It happens every few weeks without fail: I look up from my laptop as the clock strikes 5:30 p.m. and have a sudden realization. 1.) I have to make something for dinner, and 2.) I have absolutely no clue what that dinner is going to be. And I know I’m not alone in this all-too-regular dilemma, but I can’t help but feel like it says something about my adulting abilities (or lack thereof). What I really need are some easy meal prep ideas I can keep in my back pocket for these occasions.
Even just a loose meal plan and a little forethought would really come in handy on those days. I could avoid becoming steadily hangrier as I search my refrigerator and kitchen cabinets, hoping that I won’t have to resort to my trusty takeout go-to. Sure, meal prep requires a bit of time upfront, but it’s all worth it to dodge those vicious delivery fees.
When it comes to meal prep, I’m looking for something quick, easy, and with maximum flavor—without maximum time spent at the stove. If that sounds like something you need too, look no further than these 30 easy meal prep recipes. Delicious without being super time-consuming? Check and check.
1. Chipotle Brown Rice Bowls
Source: Meal Prep on Fleek
2. Ranch Chicken Meal Prep
Source: Budget Bytes
3. Sheet Pan Honey Lemon Salmon and Broccolini
Source: Sweet Peas and Saffron
4. Meal Prep Butter Chicken with Rice and Garlic Naan
Source: Gimme Delicious
5. Sesame Noodle Bowls
Source: Pinch of Yum
6. Vegan Burritos
Source: Jessica in the Kitchen
7. Baked Chicken Caesar Burgers
Source: Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
8. Curried Chickpea Cauliflower Bake
Source: Cotter Crunch
9. Spicy Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Source: Meal Prep on Fleek
10. Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Source: The Girl on Bloor
11. Dairy-Free Broccoli Cheese Soup
Source: Orchids + Sweet Tea
12. Shawarma Spiced Stuffed Peppers with Tahini Sauce
Source: Abra’s Kitchen
13. Smashed White Bean and Spinach Quesadillas
Source: Sweet Peas and Saffron
14. Air Fryer Tofu with Honey Garlic Sauce
Source: Hello Spoonful
15. Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Source: By Erin Clarke of Well Plated
16. Sweet Potato Black-Eyed Pea Curry
Source: Sweet Potato Soul
17. Slow Cooker Garlic Cuban-Inspired Pork
Source: Slender Kitchen
18. Meal Prep Thai Basil Chicken
Source: The Girl on Bloor
19. Vegetable Soup
Source: Abra’s Kitchen
20. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Source: Isabel Eats
21. Mozzarella Pesto Mac and Cheese
22. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Source: By Erin Clarke of Well Plated
23. Whole30 Breakfast Casserole
Source: Hello Spoonful
24. Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Bowls
Source: Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
25. Slow Cooker Chipotle Honey Chicken Taco Salad
Source: Sweet Peas and Saffron
26. Kale Steak Power Salad
Source: Meal Prep on Fleek
27. Crispy Chickpea Salad Kit with Butter Fried Croutons
Source: My Name is Yeh
28. Lentil Coconut Curry
Source: Slender Kitchen
29. Slow Cooker Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
Source: Jessica in the Kitchen
30. Winter Kale Salad
Source: Sweet Potato Soul
