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Make meal prep for the week easier with these tasty dishes! They include salads, stews, and casseroles, helping you save time without sacrificing flavor.
Planning and preparing your meals in advance can significantly simplify your week, even if you’re super busy!
By cooking meals or their components ahead of time, you’re all set for quick assembly or reheating later on.
This not only saves precious time but also helps you resist the urge to order takeout or fast food! Here are some meal prep ideas that you can explore.
Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
This recipe is a godsend for busy weeknights!
It includes rotisserie chicken, frozen mixed veggies, potatoes, milk, and olive oil, topped with a golden, flaky crust. Definitely one of the easiest meals to prepare ahead for the week.
Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
Sausage Balls With Cream Cheese
These sausage balls are a fantastic meal prep option for savory snack lovers.
You only need four simple ingredients: pork sausage, cream cheese, baking mix, and cheddar cheese. They can be served with or without a dip and are great for freezing ahead.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls With Cream Cheese
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
This recipe transforms the classic comfort food into an easy slow-cooker dish.
This version uses ground beef with russet potatoes, peas, carrots, herbs, and spices. It’s a cheesy and filling meal everyone will love.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
Instant Pot Egg Bites
The Instant Pot is your best friend when it comes to making the most convenient breakfast meals.
These egg bites include salt, cottage cheese, Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and black pepper. They are tasty, budget-friendly, and quick to prepare.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Egg Bites
Mixed Berry Smoothie
This recipe simplifies making nutritious, delicious smoothies ahead of time.
Just split oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, and protein powder into jars, add frozen mixed berries on top, and freeze. Now you’ve got a convenient, grab-and-go meal.
Get The Recipe: Mixed Berry Smoothie
Vegan Meatloaf
Ready to explore more plant-based meals?
This vegan meatloaf includes lentils, oats, dairy-free cheese, flax egg, tomato sauce, and various seasonings. It’s topped with barbecue sauce for an extra flavor kick.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf
Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
This black bean enchilada casserole captures all the flavors of traditional enchiladas without the need for rolling tortillas.
It includes corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, chili sauce, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and vegan cheese.
Get The Recipe: Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Mason Jar Keto Greek Salad
Prepare refreshing salads that fit perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
This salad combines cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty homemade Greek dressing. You’ll love the crispy veggies and soft cheese!
Get The Recipe: Mason Jar Keto Greek Salad
Sheet Pan Eggs
This sheet pan egg dish is a customizable breakfast option perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd.
Bake eggs in a pan until fluffy, and mix in cheese, herbs, or veggies for more taste. It’s so easy to make and can be reheated or frozen for later use.
Get The Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggs
Mediterranean Bowls
Enjoy a bowl bursting with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean!
This one is a colorful mix of quinoa, topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onions, and a dollop of hummus, all drizzled with a lemony dressing.
Get The Recipe: Mediterranean Bowls
Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Cups
Make these oatmeal cups and enjoy the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich flavor of chocolate.
They are moist and soft, with a comforting texture. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings. The more fruits, seeds, and nuts, the better!
Get The Recipe: Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Cups
Dutch Oven Beef Stew
This beef stew features tender beef chunks, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, gluten-free flour, carrots and potatoes.
Its savory flavor and thick, velvety texture make it an ideal prep-ahead dinner that only gets better with time. Serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice.
Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Beef Stew
Protein Snack Pack
These protein snack packs are the ultimate way to keep hunger at bay.
This satisfying mix includes hard-boiled eggs, cheese, nuts, and fresh veggies or fruits. They can be assembled in advance and customized based on personal taste.
Get The Recipe: Protein Snack Pack
Firecracker Salmon Bowl
Explore this recipe for a spicy, sweet, and delicious way to enjoy salmon.
It’s a nutritious and exciting creation with a flaky texture and rich sauce. Meal prep by marinating the salmon ahead of time for a quick lunch or dinner.
Get The Recipe: Firecracker Salmon Bowl
Chickpeas Rice Bowl
You can never go wrong with chickpea recipes. This rice bowl is a vegetarian delight, featuring avocado, sour cream, corn, and cilantro.
