Top Meal Prep Recipes

40 Meal Prep Recipes for Easy Weekday Meals

Meal prep recipes simplify eating well during the week, offering easy-to-store options that stay fresh and flavorful.

Dishes packed with proteins, grains, and vegetables ensure balanced nutrition that’s ready whenever you need it.

With these meals prepared in advance, busy days don’t mean sacrificing quality or taste.

With this collection, it makes meal prep a practical and enjoyable way to stay organized and nourished.

Rainbow Pasta Salad

Colorful and fresh, rainbow pasta salad brings a burst of life to any meal.

Bright vegetables mingle with al dente pasta, creating a feast for the eyes and taste buds.

A zesty dressing ties everything together, adding just the right amount of tanginess.

Each ingredient contributes its own flavor, ensuring every bite is exciting.

Meal Prep Chicken

Meal prep chicken offers a fantastic solution for busy days.

Juicy, seasoned pieces provide a versatile base for various dishes throughout the week.

Imagine tossing it into salads, wraps, or grain bowls without hassle.

The convenience of having ready-to-eat protein saves time and effort in daily cooking routines.

Enjoying nutritious options becomes effortless when delicious meal prep chicken is at your fingertips!

Sesame Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

Sesame chicken meal prep bowls offer a delicious and convenient way to enjoy balanced meals throughout the week.

Juicy pieces of chicken, coated in a savory sesame sauce, provide an irresistible flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables.

A mix of vibrant colors from bell peppers and broccoli adds not just nutrition but also visual appeal to your lunch routine.

Brown rice or quinoa serves as a hearty base, ensuring you feel satisfied after every meal.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao chicken features a delightful mix of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and vibrant vegetables.

This dish offers a perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors that dance on the palate.

A rich sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil adds depth to every bite.

The inclusion of Sichuan peppercorns introduces a unique numbing heat that sets it apart from other stir-fries.

Served over steamed rice or noodles, this meal satisfies both hunger and taste buds.

Summer Detox Chicken Buddha Bowl

A summer detox chicken buddha bowl combines fresh ingredients that energize and refresh.

Juicy grilled chicken sits atop a bed of crisp greens, providing protein without heaviness.

Colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers add crunch and nutrients.

A drizzle of zesty lemon-tahini dressing ties everything together with a bright flavor that dances on the palate.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Korean ground beef bowl offers a delightful mix of flavors that excite the palate.

The savory-sweet marinade infuses the beef with rich taste, complemented by fresh vegetables.

A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch, while green onions provide a refreshing bite.

Served over fluffy rice or noodles, this dish is satisfying and nourishing.

15-Minute Ground Turkey Stir Fry Meal Prep

A 15-minute ground turkey stir fry meal prep offers a quick and nutritious solution for busy days.

Packed with colorful vegetables, this dish combines lean protein with vibrant flavors.

Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the taste, while soy sauce adds depth without overwhelming the palate.

Preparing everything in advance saves time during hectic weeks and ensures you have healthy options ready to go.

Customize it easily by adding your favorite veggies or spices for an extra kick that suits your preferences.

Thai Cashew Chicken meal prep

Thai cashew chicken meal prep offers a burst of flavors that can brighten any week.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with crunchy cashews, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic herbs.

A savory sauce combines soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness for an unforgettable taste experience.

Preparing this dish in advance means enjoying it fresh throughout the week without the hassle of daily cooking.

Crock Pot Barbacoa Pork

Crock pot barbacoa pork offers a rich and savory experience that’s hard to resist.

This dish features tender, slow-cooked meat infused with spices like cumin and chipotle, delivering a delightful kick.

The convenience of using a crock pot allows flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.

Served in tacos or over rice, it satisfies cravings for something hearty and flavorful.

You can easily customize toppings such as fresh cilantro or zesty lime for an extra burst of taste.

Moo Shu Chicken Meal Prep

Moo Shu chicken meal prep offers a delightful twist on traditional flavors.

Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce combine for a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare in advance.

Each portion can be stored in the fridge or freezer, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Wrapping it all in soft pancakes adds an element of fun and customization to your meals.

