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Thursday, September 19, 2024

45 Meal Prep Concepts + Recipes


Have you ever ever discovered your self staring blankly at your fridge after an extended day, dreading the considered determining what to cook dinner? I do know that feeling all too properly. It typically looks as if making a wholesome meal will take up each final little bit of power I’ve left.

However right here’s some excellent news: I’ve discovered meal prepping is a complete game-changer. It helps guarantee I’ve bought a fridge filled with wholesome meals able to go for my hungry kiddos and husband, all whereas reducing down my time within the kitchen.

Even when you’re a seasoned meal prepper, it’s straightforward to get caught in a rut with the identical outdated recipes week after week. My aim is to give you contemporary, wholesome meal prep concepts for the week, supplying you with again valuable time to spend on the stuff you love.

I’ve tried and examined these recipes with my household, so I can confidently say they’re nice for everybody and households of all sizes. I’m excited to share my private favorites, which I make time and again in my own residence.

My High 10 Favourite Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast is a very powerful meal of the day. It’s additionally the simplest meal to skip, but when I meal prep for it, I’ve all the time bought one thing to assist get my day began off on the correct foot. Listed below are a few of my favourite – and wholesome for you – breakfast meal prep concepts:

Sweet Potato Turkey Sausage Egg Bake cut into square and being taken out of a casserole pan. Sweet Potato Turkey Sausage Egg Bake cut into square and being taken out of a casserole pan.

Candy Potato Turkey Sausage Egg Bake

This protein-packed egg bake ensures that I get out the door quick and that I’m happy for hours. It’s nice as a result of I can simply swap up the veggies and meat to utilize what I’ve available within the fridge and freezer on the time. This helps me from repeating the identical precise recipe time and time once more. I like a hearty meal that’s prepared in minutes, so I sometimes discover myself serving this bake with contemporary fruit and/or sliced avocado.

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

An overhead view of Healthy Blueberry Baked Oatmeal topped with fresh blueberries and almond slices. An overhead view of Healthy Blueberry Baked Oatmeal topped with fresh blueberries and almond slices.

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

I like blueberry-based breakfast meals, so it’s no shock that this blueberry baked oatmeal made my high ten breakfast meal prep suggestions. It’s really easy to make and tastes so yummy – I joke that this recipe will substitute my in a single day oats. I eat this baked oatmeal heat or chilly, on the go or earlier than I depart for my day. It’s additionally nice for my household as a result of I’m in a position to customise it to be nut-free and dairy free. Plus, I often freeze it for extended storage as an added meal prep bonus.

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian

Easy Sheet Pan Pancakes from above showing four sections, includes blueberry pancakes, banana pancakes, chocolate chunk pancakes, and strawberry chocolate chip pancakes. Easy Sheet Pan Pancakes from above showing four sections, includes blueberry pancakes, banana pancakes, chocolate chunk pancakes, and strawberry chocolate chip pancakes.

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Pancakes are a traditional breakfast staple in my family, however typically I simply don’t have the time to make them throughout the week. Nonetheless, I’ve discovered this straightforward sheet pan pancakes recipe helps me out with this drawback. I make a giant batch of 24 pancakes – which solely takes a complete cook dinner time of 25 minutes – after which both freeze the pancake squares or preserve them within the fridge. Then, when my household and I are craving some pancakes within the morning, I simply pop the pancakes within the microwave or toaster oven to heat pancake perfection!

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian

A breakfast sandwich on a plate that was made and frozen previously. A breakfast sandwich on a plate that was made and frozen previously.

Make-Forward Breakfast Sandwiches

If I don’t should cease at a drive-thru for a breakfast sandwich, it’s day – I get to save lots of on money and time. I’ve discovered these make-ahead breakfast sandwiches to be the perfect for straightforward mornings or a enjoyable approach to my household. I simply seize what number of I would like from the freezer and, identical to that, breakfast is served.

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free

A glass baking dish full of Sausage Hash Brown Egg Muffins and fresh berriesA glass baking dish full of Sausage Hash Brown Egg Muffins and fresh berries

Sausage Hashbrown Egg Muffins

That is my one other considered one of my go-to’s for a straightforward, prep-friendly, breakfast possibility that’s each protein and veggie-packed! I discover that these sausage hashbrown egg muffins make for a tasty and satisfying reheat-and-eat breakfast – made with no matter veggies I’ve in my fridge on the time.