It’s a blend of creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors! Prepare the components in advance for an easy assembly during the week.
Get The Recipe: Chickpeas Rice Bowl
Healthy Meat Sauce
This meat sauce is a versatile and flavorful tomato-based creation, perfect for pairing with pasta, zoodles, or any other meal.
It’s rich in flavor with ground meat and a variety of herbs. Cook a big batch to use throughout the week.
Get The Recipe: Healthy Meat Sauce
Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowls with Rice
These bowls are a deconstructed version of the classic burrito, loaded with slow-cooked pork, rice, beans, and veggies.
You’ll love the mix of savory, fresh, and slightly tangy flavors. Prep the pork and sides early for easy setup.
Get The Recipe: Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowls with Rice
Brazilian Rice and Beans
This staple dish offers a comforting taste of South America with each bite. It includes pinto beans, white rice, olive oil, and some seasonings.
For meal prep, cook a large batch and reheat throughout the week. Pair it with grilled meats or vegetables.
Get The Recipe: Brazilian Rice and Beans
Southwest Mini Turkey Meatloaves
These mini turkey meatloaves bring a fun and healthy twist to traditional meatloaf.
They pack a flavorful punch with turkey, bell peppers, onions, and Southwest spices. Serve them alongside roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
Get The Recipe: Southwest Mini Turkey Meatloaves
Lazy Lasagna
This lazy lasagna is your shortcut to enjoying the classic Italian favorite with minimal effort.
It’s a no-fuss version, layering noodles with rich cheese and savory marinara sauce. Just assemble the lasagna in advance and bake when you’re ready to enjoy a comforting meal.
Get The Recipe: Lazy Lasagna
Deconstructed Burger Bowl with Secret Sauce
Experience all the juicy flavors of a burger in a convenient bowl. This bowl combines ground beef, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a delicious secret sauce.
It’s crunchy, juicy, and satisfying. Serve it for a fulfilling lunch or dinner.
Get The Recipe: Deconstructed Burger Bowl with Secret Sauce
California Chicken Salad
Looking for more meal prep ideas with chicken? This one features grilled chicken, avocado, mixed greens, and a vibrant dressing.
It’s packed with the flavors of honey, mustard, and fresh herbs. Serve it chilled for a wholesome lunch.
Get The Recipe: California Chicken Salad
Rigatoni Al Forno
This rigatoni al forno is a comforting baked dish, with pasta enveloped in a rich tomato and meat sauce.
It’s a warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying dish. Prepare the sauce in advance and assemble it before baking for an easy meal prep option.
Get The Recipe: Rigatoni Al Forno
Beef Burrito Meal Prep Bowl
Burrito bowls are delicious and easy to make! This recipe version features beef, rice, beans, and vegetables, topped with a tangy sauce.
Serve with a side of guacamole or sour cream. Cook yours in batches for an easy, reheatable lunch option throughout the week.
Get The Recipe: Beef Burrito Meal Prep Bowl
Sausage & Egg Breakfast Hot Pockets
These hot pockets are a convenient and tasty way to start your day. They’re perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, offering meaty, cheesy, and eggy flavors in every bite.
Prepare a batch on the weekend, freeze, and reheat for a fast meal on busy mornings.
Get The Recipe: Sausage & Egg Breakfast Hot Pockets
Consider making meals that have different textures and flavors to keep things interesting throughout the week.
Salads are great for light, refreshing lunches — just keep dressings separate to avoid sogginess.
Pastas and stews are ideal for dinner; they usually reheat well and can even taste better after the flavors meld.
Looking for more easy, innovative recipes? Here are other dishes that combine flavor and convenience:
- 25 Easy Healthy Meals for When You’re Short on Time
- 25 Easy Meals That Turn Kitchen Newbies into Chefs
- 25 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Families
- 25 Air Fryer Recipes That Redefine Easy Cooking
- 35 Flour Recipes That Are Ridiculously Easy and Delicious
