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.

A pot of hearty soup with ground meat, chopped cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, with a black ladle lifting a serving. Slices of bread and a small bowl of pepper are nearby on a tiled surface.
Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.
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Kale White Bean Soup

Kale White Bean Soup. Photo credit: WonkyWonderful.

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

Instant Pot bean soup made with dried bean mix in bowls.
Instant Pot Bean Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Instant Pot beef and mushroom stew served in a bowl over polenta.
Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

A bowl of kabocha squash chili in a bowl on a blue plate.
Kabocha Squash Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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 soup with pasta and sausage in a bowl.
Escarole Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

A bowl of chili with apples, beans and sour cream.
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

A bowl of chili with noodles and sour cream.
Short Rib Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Reuben Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Vegan tempeh picadillo served in a bowl with cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Picadillo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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

Cabbage Roll Soup. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

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

Instant Pot Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

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 Casserole. Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

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

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

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

Dutch Oven Shredded Chicken. Photo credit: Practical Southern Cooking.

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

Chicken White Bean Chili. Photo credit: My Suburban Kitchen.

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

Dutch Oven Pot Roast. Photo credit: My Kitchen Serenity.

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

Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Living Chirpy.

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

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. Photo credit: Living Chirpy.

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

Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

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

Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

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

Brunswick Stew. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

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

Beef Chili. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

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

Chili Verde. Photo credit: The Wholesome Spoon.

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

Chicken Stew. Photo credit: The Short Order Cook.

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

Gallo Pinto. Photo credit: A Little And A Lot.

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

Arroz con Pollo. Photo credit: A Latin Flair.

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

Turkey Pumpkin Chili. Photo credit: A One Pot Wonder.

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

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.

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

Founder and Writer at  | About

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.

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