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

A square of Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal topped with fresh sliced banana, chocolate chips, and peanut butter. A square of Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal topped with fresh sliced banana, chocolate chips, and peanut butter.

Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal

That is one other baked oatmeal recipe that I’ve come to like. The leftovers of this reheat superbly (or I can eat them chilled, relying on my temper) and it doubles for me as an awesome snack choice to have available for my week.

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian

A muffin tin of fresh baked Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins with Yogurt. A muffin tin of fresh baked Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins with Yogurt.

Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

What can I say, I had so as to add one other blueberry breakfast recipe to my meal prep listing. These blueberry oatmeal muffins are made nutritious and scrumptious due to my addition of thick and creamy yogurt, blueberries, and complete grain rolled oats. 

Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian

Protein Pancakes fanned out on a plate and served with fresh blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Protein Pancakes fanned out on a plate and served with fresh blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

Protein Pancakes

Once I need my pancakes to be a bit extra protein-heavy, this recipe is my go-to. One serving gives me with 12 grams of protein, which all the time has me feeling able to deal with my morning (and morning exercise). I serve them with Greek yogurt, contemporary berries, and a drizzle of nut butter for a balanced and scrumptious breakfast. 

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian

A tall stack of Easy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes on a plate. A tall stack of Easy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes on a plate.

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

These straightforward and scrumptious gluten-free banana oatmeal pancakes are considered one of my child’s favourite breakfast meals – and it’s made with such easy components. Plus, I make them freed from any added sugars (don’t inform my children that although).

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian

Four freezer bags filled with ingredients to make Healthy Make-Ahead Frozen Smoothie Packs. Four freezer bags filled with ingredients to make Healthy Make-Ahead Frozen Smoothie Packs.

Frozen Smoothie Packs

Some mornings I’m not tremendous hungry or have butterflies in my abdomen resulting from an essential work assembly that makes it arduous for me to eat a full plate of breakfast meals. To assist with this drawback of mine, I put together frozen smoothie packs forward of time so I can ensure to have one thing good for me and in my abdomen – however that’s not tremendous heavy or ovewheleming to my senses.

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Vegan | Paleo

Tip! Meal Plan, Then Meal Prep

I’ve discovered that meal planning is step one to a succesful meal prep. Meal planning is the place I strategize and determine on my meals for the week, after which I’m in a position to meal prep by cooking and making ready the meals I’ve deliberate forward of time for ease and comfort all through the week. I do know this could typically really feel overwhelming, so right here’s a 2-Week Meal Prep Plan that will help you get began when you’re new to the meal planning and prepping course of. 

My 5 Favourite Seize-and-Go Lunches

I’ve discovered how straightforward it may be to depend on quick meals or expensive sandwiches for lunch, wether it’s as a result of I don’t have the additional time to make a nutritious lunch or a spot to warmth up leftovers. I used to be decided, although, there needed to be recipes that labored for a lot of these days. That’s why I got here up with 5 lunch concepts that function nice grab-and-go choices for me and the remainder of my household.

An overhead view of the colorful Chili Lime Quinoa Black Bean SaladAn overhead view of the colorful Chili Lime Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Chili Lime Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Quinoa and black beans on this salad of mine packs a nutritious punch. It holds up properly for a number of days, and I can all the time up the protein content material by including grilled rooster, beef, and even some selfmade guac. I make the chili-lime French dressing with avocado oil or olive oil, which provides an unimaginable depth-of-flavor that pairs completely with the black beans. 

Egg Free | Gluten-Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian | Dairy Free | Vegan

A full bowl of Chicken Waldorf Salad with fresh cucumbers and sliced grapes. A full bowl of Chicken Waldorf Salad with fresh cucumbers and sliced grapes.

Rooster Waldorf Salad

Rooster salads are nice for meal prep, particularly once I use leftover rooster, a rotisserie rooster, or an Instantaneous Pot Entire Rooster rrecipe. I’ll serve it scooped with cucumbers or bell pepper slices, as a sandwich, as a wrap, and even as a pairing to go along with my favourite crackers.

