10 Easy Meal Prep Ideas

If you are a fan of convenience and efficiency when it comes to your food preparation, these 10 easy meal prep ideas are your way to go! These grab-and-go meals are never boring (very colorful actually!), not only they will maximize your time but they are also friendly on your budget and are so healthy too!

Meal prepping is intimidating and overwhelming at first but if you have a goal in mind as to why you want to do it, it will get easier and easier by the second. It takes careful planning and dedication. In fact, it's doable and enjoyable.

Here are some easy, make-ahead recipes on the blog that work great for meal prep like adobo, teriyaki chicken, salmon and other freezer-friendly meals. Pick a few, cook in batches, and you're set for the week.

Benefits of meal prep

• Saves time on busy weekdays
• Helps you eat healthier portions
• Cuts food and takeout costs
• Reduces daily cooking stress
• Keeps meals ready for 3 to 4 days

What you need

• Meal prep containers (glass or BPA-free plastic)
• A simple weekly plan + grocery list
• Basic tools like an oven, skillet, slow cooker or Instant Pot
• 1 to 2 hours of prep time

If you are ready to dive in, go through the list of meal prep recipes below for your reference on some of the meal prep 'how to's.

1. Sheet Pan Thai Peanut Chicken Meal Prep

Experience the delicious taste of creamy peanut butter and spicy chili sauce in this meal prep recipe. The ingredients are easy to assemble and most of them are store-bought.

You can cook it on a sheet pan and it will do well when cooked in an slow cooker too. For a savory meal prep with chicken, marinading it overnight is a must but optional.

2. Make Ahead Breakfast Taco Egg Bowl

This breakfast meal prep idea is absolutely full of protein that will keep you energize throughout the day! Who does not love eggs?

With the eggs scrambled separately, just throw in every ingredients in a skillet and you're good to go. Don't forget to sprinkle it with cheese and add salsa dip on the side.

3. Meal Prep Instant Pot Italian Stuffed Meatballs

This super juicy and flavorful lean turkey meatballs has mozarella cheese stuffed inside. So easy to cook, make the balls, put everything in your instant pot then walk away!

4. Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

This better than take out meal prep idea is a common favorite, and making it is easy-peasy. The teriyaki sauce is sweetened just right.

You can pair it with steamed broccoli or with any of your favorite vegetables. White rice is perfect for this meal but brown rice or quinoa works fine as well.

5. Cuban-Style Tuna Meal Prep Bowls

This super healthy meal prep idea is gluten-free and paleo! It uses a ready-seasoned tuna from your favorite grocery store. It's a meal with lean protein and a kick of jalapeno flavor.

You can can lettuce on the side to add crispiness, fresh tomatoes and topped it with a dairy-free yogurt. Squeeze in a sliced lime for a tangy taste!

6. Chicken Shawarma Quinoa Bowls

If you love middle eastern cuisine, this make-ahead meal is exemplary for your palate. Correctly marinating the chicken is a crucial step to attain that authentic chicken shawarma essence.

You can grill the meat, pan fry or bake! Do what's easy for you to do!

7. Vegetarian Breakfast Burrito

This burrito grab-and-go meal is vegetarian to the tiniest ingredient. It freezes well that you can make a batch.

No defrosting or thawing needed, you can put it in the oven right away.

This healthy and delicious burrito has kidney beans, rice or quinoa, spinach, eggs and cheese (of course!) inside.

8. Protein Snack Pack

This snack pack is just full of protein, no-cook and very easy to assemble saving you a lot of time!

The kids will surely love this go-to snack. Whether you are on the road, looking for a snack after workout, or on a lunch break, this meal prep lunch box is the real deal!

9. Easy High Protein Vegan Meal Prep

Another great entry to our meal prep list is this high-protein and low-carb recipe that is made from super fresh ingredients!

Best of all it's oil-free and it made of quinoa, roasted veggies with citrusy flavor of lime and a punch of turmeric.

10. Instant Pot Chicken Yakitori Meal Prep

You will definitely love this Yakitori! Why not make this meal prep for the week?

It's a Japanese recipe not cooked in a traditional way using a skewer. This recipe is cooked in an instant pot.

It's freezer-friendly. The sauce is just so savory. You can't just get enough!