41 Easy Work Lunches That Aren't Salads or Sandwiches

POPSUGAR Photography

If you've resolved to take more lunches to work, you've likely resorted to salads and sandwiches most of the time. And that's fine! But if we're being honest, you can only take so many leafy greens and cold turkey sandwiches before you've fallen into a rut and begun dreading lunchtime instead of looking forward to it. If that sounds like you, you need one of these hot lunch recipes in your life. From pastas to soups and more, these 41 recipes can be made ahead of time and make for the perfect lunch — one that you'll actually look forward to heating up and eating at your desk.

01
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Slow-Cooker Chili

Get the recipe: slow-cooker chili

02
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Cheddar, Bacon, and Leek Frittata

03
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Vegetarian Burrito

Get the recipe: vegetarian burrito

04
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Spicy Tomato Soup

Get the recipe: spicy tomato soup

05

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Get the recipe: lemon chicken orzo soup

06
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Vegan Mushroom Soup

Get the recipe: vegan mushroom soup

07

Slow-Cooker Gigante Beans With Tomatoes and Pancetta

08
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Creamy, Garlicky Broccoli Soup

09
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

10
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Barbecue Black-Eyed Peas

Get the recipe: barbecue black-eyed peas

11

Caramelized Shallot and Mushroom Quiche

12
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Vegan Pumpkin Chili

Get the recipe: vegan pumpkin chili

13

Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

14

Quinoa Chili

Get the recipe: quinoa chili

15

Vegan Burrito Bowl

Get the recipe: vegan burrito bowl

16
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Slow-Cooker Beans and Quinoa With Scallions, Cheddar, and Hot Sauce

17
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Vegan Chickpea Soup

Get the recipe: vegan chickpea soup

18
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cumin-Spiced Lentil and Quinoa Stew

19
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

20
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Microwaveable Mug Chicken Noodle Soup

21

Kale and Wild Rice Casserole

22
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Get the recipe: sun-dried tomato pasta

23
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

24

Lightened-Up Spaghetti and Chicken Meatballs

25

Slow-Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

26
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Chicken Lo Mein

Get the recipe: chicken lo mein

27

Slow-Cooker Minestrone Soup

28

Slow-Cooker Potato Corn Chowder

29
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Butternut Squash Lentil Soup

30
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Split Pea Soup

Get the recipe: split pea soup

31

Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup

32
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Slow-Cooker Beef Taco Soup

33

Easy Pasta Puttanesca

Get the recipe: easy pasta puttanesca

34

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

35

Slow-Cooker Quinoa, Chicken, and Kale Soup

36
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Low-Calorie Beef and Vegetable Stew

Get the recipe: beef and veggie stew

37

Balsamic Chicken and Veggies

38
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Santa Fe-Style Paleo Vegetable Soup

39
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Squash, Sweet Potato, Carrot, and White Bean Soup

40

Spicy Asian Chicken Noodle Soup

41
POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Baked Potato Soup

Get the recipe: baked potato soup

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