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

A large lettuce leaf with a scoop of Curry Chicken Salad on top. A large lettuce leaf with a scoop of Curry Chicken Salad on top.

Curry Rooster Salad

My crave-worthy curry rooster salad is made with simply 10 components, is fast to organize, and options cooked rooster, apple, celery, candy raisins, and crunchy cashews. 
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

A bowl of Thai-Inspired Peanut Quinoa Salad. A bowl of Thai-Inspired Peanut Quinoa Salad.

Thai-Impressed Peanut Quinoa Salad

Wholesome, hearty, and loaded with colourful veggies my Thai Peanut Quinoa Salad is claimed by my household to be as delicious because it seems to be. I toss it in a flavorful peanut Thai dressing and high it with crushed peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds.

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Vegan

A cast iron Dutch oven with a Minestrone Soup full of beans and macaroni noodles. A cast iron Dutch oven with a Minestrone Soup full of beans and macaroni noodles.

Minestrone Soup

That is my good mixture of veggies, beans, pasta, and seasonings that come collectively on this better-than-classic Minestrone Soup.

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Vegan

Questioning what the perfect containers are for meal prep?
Take a look at my favorites right here.

25 Household Favourite Dinner Recipes 

Coming dwelling after work, getting my children to their sports activities practices, or having to move to a gaggle occasion doesn’t all the time depart me or my household with a lot time for chopping, cooking, and consuming dinner. Meal prep actually helps me save time at night time so I can deal with spending time with my household and doing what we love. I’ve 25 dinners which are fixed winners right here in my family. They’re really easy to meal prep forward of time, whether or not it’s for a weekend or a complete week.

A Taco Stuffed Bell Pepper cut into on a plate showing the yummy filling inside. A Taco Stuffed Bell Pepper cut into on a plate showing the yummy filling inside.

Taco Stuffed Peppers

Every pepper is its personal little ready-to-go meal in an edible container. Taco stuffed peppers are considered one of my favourite methods to get additional veggies into my food regimen, they usually reheat so properly.
Whole30 | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free

Overhead view of ultimate meal prep meatballs in a glass container with squash and broccoli, drizzled with ranch for a meal prep round up.Overhead view of ultimate meal prep meatballs in a glass container with squash and broccoli, drizzled with ranch for a meal prep round up.

Meal Prep Meatballs

These are, by far, considered one of my most versatile recipes for meal prep. I could make them with any floor meat and alter up the flavour through the use of several types of dressing within the meat combination.
I put them on my salads, with a aspect of roasted veggies, or tossed right into a pot of my selfmade marinara sauce. They’re additionally freezer-friendly, so it by no means hurts me to make a double batch!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

A close up view of roasted vegetables and chicken on a sheet pan. A close up view of roasted vegetables and chicken on a sheet pan.

Sheet Pan Rooster and Greens

Once I want a scorching, contemporary meal with subsequent to no fuss, that is considered one of my favourite recipes for the job. Recent out of the oven, I’ve yummy rooster with completely crispy pores and skin. Plus, I’ll make it go additional than dinner by packing it for my lunches into containers for pre-portioned, grab-and-go comfort.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

A large helping of Turkey Mushroom Bolognese that was made in the Instant Pot. A large helping of Turkey Mushroom Bolognese that was made in the Instant Pot.

Instantaneous Pot Turkey Mushroom Bolognese

An prompt pot turkey mushroom bolognese makes an awesome Italian dinner for my household. Like most tomato-based meat sauces, this one is even higher the following day or two after the flavors have had time to mingle. I serve it over spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, or with my household’s favourite pasta.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

A close up overhead view of Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili topped with sliced avocado and jalapeno. A close up overhead view of Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili topped with sliced avocado and jalapeno.

Sluggish Cooker White Rooster Chili

That is considered one of my favourite freezer-friendly meals. Whereas it was initially written for a crockpot, I’ve tailored it for the Instantaneous Pot for near-instant gratification. I’ll add a can of drained and rinsed white beans for a lift in fiber and protein, as properly ascilantro, lime, and sliced avocado for some additional taste profiles.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

Skillet Sweet and Sour Chicken in a glass storage container for meal prep. Skillet Sweet and Sour Chicken in a glass storage container for meal prep.