You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Carne Picada (Best Taco / Burrito Meat)

Carne picada serves as a flavorful filling that elevates tacos and burritos.

This dish features finely chopped beef, seasoned with a blend of spices that adds depth to every bite.

The meat cooks quickly, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Tender and juicy, carne picada pairs beautifully with fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and lime juice.

Moroccan Lentil Soup

Moroccan lentil soup offers a delightful blend of spices and textures that warms the soul.

Rich in nutrients, this dish features hearty lentils simmered with tomatoes, carrots, and aromatic herbs.

Perfect for chilly evenings or a nourishing lunch break, this soup is easy to prepare yet feels special on any table.

Enjoying it with crusty bread adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

The BEST Mongolian Beef

Mongolian beef is a tender dish, featuring thinly sliced beef coated in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce.

The beef is marinated and seared to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture, then tossed with onions, garlic, and ginger in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of spice.

Served over rice, this homemade take on a popular Chinese-American dish brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your table.

Tortellini Pasta Salad with Prosciutto

Tortellini pasta salad with prosciutto offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Fresh tortellini, stuffed with creamy cheese, pairs beautifully with the savory richness of thinly sliced prosciutto.

Crisp vegetables like cherry tomatoes and bell peppers add a refreshing crunch that balances the dish perfectly.

A drizzle of zesty vinaigrette ties everything together, enhancing each ingredient's natural taste.

Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

Japanese teriyaki chicken bowl combines tender chicken with a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, delivering a satisfying balance of umami and slight sweetness.

The chicken is marinated and cooked in the homemade sauce, which features soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sesame, creating a beautifully glazed, flavorful finish.

Served over a bed of rice and accompanied by a crunchy Asian-inspired slaw, this bowl is a complete meal filled with texture and vibrant flavors.

Flank Steak Fajitas

Flank steak fajitas deliver a a bold and smoky taste with marinated, thinly sliced flank steak cooked to juicy perfection.

The steak is accompanied by sautéed bell peppers and onions, adding a slight sweetness and crunch to the dish.

Served with warm tortillas and optional toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, these fajitas bring a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Meaty Cabbage Soup

A hearty bowl of meaty cabbage soup warms the soul with its rich flavors.

Tender chunks of meat mingle beautifully with crisp cabbage, creating a satisfying texture in every spoonful.

Fresh herbs and spices elevate the dish, infusing it with an aromatic depth that invites you to take another taste.

Beef Kheema (Indian Ground Beef with Peas)

Beef kheema offers a delightful blend of spices and textures that can brighten any meal.

Ground beef mingles with peas, creating a satisfying dish full of flavor.

Aromatic ingredients like ginger, garlic, and cumin elevate the taste profile, making every bite memorable.

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or flatbreads for an enjoyable dining experience.

Serving it garnished with fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness to the plate.

Mediterranean Pasta

Mediterranean pasta combines fresh ingredients with vibrant flavors.

Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese add a burst of taste that transports you to sunlit shores.

This dish offers a delightful balance of textures and colors, making every serving visually appealing.

Pair it with grilled vegetables or seafood for an extra layer of flavor that enhances your dining experience.

Ropa Vieja

Ropa vieja captures the essence of traditional Cuban cuisine with its rich history and vibrant flavors.

This dish features tender, shredded beef simmered in a savory tomato sauce, infused with bell peppers and spices that dance on your palate.

Each forkful delivers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, perfect for those who appreciate hearty meals.

Served alongside rice or plantains, it transforms any dinner into an unforgettable experience filled with cultural significance.

Moreover, it’s said to have originated from the resourcefulness of families making use of leftover meats.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas for Meal Prep

Sheet pan chicken fajitas offer a quick and flavorful solution for busy weeknights.

Colorful bell peppers and onions complement tender chicken, all seasoned with zesty spices.

Cooking everything on one sheet pan simplifies cleanup, leaving more time to enjoy your meal.

Of course, you can easily swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds.

Egg Roll Soup

Egg roll soup offers a delightful twist on traditional flavors.

A warm broth infused with savory spices sets the stage for a comforting experience.

