When you’ve got a busy week ahead of you, eating healthy, homemade meals can be a challenge. That’s why make-ahead stews that can last you all week are such a lifesaver. You only have to make one dinner, but it lasts for several meals throughout your week. We’ve rounded up our favorite delicious big-batch stew recipes that will last you all week. They all make at least four generous servings, but can easily be doubled, tripled or even quadrupled based on your family’s needs.
Quick and Easy Fish Stew
For a fast dinner that will last you all week, try this Quick and Easy Fish Stew from Simply Recipes. It features tender pieces of fish fillet, chopped tomatoes, white wine and clam juice that blend together to make a tantalizing seafood stew. Since this dish features seafood, make sure you freeze any leftovers within two days of making the stew. Then, defrost your leftovers on the stove or microwave when you want a quick, healthy meal.
Chickpea and Winter Vegetable Stew
If you’re a fan of eating seasonally, this Chickpea and Winter Vegetable Stew recipe from The New York Times Cooking is sure to be a hit in your home. It’s free of dairy, so it’s safe for those who are lactose intolerant. Ingredients like chickpeas, leeks, butternut squash and honey give this savory stew a slightly sweet flavor.
Tilapia Seafood Stew
For a stew that contains lean protein, try this Tilapia Seafood Stew recipe from The Food Network. The Tilapia is paired with mussels, dry white wine, parsley and tomatoes in this hearty seafood-based stew. Don’t forget to freeze your leftovers after two days so the seafood doesn’t spoil; all you have to do when you want another bowl is defrost the leftovers on the stove or microwave.
Rustic Tomato Rice Kale Stew
For a thick and creamy vegetable-based soup, try this Rustic Tomato Rice Kale Stew from Healthy Happy Life. The tomatoes and kale add a lot of nutrients to this stew. And the rice, a complex carb, will help you stay full long after your last bite.
Mediterranean Fish Stew With Garlic Toasts
Seafood lovers will love eating this Mediterranean Fish Stew With Garlic Toasts from BBC Good Food. It’s chock full of clams, fish, prawns and fish stock. The orange zest and chili give it a unique flavor spin that’s got just a touch of spice. While the recipe calls for halibut, you could also use another type of white fish, such as Tilapia. You can freeze half the recipe after making it so you have leftovers for later in the week.
Curried Red Lentil Sweet Potato Stew
If you like your stews on the spicier side, you’ll definitely want to whip up this Curried Red Lentil Sweet Potato Stew recipe from Love and Lemons. Ginger, cardamom and curry are complemented by a squeeze of lime in this hearty stew that is filled with vegetables like green beans, peas, spinach and carrots.
If you’ve got a busy week on the horizon, why not cut down on the chaos by making a big batch of soup at the beginning of the week that will last you for many meals? Not only will it be healthy and delicious, but incredibly convenient as well.
Photo credits: Healthy Happy Life, Simply Recipes, New York Times Cooking, The Food Network, Healthy Happy Life, BBC Good Food, Love and Lemons