 261 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 1 starch.
32/33
Quick Tacos al Pastor
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 317 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
33/33
Pork Chile Verde
Total Time
6 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 345 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
