Juggling life’s craziness and trying to eat right can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Meal prepping is our secret weapon, though—it’s like having your future self high-five you for being awesome. Here are 23 meal prep ideas that’ll turn your week from frantic to fantastic, with zero last-minute kitchen scrambles!
![A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Roasted-Pork-with-Apples.jpg)
Molly Bars
![Four pieces of molly bars on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/molly-bars-horizontal.jpg)
Whip up a batch of Molly Bars, and you’ve got your snack game on lock for the week. They’re the perfect sweet treat to grab on a busy day, and they’ll keep you smiling through those afternoon slumps. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars
Baked Spanish Rice
![Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/baked-spanish-rice-resized.jpg)
If you’re looking to add a little flair to your meal prep routine, our Baked Spanish Rice has got you covered. It’s a simple way to bring some Spanish vibes to your dinner table, and it reheats like a dream. Perfect for those evenings when cooking is the last thing on your mind, it’s a meal prep idea that will definitely save your week.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Million Dollar Spaghetti
![Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Million-Dollar-Spaghetti.jpg)
This isn’t your average spaghetti. It’s like your pasta night got a major upgrade with loads of cheese and flavor. Meal prep it over the weekend, and you’ve got a luxurious dinner ready to go in no time during the week. A true game-changer for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
![Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/baked-chicken-finished-6-2377-scaled.jpg)
Here’s a way to make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy like a fancy dinner without actually having to do much. The creamy gravy is a hit, and it’s a perfect match for any side. Meal prep this, and your future self will thank you on those days when cooking feels like too much work.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Beef Bourguignon
![Beef bourguignon in a white bowl with thyme.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/beef-bourguignon-horizontal.jpg)
Imagine coming home to Beef Bourguignon, a dish that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day but you actually prepped it ahead. It’s a smart way to add some luxury to your weekly meal routine. Reheat and serve for a dinner that impresses every time.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon
Shrimp & Corn Chowder
![Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle in a bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/shrimp-and-corn-chowder-square-no-text.jpg)
This chowder is basically comfort in a bowl, making it a fantastic meal prep option for the week. It’s easy to whip up in a big pot, and freezing portions means you’ve got a go-to meal ready whenever you need it. Definitely a week-saving choice when the weather’s chilly or you just need some foodie love.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
![Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/chicken-cordon-bleu-caserole-horizontal.jpg)
This twist on a fancy dish is a weeknight lifesaver. It gives you all the cozy feels of chicken, ham, and cheese without the fuss. Meal prepping this casserole means you’re setting yourself up for a stress-free week with a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Authentic Hungarian Goulash
![Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/hungarian-goulash-small.jpg)
Spicing up your meal prep with some authentic Hungarian goulash can be a game changer. It’s hearty and gets even better the next day, making it a perfect dish to cook in bulk and enjoy throughout the week. A little international flair can really save your meal plan from boredom.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Chicken Paprikash
![Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chicken-paprikash-resized.jpg)
This dish is all about bringing comfort food into your meal prep lineup. It’s easy, tasty, and just what you need on a cold evening. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure you have something delicious and satisfying ready to go, making your week a lot easier to manage.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Sloppy Joe Casserole
![A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sloppy-Joe-Casserole.jpg)
Who knew turning a messy sandwich into a Sloppy Joe Casserole could make your week so much easier? It’s hearty, it’s tasty, and you can make a big batch to last you for days. Talk about a meal prep savior that keeps the whole family happy and your weeknights less hectic.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce
![Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buttermilk-pancakes-finished-3H.jpg)
Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please. These Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce are not just for mornings; they’re a brilliant meal prep idea for any time of the day. Freeze them, and you’ve got a quick, delightful meal that’s sure to save your week whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
![Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/bacon-wrapped-burger-finished-1h.jpg)
Imagine biting into a juicy Bacon-Wrapped Burger after a long day. That’s meal prep gold right there. Freeze a batch, and you’ve got quick, delicious dinners sorted for the week. It’s like each burger is a little high-five for your future self.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Greek Meatballs
![Greek Meatballs on a plate with tomatoes.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/greek-meatballs-resized.jpg)
Adding these Greek Meatballs to your meal prep list means you’re all set for a week of delicious, Mediterranean-inspired meals. They’re easy to make, great for leftovers, and versatile enough to keep things interesting. It’s a hassle-free way to ensure you have something yummy and ready to eat, no matter how busy your week gets.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
![Shrimp and grits on a plate with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/shrimp-and-grits-horizontal.webp)
Merging this southern classic into a Shrimp and Grits Casserole form is your ticket to an easier week. It’s the comfort food you crave with the convenience you need. Prepping this dish ahead means you’ve got a delicious, ready-to-eat meal that saves time and satisfies your hunger.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Raspberry Crumb Cake
![A piece of cranberry crumb cake on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/raspberry-crumb-cake-horizontal.jpg)
A slice of Raspberry Crumb Cake turns any breakfast into a treat or ends your day on a sweet note. Bake it once, and enjoy it all week; your meal prep just got a delicious upgrade. It’s like a little promise of happiness waiting in your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Crumb Cake
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
![A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Skillet-Gnocchi-with-Sausage-and-Broccoli-Rabe-horizontal.jpg)
With skillet gnocchi, sausage, and broccoli rabe, you’ve got a one-pan wonder that makes meal prep a breeze. It’s hearty, tasty, and saves you from washing a pile of dishes. Plus, it’s a balanced meal that’ll keep you powered up all week.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Pickled Yellow Beans
![Pickled yellow beans in a jar on a wooden table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pickled-yellow-beans-horizontal.jpg)
Pickled yellow beans are the zesty side dish that keeps on giving. Add them to your meal prep for a tangy crunch in salads or as a snack. They’re super easy to whip up and make every meal feel a bit more gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
![A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mediterranean-orzo-salad-horizontal.jpg)
Prep this Mediterranean Orzo Salad, and you’ve got lunches that transport you straight to the seaside. It’s fresh, flavorful, and the shrimp make it feel like a treat. Meal prep doesn’t get much better than this.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Beefy John Wayne Casserole
![A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/John-wayne-casserole-horizontal.jpg)
The Beefy John Wayne Casserole is like a hug in casserole form. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for meal prep. Just heat it up for a dinner that feels like a big deal without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole
Turkey à la King
![A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/turkey-a-la-king-horizontal.webp)
Turkey à la King transforms your meal prep into a creamy, comforting dream. It’s a clever way to use up leftovers and make sure you’ve got something delicious waiting for dinner. Pair it with rice or pasta, and it’s a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King
Roast Pork with Apples
![A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Roasted-Pork-with-Apples.jpg)
Roast pork with apples makes your Sunday dinner leftovers the star of your meal prep. It’s savory with just the right amount of sweetness, turning your weekly meals up a notch. Plus, it’s versatile enough to become sandwiches or salads for easy lunches.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples
Nanna’s Apple Cake
![An apple cake on a white plate with cinnamon sticks.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nannas-apple-cake-horizontal.jpg)
Nanna’s apple cake is the comfort food your meal prep has been missing. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it’s a week-long reminder of home. Just slice and serve any time you need a little pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Nanna’s Apple Cake
Beef Barbacoa
![Beef Barbacoa in a blue bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/beef-barbacoa-small.jpg)
Tender, slow-cooked beef barbacoa is a meal prep MVP. Use it for everything from tacos to burrito bowls, and suddenly, dinner is the easiest part of your day. Making a big batch over the weekend saves you from the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” question.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa