January can be hectic, but your dinners don’t have to be. These meal prep recipes are all about simplicity, flavor, and ease. From slow-cooked meals to hearty soups and versatile protein options, each dish is designed to make weeknight dinners smoother, brighter, and more delicious as you start 2026 on a relaxed note.
1. Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken
Tender chicken slow-cooked in a sticky, savory Korean BBQ-style sauce. This make-ahead protein plays beautifully in bowls, tacos, or lettuce wraps.
2. Taco Meat
Seasoned ground meat made in bulk and ready to use throughout the week. Great for tacos, burritos, salads, or quinoa bowls with whatever you have on hand.
3. Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
This easy pasta casserole is total comfort food that will be loved by the whole family.
Try this delicious ground turkey recipe for your every day weeknight dinner and see how everyone digs in.
4. Savoury Mince
Now here is a recipe that’s a staple in Australia, and should be in your kitchen too! A homestyle seasoned ground-beef mixture with veggies and herbs that works on toast, rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.
5. Split Pea Soup
My easy Split Pea Soup is hearty, flavorful, and the absolute perfect meal for chilly winter nights.
Cook it in a slow cooker, on stovetop, or in an Instant Pot. It’s a surefire hit every time.
6. Baked Turkey Meatballs
Talk about versatile! My easy baked turkey meatballs can go in pastas, stir fry dishes, soups, subs and more. Plus, they’re lean and healthy, not to mention kid friendly!
7. Chicken Stir Fry
Here’s one that is quick, colorful, and bold with fresh vegetables and savory sauce. This chicken stir fry holds up well in the fridge and makes plates feel balanced from Monday to Friday.
8. Qdoba Chicken
I love Qdoba, and my easy Qdoba Chicken recipe is the perfect copycat. And let me tell you, it’s also one of the most versatile things you can cook.
I usually stuff it in burritos, tacos and bowl meals, but it’s also great in salads, on sandwiches, or even as an add-in to pastas and soups.
9. Jambalaya Soup
A single-pot powerhouse with a variety of proteins, rice, and bold Creole seasoning. Hearty and warming, this soup makes extra that’s even better the next day.
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former worldwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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