The joy of meals to meal prep! Who doesn’t love having a fridge full of delicious, ready-to-eat food, just waiting to be devoured? I mean, think about it – no more scrambling to cook dinner after a long day, no more sad desk lunches, and no more relying on takeout (as tasty as it may be). By batch cooking a few large portion meals on Sunday, you’ll be set for the week ahead. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s explore these amazing family style prep ideas!
Recipe 1: Chicken Fajita Fiesta
This recipe rocks because it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. You can meal prep a big batch of chicken and veggies, then assemble individual portions throughout the week. I like to add bold flavors like cumin and chili powder to give it an extra kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 packet of fajita seasoning
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the chicken and veggies into thin strips.
2. Heat a large skillet with some oil and cook the chicken until browned.
3. Add the veggies and cook until tender.
4. Season with fajita seasoning and serve with tortillas and your desired toppings.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and customizable. Plus, who doesn’t love a good fajita? The batch cook method makes it easy to prep a large quantity of chicken and veggies, which can be used throughout the week.
Recipe 2: Quinoa Salad Bowl
This recipe is a game-changer because it’s a healthy, versatile base that can be topped with anything. I like to meal prep a big batch of quinoa and roast a variety of veggies to add on top. Pro tip: use a large portion container to mix everything together.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups mixed veggies (e.g., broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, basil)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional toppings: grilled chicken, feta cheese, nuts
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Roast the veggies in the oven with some oil and seasoning.
3. Mix the cooked quinoa with chopped herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice.
4. Top with roasted veggies and your desired toppings.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a healthy, family style option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The quinoa provides a versatile base that can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Recipe 3: Lentil Soup
This recipe is a comforting classic that’s perfect for a chilly Sunday afternoon. I like to batch cook a big pot of lentils and freeze individual portions for later. Note: use a large portion pot to cook the lentils.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 4 cups veg broth
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 carrot
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Optional: spinach, kale, or other leafy greens
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Saute the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a large pot.
2. Add the lentils, veg broth, and diced tomatoes.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a hearty, comforting option that’s perfect for a chilly day. The lentils provide a versatile source of protein that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Recipe 4: Chicken and Rice Casserole
This recipe is a family style favorite that’s easy to meal prep and customize. I like to add bold flavors like paprika and thyme to give it an extra kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup mixed veggies (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, thyme)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: cooked bacon or ham
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken and rice according to package instructions.
2. Mix the cooked chicken and rice with mixed veggies, shredded cheese, and chopped herbs.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional cheese and optional bacon or ham.
4. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a comforting, versatile option that’s perfect for dinner. The chicken and rice provide a large portion base that can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Recipe 5: Breakfast Burrito Bonanza
This recipe is a morning game-changer because it’s a versatile breakfast option that can be meal prepped in advance. I like to add bold flavors like salsa and avocado to give it an extra kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 dozen eggs
- 1 cup cooked sausage or bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup canned black beans
- 6 small flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: salsa, avocado, sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Scramble the eggs and cook the sausage or bacon.
2. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
3. Assemble the burritos with scrambled eggs, cooked sausage or bacon, shredded cheese, and black beans.
4. Add optional toppings and wrap tightly.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a quick, easy breakfast option that’s perfect for on-the-go. The batch cook method makes it easy to prep a large quantity of eggs and sausage, which can be used throughout the week.
Recipe 6: Slow Cooker Chili
This recipe is a family style favorite that’s perfect for a chilly Sunday afternoon. I like to batch cook a big pot of chili and freeze individual portions for later.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Optional: jalapenos, sour cream, shredded cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until tender.
3. Transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a hearty, comforting option that’s perfect for a chilly day. The large portion slow cooker makes it easy to prep a big batch of chili, which can be used throughout the week.
Recipe 7: Roasted Veggie Wrap
This recipe is a healthy, versatile option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. I like to meal prep a big batch of roasted veggies and wrap them in individual portions.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed veggies (e.g., broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 small flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: hummus, feta cheese, nuts
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toss the veggies with olive oil, garlic, and oregano.
2. Roast in the oven until tender.
3. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble the wraps with roasted veggies and optional toppings.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a healthy, family style option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The roasted veggies provide a versatile base that can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Recipe 8: Chicken and Quinoa Bowl
This recipe is a versatile favorite that’s easy to meal prep and customize. I like to add bold flavors like lemon and herbs to give it an extra kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup mixed veggies (e.g., broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Optional toppings: feta cheese, nuts, seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken and quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Toss the veggies with olive oil and thyme.
3. Roast in the oven until tender.
4. Assemble the bowls with cooked chicken, quinoa, and roasted veggies.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a healthy, versatile option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The chicken and quinoa provide a large portion base that can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Recipe 9: Breakfast Casserole
This recipe is a morning game-changer because it’s a family style breakfast option that can be meal prepped in advance. I like to add bold flavors like sausage and cheese to give it an extra kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 dozen eggs
- 1 cup cooked sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup canned black beans
- 6 small flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: salsa, avocado, sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Scramble the eggs and cook the sausage.
2. Mix the cooked eggs and sausage with shredded cheese and black beans.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional cheese and optional toppings.
4. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a quick, easy breakfast option that’s perfect for on-the-go. The batch cook method makes it easy to prep a large quantity of eggs and sausage, which can be used throughout the week.
Recipe 10: Turkey and Avocado Wrap
This recipe is a healthy, versatile option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. I like to meal prep a big batch of sliced turkey and avocado, then wrap them in individual portions.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sliced turkey breast
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp hummus
- 4 small flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: cheese, nuts, seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the turkey and avocado into thin strips.
2. Mix the mixed greens and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
3. Spread hummus on each tortilla, then top with sliced turkey, avocado, and mixed greens.
4. Add optional toppings and wrap tightly.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a healthy, family style option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The turkey and avocado provide a versatile base that can be customized with your favorite toppings.
In conclusion, these meals to meal prep are a game-changer for anyone looking to save time, money, and stress in the kitchen. With a little batch cooking and family style prep, you can have a fridge full of delicious, ready-to-eat food all week long. Whether you’re a busy professional or a busy parent, these recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to eat healthy, tasty meals without the hassle. So go ahead, give them a try, and happy meal prepping!
