Comfort Food Meal Prep Dinner : Yummy Recipes for Cozy Nights

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, comforting meal. But after a long day, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s where meal prep comes in handy.

With a little planning and preparation, you can have yummy comfort food meal prep dinners ready to go all week long. In this article, we’ll explore some easy and satisfying comfort food recipes perfect for meal prepping, along with tips and tricks to make your cozy nights hassle-free.

The Benefits of Comfort Food Meal Prep

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why comfort food meal prep is such a great idea:

• Save time: By preparing meals in advance, you’ll spend less time cooking during the busy workweek.
• Reduce stress: Knowing you have a delicious dinner waiting for you can ease the pressure of weeknight meal planning.
• Control portions: Meal prepping allows you to portion out your comfort foods, helping you avoid overindulging.
• Save money: Cooking at home is often more cost-effective than ordering takeout or dining out.
• Enjoy variety: With proper planning, you can enjoy different comfort foods throughout the week.

Now, let’s explore some mouth-watering comfort food recipes that are perfect for meal prepping.

Comfort Food Meal Prep: Hearty Soups and Stews

Soups and stews are ideal for meal prep because they often taste even better after a day or two in the fridge. Here are two cozy options:

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

This rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish is the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except heavy cream and cilantro.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Serve over rice and garnish with cilantro.

Meal Prep Tip: This recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

2. Vegetarian Chili

This hearty chili is packed with beans and vegetables, making it a satisfying meatless option.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions, peppers, and carrots until softened.
2. Add garlic and spices, and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add beans and tomatoes, and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
4. Serve with desired toppings.

Meal Prep Tip: This chili can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It’s great for lunch or dinner and can be easily reheated.

Comforting Casseroles for Easy Meal Prep

Casseroles are the ultimate make-ahead comfort food. They’re easy to prepare in large batches and often freeze well.

3. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

This creamy casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 4 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix chicken, broccoli, rice, soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup cheese, milk, and seasonings.
3. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Top with remaining cheese and cornflakes.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Meal Prep Tip: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

4. Comfort Food Meal Prep: Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

This Mexican-inspired casserole is loaded with beans, vegetables, and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix beans, corn, pepper, onion, and spices.
3. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer tortillas, bean mixture, sauce, and cheese. Repeat layers.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve with optional toppings.

Meal Prep Tip: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Cozy Pasta Dishes That Make Meal Prep Simple

Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, and these recipes are perfect for meal prepping.

5. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This rich and flavorful pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until golden brown.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, cream, broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Add pasta and Parmesan cheese, and toss to combine.

Meal Prep Tip: This pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

6. One-Pot Vegetable Lasagna Soup

All the flavors of lasagna in a comforting soup form.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, zucchini, and carrot until softened.
2. Add tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
3. Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente.
4. Stir in spinach until wilted.
5. Serve topped with a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Meal Prep Tip: This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. The noodles may absorb some liquid, so you might need to add extra broth when reheating.

Comforting Slow Cooker Meals for Effortless Prep

Slow cooker meals are perfect for meal prep, as they can often be prepared in advance and cooked while you’re at work.

7. Comfort Food Meal Prep: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

This classic comfort food is even easier when made in a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb chuck roast
• 1 lb baby potatoes
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Season roast with salt and pepper. Brown in a skillet with olive oil.
2. Place vegetables in the slow cooker and top with the roast.
3. Mix broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Pour over roast.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.

Meal Prep Tip: This pot roast can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Tips for Successful Comfort Food Meal Prep

1. Invest in good storage containers: Use airtight, microwave-safe containers for easy storage and reheating.
2. Label everything: Mark your containers with the dish’s name and the prepared date.
3. Portion appropriately: Divide meals into portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
4. Freeze some meals: Many comfort foods freeze well, allowing you to prep further in advance.
5. Plan your menu: Decide on your meals for the week before shopping to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients.
6. Prep ingredients in advance: Wash and chop vegetables, cook meats, and prepare sauces ahead of time to streamline cooking.
7. Use your slow cooker: Many comfort foods can be easily adapted for the slow cooker, saving you time and effort.
8. Don’t forget about sides: Prep simple sides like roasted vegetables or rice to complete your meals.
9. Rotate your menu: To avoid boredom, don’t make the same meals every week. Mix it up with different comfort food recipes.
10. Consider dietary needs: If you’re cooking for family members with different dietary requirements, consider recipes that can be easily adapted.

Conclusion

comfort food meal prep doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen or unhealthy takeout. With these meal prep recipes and tips, you can enjoy delicious, homemade comfort food any night of the week.

From hearty soups and stews to creamy casseroles and pasta dishes, these recipes are sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. So grab your meal prep containers and get cooking – your future self will thank you when you’re cozied up with a delicious homemade meal on a chilly evening.

Remember, the key to successful comfort food meal prep is planning and organization. Take some time each week to plan your meals, shop for ingredients, and do some preparation. With a little effort upfront, you’ll be rewarded with stress-free weeknight dinners that bring comfort and joy to your table. Happy cooking!

Looking for more meal prep inspiration? Explore more in our Lunch and Dinner categories.