Fresh vegetables and tender proteins mingle harmoniously, echoing the beloved taste of classic egg rolls.

This dish invites creativity; feel free to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your palate.

Chile Verde

Chile verde showcases a vibrant blend of flavors that can brighten any meal.

This dish features tender chunks of meat simmered in a rich green sauce made from tomatillos, green chilies, and aromatic spices.

Each bite offers a delightful balance between heat and tanginess, inviting you to savor every moment.

Fresh cilantro adds an herbaceous note that elevates the overall experience while lime juice introduces a refreshing zing.

Enjoying chile verde with warm tortillas creates an irresistible combination.

Crack Chicken

Crack chicken offers a delightful blend of flavors that can elevate any meal.

Juicy chicken combines with creamy ranch dressing and savory cheese, creating a dish that's hard to forget.

This recipe is versatile; serve it in sandwiches, over rice, or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete experience.

Easy to prepare, it suits both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends.

Meal Prep Ground Beef Stir Fry

Meal prep ground beef stir fry offers a quick and satisfying solution for busy days.

Packed with colorful vegetables, this dish combines savory flavors that excite the palate.

Cooking in bulk saves time during the week while ensuring you have a nutritious option ready to go.

Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the taste, bringing depth to every bite.

Versatile enough to pair with rice or noodles, it adapts easily to your preferences.

15-Minute Egg Roll in a Bowl

A quick and satisfying meal, the 15-minute egg roll in a bowl combines all your favorite flavors without the hassle of wrappers.

Fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and green onions mingle with savory ground meat or tofu for a delightful crunch.

Soy sauce adds depth while sesame oil provides a fragrant finish that ties everything together beautifully.

Ready in just minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight but flavor is essential.

Asian Meatballs

Asian meatballs offer a delightful fusion of flavors that can elevate any meal.

These savory bites often feature ground meat combined with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a burst of taste in every mouthful.

Soy sauce, ginger, and garlic add depth while sesame oil introduces a nutty richness.

Served with dipping sauces or nestled in rice bowls, they cater to various palates.

The versatility allows for experimentation; try adding different vegetables or spices to customize your dish further.

Enjoying these flavorful morsels can turn an ordinary dinner into something memorable and exciting for everyone at the table.

Cuban Mojo Pork

Cuban mojo pork offers a burst of flavor that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Havana.

The marinade, infused with garlic, sour orange juice, and spices, penetrates the meat deeply for an unforgettable taste experience.

Slow-cooking allows the pork to become incredibly tender while absorbing all those zesty notes.

Served alongside rice and black beans or in a sandwich with crunchy pickles, this dish never fails to impress at gatherings.

Korean Ground Chicken Bowl

A Korean ground chicken bowl combines savory flavors with a satisfying texture.

Ground chicken, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, creates a delicious base that pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables.

Toppings like pickled radish and green onions add brightness to each bite.

The dish offers versatility; you can customize it by adding rice or noodles according to your preference.

Savor the balance of spices and freshness that makes every bowl feel special.

Meal Prep Beef and Broccoli

Meal prep beef and broccoli combines tender strips of beef with vibrant, crisp broccoli.

This dish shines with its savory sauce that balances soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a flavorful kick.

You can prepare it in advance to enjoy throughout the week, making busy days much easier.

A quick stir-fry method ensures the ingredients retain their nutrients while delivering a satisfying crunch.

Meal-Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

Meal-prep chicken burrito bowls offer a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious meal throughout the week.

Fresh ingredients come together in perfect harmony, featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and hearty grains.

The versatility allows for customization; you can add your favorite toppings like avocado or salsa to suit your taste.

Sheet Pan Chicken

Sheet pan chicken offers a delightful solution for busy weeknights.

Juicy pieces of chicken roast alongside colorful vegetables, creating a one-pan meal that requires minimal cleanup.

Seasoning options abound, allowing you to tailor flavors to your liking; like zesty lemon and herbs or smoky paprika and garlic.

The aroma wafting from the oven fills your kitchen with an inviting scent that promises satisfaction.

Meal Prep Taco Pasta

Meal prep taco pasta combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comfort of pasta.

