Cooking once and eating twice makes life easier for anyone trying to stay ahead of the dinner scramble. Big-pot meals feed plenty and save time without extra effort. Soups, stews, casseroles, and chilis hold up well and often taste even better the next day. These recipes keep the fridge full of real food that still feels fresh after reheating. Each one is easy to make, generous in portion, and perfect for stretching a single night of cooking into several good meals.

Kale White Bean Soup

Packed with kale and white beans, this hearty soup makes a big pot that reheats beautifully for days. It’s simple to prep and easy to freeze, making it perfect for when you want plenty of leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Kale White Bean Soup
Instant Pot Bean Soup

A hearty mix of beans and lentils in a tomato base makes this an easy big-batch soup. It’s filling, packed with nutrients, and reheats without losing texture.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup
Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Beef and mushrooms simmer together for a comforting meal that’s rich but not heavy. The Instant Pot makes it fast while still giving you deep flavor and plenty of portions.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew
Kabocha Squash Chili

This vegetarian chili uses kabocha squash to add heartiness and a subtle sweetness. It’s a filling fall meal that’s easy to make in a slow cooker and reheats beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili
Escarole Soup

Escarole, sausage, and beans come together in a garlicky broth for a hearty Italian favorite. It makes a big batch that’s great for freezing or enjoying throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Escarole Soup
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

Chicken, apples, cheddar, and white beans come together for a creative spin on chili that fits the season perfectly. The leftovers keep their flavor and texture, making it great for batch cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
Short Rib Chili

This slow-simmered chili made with short ribs and porter beer is pure comfort in a bowl. It freezes well and tastes even better after a night in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili
Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

Lamb, lentils, and chickpeas simmer in Moroccan spices for a rich, hearty stew. It’s perfect for cold nights and makes generous leftovers to enjoy later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew
Reuben Soup

Corned beef, potatoes, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese cook into a creamy, comforting soup that’s great for using up leftover corned beef. It’s unexpected but satisfying and makes plenty to share.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Soup
Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Lentils, vegetables, and turmeric simmer together for a nutrient-packed stew that’s easy to make in one pot. It’s filling, budget-friendly, and stretches into multiple meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew
Instant Pot Picadillo

Lentils, tempeh, and potatoes soak up the flavors of olives, raisins, and spices in this hearty plant-based meal. It’s easy to batch cook and great for reheating all week.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Picadillo
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

A creamy skillet of pasta, turkey, and vegetables that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s hearty enough for dinner and makes great leftovers that don’t lose their texture.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Cabbage Roll Soup

All the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without the time-consuming prep. This big-batch soup is full of beef, rice, and cabbage in a rich tomato broth, and it holds up great for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll Soup
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

This recipe brings all the comfort of lasagna into one pot with none of the layering. The Instant Pot does the work, leaving you with a hearty soup that stores and reheats easily, perfect for weeknight meals that stretch.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Chicken Casserole

Chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese come together in a creamy bake that feeds a crowd. It’s hearty, easy to throw together, and makes great leftovers for quick lunches or another dinner later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Casserole
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

A mix of creamy cheese sauce and spicy chicken makes this big-pot meal something everyone will dig into. It’s easy to double the batch so you’ve got lunch handled for days.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Dutch Oven Shredded Chicken

A true set-it-and-forget-it recipe that leaves you with juicy, flavorful chicken perfect for tacos, salads, or sandwiches. One pot gives you plenty to use now and freeze for later.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Shredded Chicken
Chicken White Bean Chili

This chili is packed with beans, vegetables, and tender chicken for a comforting meal that fills the kitchen with fall aromas. It’s a big-batch favorite that’s easy to portion out for leftovers all week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken White Bean Chili
Dutch Oven Pot Roast

Slow-cooked beef with mushrooms and a savory broth makes this the kind of dish that keeps getting better after a day in the fridge. It’s hearty, rich, and great for make-ahead dinners.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Pot Roast
Sloppy Joe Casserole

Think of this as Sloppy Joes reinvented—ground beef, tater tots, and melted cheese baked together in one dish. It’s filling, family-friendly, and perfect for big servings that reheat without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Everything you love about a cheesesteak layered into a cheesy, baked casserole. It’s quick to prep, serves plenty, and holds up great for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup

Chicken, bacon, and potatoes simmer together in a creamy broth for a comforting one-pot meal. The leftovers thicken up and taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup
Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup

A hearty soup made with sausage, beans, pasta, and tomatoes that rivals any restaurant version. It makes a large batch that’s perfect for lunches or freezer meals.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
Brunswick Stew

Loaded with corn, lima beans, and tomatoes, this stew is a Southern classic that feeds a crowd. It freezes beautifully, making it a smart choice for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Brunswick Stew
Beef Chili

A homemade version of a classic chili that’s rich, bold, and full of pantry staples. It’s an easy way to make one big pot that keeps you fed all week.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili
Chili Verde

This flavorful green chili uses pork and spices to create a comforting, slow-cooked dish with just the right amount of heat. It’s worth the simmer time and makes leftovers that taste even richer.
Get the Recipe: Chili Verde
Chicken Stew

Chunks of chicken, tender vegetables, and a creamy broth make this one-pot stew a go-to for cool nights. It reheats perfectly and keeps its flavor for days.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew
Gallo Pinto

Rice and beans cooked with onions, peppers, and seasoning make a hearty base that’s great on its own or as a side. It’s simple, filling, and stretches easily into multiple meals.
Get the Recipe: Gallo Pinto
Arroz con Pollo

Chicken, rice, and vegetables cook together in one pot for a comforting meal with Latin flair. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and great for leftovers that don’t dry out.
Get the Recipe: Arroz con Pollo
Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin gives this turkey chili a smooth texture and deep flavor. It’s hearty, packed with protein, and the big pot yields plenty to reheat later.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken, vegetables, and broth simmer in the slow cooker until tender, then get topped with biscuits for a shortcut pot pie. It’s a low-effort meal that stretches into multiple servings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.