Skillet Candy and Bitter Rooster

I give this a well-recognized dish a well being advantages improve with the addition of my selfmade lower-sugar candy and bitter sauce (and by including some nutritious veggies). I like how rapidly it cooks on the stovetop for a straightforward weeknight dinner my household loves.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

Two halves of spaghetti squash on a sheet pan that has been stuffed with buffalo chicken.Two halves of spaghetti squash on a sheet pan that has been stuffed with buffalo chicken.

Buffalo Rooster Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

This recipe is considered one of my favourite methods to make use of up leftover or rotisserie rooster I’ve and get all the flavour of Buffalo wings – with out the mess, stress, or additional energy!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

A bowl of veggie loaded turkey chili that can be easily portioned out for meal prep. A bowl of veggie loaded turkey chili that can be easily portioned out for meal prep.

Veggie-Loaded Turkey Chili

That is one other considered one of my go-to, straightforward, freezer-friendly meal prep recipes. It’s filled with protein, fiber, veggies; it’s hearty and is definitely toppings customizable for my household. 
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free

A dish of Chicken Sweet Potato Bake with Broccoli. A dish of Chicken Sweet Potato Bake with Broccoli.

One-Dish Rooster Candy Potato Bake with Broccoli

My scrumptious and wholesome rooster and veggie recipe is a one-dish surprise (based on my family and friends). With a wide range of textures, flavors, and vitamins, this well-loved recipe of mine makes for an exquisite meal and leftovers – and for a straightforward clear up, too! 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

A sheet pan of Chipotle Chicken Thighs and broccoli with honey-mustard sauce on the side. A sheet pan of Chipotle Chicken Thighs and broccoli with honey-mustard sauce on the side.

Sheet Pan Chipotle Rooster Thighs with Broccoli

This can be a pleasing and excellent weeknight dinner for me that comes collectively quick with just a few real-food components. I season the rooster with a chipotle spice rub and drizzle a honey-mustard sauce over it; I’m all about ensuring taste is on level with my rooster dishes!

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo

An overhead view of Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl, an egg-roll like salad that lasts in the refrigerator and is great for meal prep. An overhead view of Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl, an egg-roll like salad that lasts in the refrigerator and is great for meal prep.

Straightforward Egg Roll in a Bowl

My straightforward Egg Roll in a Bowl is quick and filled with greens, with everybody I do know raving about how scrumptious it’s. Plus, I can all the time modify the recipe to make it gluten free, egg free, or soy free.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

A glass container storing Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken Veggie Bake for meal prep. A glass container storing Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken Veggie Bake for meal prep.

Sheet Pan Balsamic Rooster Veggie Bake

This wholesome and scrumptious baked rooster and veggies recipe of mine is all cooked on one sheet pan. I’ve it prepared and off to the oven in lower than 20 minutes!!

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

An overhead view of a glass meal prep container fill of Stir Fry Noodles with Chicken. An overhead view of a glass meal prep container fill of Stir Fry Noodles with Chicken.

Stir Fry Noodles with Rooster

Straightforward and prepared in simply half-hour, my stir fry noodles with rooster are a veggie-packed spin on my favourite takeout dish. 

Dairy Free | Gluten Free

A plate of mini meatloaf and roasted vegetables. A plate of mini meatloaf and roasted vegetables.

Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf with Greens

I like meatloaf, however typically I don’t have the time to make one. That’s the place my Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf with Greens is available in to save lots of the day! It’s like a Sunday dinner, solely a lot less complicated and with far fewer dishes to scrub. Plus, I form the barbecue sauce-infused floor beef into mini meatloaves to shorten cooking time so I’m in a position to get dinner on the desk even quicker.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

A plate of quick and easy health taco casserole, a perfect meal prep dish. A plate of quick and easy health taco casserole, a perfect meal prep dish.

Wholesome Taco Casserole

Fast & straightforward, my wholesome taco casserole is made with my favourite budget-friendly components to make for an final consolation meals dish!
Gluten Free | Nut Free

Thai-Inspired Peanut Chicken over a bowl of noodles. Thai-Inspired Peanut Chicken over a bowl of noodles.

