If you've resolved to take more lunches to work, you've likely resorted to salads [1] and sandwiches [2] 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.
Slow-Cooker Chili
Get the recipe: slow-cooker chili [6]
Cheddar, Bacon, and Leek Frittata
Get the recipe: cheddar, bacon, and leek frittata [7]
Vegetarian Burrito
Get the recipe: vegetarian burrito [8]
Spicy Tomato Soup
Get the recipe: spicy tomato soup [9]
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Get the recipe: lemon chicken orzo soup [10]
Vegan Mushroom Soup
Get the recipe: vegan mushroom soup [11]
Slow-Cooker Gigante Beans With Tomatoes and Pancetta
Get the recipe: slow-cooker gigante beans with tomatoes and pancetta [12]
Creamy, Garlicky Broccoli Soup
Get the recipe: creamy, garlicky broccoli soup [13]
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Get the recipe: beef and broccoli stir-fry [14]
Barbecue Black-Eyed Peas
Get the recipe: barbecue black-eyed peas [15]
Caramelized Shallot and Mushroom Quiche
Get the recipe: caramelized shallot and mushroom quiche [16]
Vegan Pumpkin Chili
Get the recipe: vegan pumpkin chili [17]
Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Get the recipe: slow-cooker chicken noodle soup [18]
Quinoa Chili
Get the recipe: quinoa chili [19]
Vegan Burrito Bowl
Get the recipe: vegan burrito bowl [20]
Slow-Cooker Beans and Quinoa With Scallions, Cheddar, and Hot Sauce
Get the recipe: slow-cooker beans and quinoa with scallinos, cheddar, and hot sauce [21]
Vegan Chickpea Soup
Get the recipe: vegan chickpea soup [22]
Cumin-Spiced Lentil and Quinoa Stew
Get the recipe: cumin-spiced lentil and quinoa stew [23]
Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
Get the recipe: spaghetti squash pad thai [24]
Microwaveable Mug Chicken Noodle Soup
Get the recipe: microwaveable mug chicken noodle soup [25]
Kale and Wild Rice Casserole
Get the recipe: kale and wild rice casserole [26]
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Get the recipe: sun-dried tomato pasta [27]
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Get the recipe: chicken spaghetti casserole [28]
Lightened-Up Spaghetti and Chicken Meatballs
Get the recipe: spaghetti and chicken meatballs [29]
Slow-Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup
Get the recipe: slow-cooker tomato basil tortellini soup [30]
Chicken Lo Mein
Get the recipe: chicken lo mein [31]
Slow-Cooker Minestrone Soup
Get the recipe: slow-cooker minestrone soup [32]
Slow-Cooker Potato Corn Chowder
Get the recipe: slow-cooker potato corn chowder [33]
Butternut Squash Lentil Soup
Get the recipe: slow-cooker butternut squash lentil soup [34]
Split Pea Soup
Get the recipe: split pea soup [35]
Sausage, Spinach, and White Bean Soup
Get the recipe: sausage, spinach, and white bean soup [36]
Slow-Cooker Beef Taco Soup
Get the recipe: slow-cooker beef taco soup [37]
Easy Pasta Puttanesca
Get the recipe: easy pasta puttanesca [38]
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Get the recipe: slow-cooker chicken tortilla soup [39]
Slow-Cooker Quinoa, Chicken, and Kale Soup
Get the recipe: slow-cooker quinoa, chicken, and kale soup [40]
Low-Calorie Beef and Vegetable Stew
Get the recipe: beef and veggie stew [41]
Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Get the recipe: balsamic chicken with asparagus and tomatoes [42]
Santa Fe-Style Paleo Vegetable Soup
Get the recipe: Santa Fe-style Paleo vegetable soup [43]
Squash, Sweet Potato, Carrot, and White Bean Soup
Get the recipe: squash, sweet potato, carrot, and white bean soup [44]
Spicy Asian Chicken Noodle Soup
Get the recipe: spicy Asian chicken noodle soup [45]
Baked Potato Soup
Get the recipe: baked potato soup [46]