10+ Easy Recipes Meal Prep for Busy Weekdays

Meal prepping can be a game changer for your weekly routine. It allows you to save time, eat healthier, and reduce stress during busy days. With easy recipes for meal prep, you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without the hassle of cooking every day.

Whether you are a beginner or experienced in the kitchen, there are plenty of simple recipes that fit your needs. You can mix and match meals to keep things interesting, making sure you always have tasty options ready to go. Meal prepping can help you maintain a balanced diet while freeing up time for other activities you enjoy.

1) Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet

This Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet is a simple and delicious choice for meal prep. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients. You can enjoy it any day of the week.

Start by dicing some sweet potatoes and cooking them in a skillet. Then, add black beans, spices, and veggies for extra taste. This dish is filling and perfect for lunch or dinner.

You can make a big batch and store it for the week. This way, you’ll have a quick meal ready to go!

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• Olive oil
• Spices (cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add sweet potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Then, add onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft.
4. Finally, stir in black beans and spices. Cook for another 5 minutes.

2) Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Creamy chicken stuffed peppers are a tasty and easy recipe for meal prep. You can enjoy them for lunch or dinner throughout the week. The recipe combines tender bell peppers with a creamy filling, making it a satisfying choice.

To start, cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Then, mix cooked shredded chicken with cream cheese and your favorite seasonings. You can customize this dish with ingredients like cheese and salsa.

Once the filling is ready, stuff the peppers and bake until everything is heated through. This meal is healthy and low in carbs, making it perfect for various diets.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup salsa verde
• 2 scallions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the bell peppers in half and take out the seeds.
3. In a bowl, combine the chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and salsa verde.
4. Stuff each pepper half with the mixture.
5. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.

3) Lighter Tater Tot Breakfast Bake

This Lighter Tater Tot Breakfast Bake is a delicious and easy option for your morning meal. You’ll start by sautéing bacon, peppers, and onions. Then, combine these with eggs, cheese, and scallions for a tasty mixture.

Next, layer frozen tater tots in a baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the tater tots and bake in the oven. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm and satisfying breakfast.

You can enjoy this dish fresh or store leftovers for later. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick breakfast during busy mornings.

Ingredients

• 8 oz bacon, chopped
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• ½ cup diced onion
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 32 oz frozen tater tots
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté bacon, peppers, and onion until cooked.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer tater tots in a baking dish.
5. Then, pour the egg mixture over the tater tots.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and set.

4) Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is a delicious and easy meal prep option. It tastes like a warm, gooey cinnamon roll but is packed with healthy ingredients. You can enjoy it for breakfast throughout the week.

To make this dish, you’ll need oats, cinnamon, milk, and eggs. You can customize it with toppings like nuts or a simple glaze. It’s easy to bake and perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Then, combine the dry and wet ingredients.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

5) Slow Cooker Coconut Curry

Slow cooker coconut curry is a tasty and easy meal to prepare. You can set it up in the morning and enjoy it later without much hassle.

Start by adding chicken, spices, and veggies to your slow cooker. Then, coconut milk gives it a creamy texture that makes it comforting and delicious.

The best part is the slow cooking method. It helps the flavors blend and the chicken stay tender.

You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. This dish is sure to impress your friends and family!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Then, add coconut milk, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, and curry powder.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (about 60-70°C).
5. Serve with rice or quinoa.

6) Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Making air fryer baked potatoes is quick and simple. This method gives you crispy skin and fluffy insides in less time than using an oven. You can enjoy them as a side dish or top them with your favorite ingredients.

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). While it heats, wash your potatoes and dry them well. Then, rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Cook them for about 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.

Ingredients

• 2-4 medium potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and dry the potatoes.
3. Rub potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Place potatoes in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.

7) Grilled Chicken Salad

Grilled chicken salad is a tasty and healthy meal prep option. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Start with fresh greens like romaine or spinach as your base.

Add grilled chicken for protein. You can also toss in colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers for extra crunch. Avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.

Don’t forget to sprinkle some cheese on top for added flavor. A simple dressing, like a lemon vinaigrette, ties everything together nicely.

Ingredients

• 2 grilled chicken breasts
• 5 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Dressing of choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Grill chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) until cooked through.
2. Let chicken rest, then slice it.
3. Wash and chop veggies.
4. In a bowl, combine greens, veggies, and chicken.
5. Top with cheese and dressing before serving.

8) Blended Overnight Oats

Blended overnight oats are a quick and healthy meal prep option. They have a creamy texture that makes breakfast enjoyable. You can easily customize them with your favorite flavors.

To make them, just add your ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth, and let them soak overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious breakfast ready to go.

You can use different types of milk, yogurt, and nut butters to create your perfect blend. Add fruits for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup dairy or non-dairy milk
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup smooth, natural peanut butter
• Optional: fruits and sweeteners to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add milk, oats, yogurt, and peanut butter to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a container, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
4. Enjoy chilled or warm in the morning.

9) Low-Carb Turkey Gyro Bowls

Low-carb turkey gyro bowls are a tasty and healthy option for your meal prep. These bowls are packed with flavor and are easy to make. You’ll enjoy the combination of seasoned turkey and fresh toppings.

Start with garlic-lemon cauliflower rice as your base. This gives you a great low-carb option that still fills you up. Then, top it with cooked turkey seasoned with spices and herbs.

Add fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes. A dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce brings it all together. You can prepare these bowls in advance for quick lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup cauliflower rice
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
• Garlic, lemon juice, and spices to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ground turkey in a pan with garlic and spices until browned.
3. Microwave or sauté cauliflower rice until tender.
4. Assemble by layering cauliflower rice, turkey, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce.
5. Serve and enjoy!

10) Freezer Burritos

Freezer burritos are a fantastic meal prep option. They are easy to make and perfect for busy days. You can fill them with your favorite ingredients and enjoy them anytime.

To create your burritos, start with tortillas. You can use flour or corn, depending on your preference. Fill them with beans, rice, meat, and vegetables. Don’t forget to add some cheese for extra flavor.

Once your burritos are prepared, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply microwave or bake until warm.

Ingredients

• Tortillas (flour or corn)
• Cooked beans (black or refried)
• Cooked rice
• Meat (chicken, beef, or vegetarian options)
• Shredded cheese
• Vegetables (peppers, onions, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your chosen fillings.

2. Lay a tortilla flat and add your fillings.

3. Roll the tortilla tightly around the fillings.

4. Wrap each burrito in foil or plastic wrap.

5. Place wrapped burritos in a freezer bag.

6. Store in the freezer for future meals.

7. To heat, microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warm.