This recipe features ground meat seasoned with classic taco spices, mixed with al dente pasta and colorful bell peppers for added crunch.

A generous sprinkle of cheese melts beautifully on top, enhancing every bite.

Packed in meal prep containers, it remains fresh throughout the week while offering quick access to a delicious lunch or dinner option.

Healthy Hibachi Chicken

Healthy hibachi chicken is a restaurant-style dish that captures the flavors of Japanese steakhouse cooking with tender, seared chicken, sautéed veggies, and fried rice.

Bite-sized pieces of chicken are quickly seared on high heat with butter, garlic, and soy sauce for a simple, rich flavor.

The dish is rounded out with lightly seasoned vegetables and classic hibachi fried rice, all served with a tangy homemade Yum Yum sauce.

Kalua Pork (Hawaiian Style Pulled Pork)

Kalua pork is a Hawaiian-inspired dish that slow-cooks pork until it’s tender, smoky, and deliciously juicy.

Traditionally cooked in an underground oven, this version uses liquid smoke to recreate the authentic flavor, along with a seasoning of sea salt.

The pork cooks low and slow, allowing it to shred easily and absorb all the rich flavors.

This versatile dish pairs well with rice, cabbage, or can even be used in sandwiches.

Chicken Shawarma

Chicken shawarma offers a flavorful Middle Eastern experience with marinated chicken infused with a blend of spices, including cumin, paprika, and turmeric.

The chicken is typically grilled or roasted, allowing the spices to create a beautifully charred exterior and juicy inside.

It’s served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and a garlic yogurt sauce, creating a well-rounded meal with savory, tangy, and spicy notes.

Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Ground turkey stuffed peppers offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Each pepper serves as a vibrant vessel filled with savory turkey, spices, and vegetables.

The dish is packed with protein while being low in carbs.

Bright colors from the peppers add visual appeal to your meal, inviting everyone to dig in.

Easy to prepare ahead of time, these stuffed delights can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for quick lunches or dinners later on.

Spicy Sausage Pasta

Spicy sausage pasta combines rich flavors with a satisfying texture.

The heat from the spices complements the savory notes of the sausage, creating an exciting dish that pleases many palates.

Fresh herbs can elevate this meal, adding brightness and depth to each bite.

Serving it alongside a crisp salad or crusty bread rounds out a delightful dining experience that everyone will enjoy.

General Tsos Chicken

General Tso's chicken offers a delightful mix of crispy textures and bold flavors.

The sweet and spicy sauce coats tender pieces of chicken, creating an irresistible combination.

A hint of garlic and ginger adds depth, while sesame seeds provide a nutty finish.

Served alongside steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, this dish becomes a satisfying meal that appeals to many palates.

Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that can elevate any meal.

Juicy, tender pieces of chicken marinated in a rich teriyaki sauce create an unforgettable taste experience.

This dish often features hints of ginger and garlic, enhancing its aromatic profile.

Quick to prepare, it suits busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.

Served over rice or alongside vibrant vegetables, it satisfies cravings for something hearty and satisfying.

Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Asian Food Content Creator, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

Program: Diploma of Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)
Focus: The culinary program included a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, and a Diploma of Hospitality Management. This education provided a comprehensive blend of theoretical and practical training in finance, sustainability, diversity, and human resources management.

Program: Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
Focus: Explored global cuisines, and developed entrepreneurial abilities to manage a successful food business, along with acquiring essential language, math, computer, and communication skills for success.

Program: Certificate of Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef
Focus: Master traditional and modern Vietnamese cooking techniques.


Truc Tran, or Kris, is an accomplished food editor with extensive training in hospitality and culinary arts, including a deep focus on Vietnamese cuisine from various prestigious institutions. She possesses over nine years of experience, developing her expertise in global cuisines and blending traditional Vietnamese cooking with contemporary trends to create engaging and educational content.

She also has a rich educational background, including a Diploma of Hospitality from TasTAFE and a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts from Kendall College’s Sydney branch. It enables her to offer unique insights into meal planning, recipe development, and food culture, making her articles and cooking videos both informative and appealing.

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