Sluggish Cooker Thai-Impressed Peanut Rooster

My straightforward, saucy Thai Peanut Rooster is so scrumptious and so easy once I make it in a sluggish cooker. I make it with rooster, greens, spinach, and my selfmade peanut sauce.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free

Glass meal prep containers full of portioned out Healthy Sloppy Joes. Glass meal prep containers full of portioned out Healthy Sloppy Joes.

Sloppy Joes

To make my traditional Sloppy Joes, I exploit pure components and cook dinner them on the stovetop. It makes for a brilliant easy recipe my complete household has come to take pleasure in!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

A skillet full of chicken and chickpea curry. A skillet full of chicken and chickpea curry.

Rooster and Chickpea Curry

I feel it’s great how straightforward this one-skillet dinner is. It’s prepared in half-hour and filled with heat spices and coconut taste that I like in a curry recipe. I embody rooster, chickpeas, and colourful veggies for nice texture, loads of protein, and out-of-this-world taste. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free

Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp served over rice. Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp served over rice.

Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp

FFast, contemporary, scrumptious, and higher than takeout, my honey garlic shrimp and inexperienced beans cook dinner on a sheet pan earlier than getting tossed with a sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free

A honey mustard pork chop with roasted veggies and green beans. A honey mustard pork chop with roasted veggies and green beans.

Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Pork Chops with Veggies

This can be a one-pan dinner of mine that features scrumptious oven-baked pork chops, two veggie sides, and a scrumptious sauce. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free

A bowl of Noodle-Free Chicken Pad Thai, perfect for meal prep. A bowl of Noodle-Free Chicken Pad Thai, perfect for meal prep.

Noodle-Free Rooster Pad Thai

Loaded with veggies and filled with taste, my one-skillet Thai-inspired recipe makes for a wholesome, straightforward, and scrumptious weeknight meal! I exploit strands of broccoli slaw, cabbage, and carrots rather than noodles at instances to make for a little bit of a lighter meal; I truthfully don’t even miss the noodles once I make it this manner!

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

A casserole dish of Chipotle Quinoa Casserole with Chicken ready to be portioned out for meal prep. A casserole dish of Chipotle Quinoa Casserole with Chicken ready to be portioned out for meal prep.

Chipotle Quinoa Casserole with Rooster

That is my considered one of my household’s favourite Tex-Mex impressed dinners to eat. It boasts nutritious components, is excessive in protein, and is simply merely scrumptious.

Gluten Free | Nut Free

5-Ingredient Baked Ziti in a bowl with fresh grated cheese on top. 5-Ingredient Baked Ziti in a bowl with fresh grated cheese on top.

5-Ingredient Baked Ziti

My easy Italian consolation casserole is the proper meal for me and my household once we’re in want of one thing straightforward, wholesome, and selfmade that each one of us will love. Plus, because it’s simply customizable, we all the time tweak the recipe a bit every time we make it so as to add in a brand new veggie or taste. 

Gluten Free | Nut Free

A bowl of hearty Chipotle Turkey Sweet Potato Chili. A bowl of hearty Chipotle Turkey Sweet Potato Chili.

Chipotle Turkey Candy Potato Chili

I’ve candy potatoes stand in for beans in my hearty chili recipe. I prefer to serve it with diced avocado, contemporary cilantro, and lime wedges. I typically even double the batch and freeze some for future meals as a result of it’s tremendous freezer-friendly.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

A casserole dish of Pepperoni Pizza Quinoa Casserole ready to be portioned out for weekly meal prep. A casserole dish of Pepperoni Pizza Quinoa Casserole ready to be portioned out for weekly meal prep.

Pepperoni Pizza Quinoa Casserole

Straightforward? Examine. Household-friendly? Examine. Veggie-loaded? Examine. Tastes identical to pizza? It positive does! This straightforward Quinoa Pizza Casserole makes sufficient for my household, a gaggle of our associates for a gamenight, plus leftovers. 

Gluten Free | Nut Free

5 Unbelievable Meal Prep Snacks


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