Ever feel like you’re constantly cooking but never have time for anything else? I’ve been there, and I’ve got a solution that’ll save you both time and money. In this article, I’ll share 10 meals that you can prep once and enjoy for days.
1. Hearty Beef Stew
Ingredients and Preparation
I’ll start with the basics: beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, and a rich beef broth. For a twist, I toss in some thyme and a splash of red wine. It’s simple; I brown the beef, sauté the veggies, then simmer everything together for a few hours until it’s tender and flavorful.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Once it’s cooled, I store my stew in airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, I just pop it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot. If it’s too thick, I add a bit of broth to get that perfect consistency again.
2. Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients and Preparation
I’ll whip up a creamy chicken and rice casserole that’s both comforting and convenient. You’ll need chicken breasts, cream of mushroom soup, milk, rice, and a mix of shredded cheeses. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix the soup, milk, and rice in a casserole dish, then lay the chicken on top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake it covered for about an hour, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Storage and Reheating Tips
I store this casserole in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. To reheat, I pop a serving in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If you’re reheating a larger portion, you can use the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covering it with foil to keep it moist.
3. Vegetarian Chili
Ingredients and Preparation
I love making vegetarian chili because it’s hearty and packed with flavor. You’ll need kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spices like chili powder and cumin. I start by sautéing the onions and garlic, then add the bell peppers and cook until soft. Next, I toss in the beans, tomatoes, and spices, letting everything simmer for about 30 minutes to blend the flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
For storage, I transfer the chili into airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to five days. Reheating is a breeze—just warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If it’s too thick, I add a bit of water or vegetable broth to get the right consistency.
4. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients and Preparation
I use a pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, onions, garlic, and spices like paprika and cumin for my slow cooker pulled pork. It’s super easy: I just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 8 hours. Once it’s done, I shred the pork right in the cooker using two forks.
Storage and Reheating Tips
For storage, I keep the pulled pork in airtight containers in the fridge, where it lasts up to 5 days. Reheating’s a breeze—I warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of water or extra barbecue sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Lasagna
Ingredients and Preparation
I love making lasagna because it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for meal prep. You’ll need lasagna noodles, ground beef or Italian sausage, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and some herbs like basil and oregano. Start by browning the meat, then layer it with noodles, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish. Bake it until it’s bubbly and golden on top, which usually takes about an hour.
Storage and Reheating Tips
After it cools, I store my lasagna in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. When I’m ready to eat, reheating is a breeze—just pop a portion in the microwave for a few minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. If it seems a bit dry, I add a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating to keep it moist and delicious.
6. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Ingredients and Preparation
I love how easy and nutritious this quinoa and black bean salad is. You’ll need quinoa, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. I start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions, then let it cool. Next, I mix it with rinsed black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. For the dressing, I whisk together lime juice and olive oil and toss it all together. It’s a fresh and hearty meal that’s ready in no time!
7. Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients and Preparation
For Shepherd’s Pie, I use ground lamb, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, onions, and beef broth. I start by browning the lamb with onions, then add carrots, peas, and broth to simmer. Meanwhile, I mash the potatoes and layer them over the meat mixture before baking until the top is golden.
Storage and Reheating Tips
I store Shepherd’s Pie in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, I pop it in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option, ensuring it’s piping hot before serving.
8. Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
Ingredients and Preparation
I’ve got a real treat for you with this broccoli and cheddar soup. You’ll need broccoli, cheddar cheese, chicken broth, onions, garlic, butter, flour, and milk. Start by melting butter in a pot, then sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft. Stir in flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in chicken broth. Add chopped broccoli and let it simmer until tender. Finally, stir in shredded cheddar and milk until the soup’s creamy and delicious.
Storage and Reheating Tips
For storing, I recommend keeping this soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. When it’s time to reheat, just warm it up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a bit of milk or broth to get that perfect consistency again.
9. Lentil Soup
Ingredients and Preparation
I whip up lentil soup with dried lentils, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, vegetable broth, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and coriander. I start by sautéing onions, garlic, and celery, then add the rest, letting it simmer for about 45 minutes until the lentils are tender.
Storage and Reheating Tips
I store my lentil soup in airtight containers in the fridge, where it lasts up to five days. For reheating, I warm it on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth if it’s too thick.
10. Baked Ziti
Ingredients and Preparation
I love making Baked Ziti because it’s super easy and delicious. You’ll need ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and some ground beef or sausage. Start by cooking the pasta until it’s just shy of al dente. Brown the meat, mix it with the marinara, then layer everything in a baking dish with the cheeses. Bake it until it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden.
Storage and Reheating Tips
I store my Baked Ziti in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, I pop a serving in the microwave for a quick meal or warm it in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. If it seems a bit dry, I add a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating.
Conclusion
I hope these meal ideas make your life a bit easier! They’re all about saving you time and money while keeping your meals tasty and varied. Give them a try and let me know which one becomes your go-to dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can meal prepping help save time and money?
Meal prepping saves time by allowing you to cook once and eat multiple times. It reduces the need for daily cooking and minimizes grocery shopping trips. By planning meals, you can also buy ingredients in bulk, which often costs less, helping you save money.
What are the ingredients needed for the hearty beef stew?
The hearty beef stew requires beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, beef broth, thyme, and red wine. These ingredients combine to create a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for meal prep.
How long can the creamy chicken and rice casserole be stored?
The creamy chicken and rice casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. This makes it a convenient option for meal planning throughout the week.
What is the key to making a flavorful vegetarian chili?
The key to a flavorful vegetarian chili is using a variety of spices like chili powder and cumin, along with ingredients such as kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Simmering these together enhances the flavors.
How do you prepare slow cooker pulled pork?
To prepare slow cooker pulled pork, place pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, onions, garlic, and spices like paprika and cumin in the cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours, then shred the pork directly in the cooker. It’s simple and results in tender, flavorful pork.
What makes lasagna ideal for meal prep?
Lasagna is ideal for meal prep because it can be prepared in advance and stored for up to four days. It’s a comforting dish that reheats well, making it perfect for busy schedules. The layers of noodles, meat, sauce, and cheese provide a satisfying meal.
What are the main ingredients in the quinoa and black bean salad?
The main ingredients in the quinoa and black bean salad are quinoa, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. These combine to make a nutritious and refreshing meal.
How do you store and reheat Shepherd’s Pie?
Store Shepherd’s Pie in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. This ensures the mashed potato topping remains delicious and the filling stays moist.
What is the process for making creamy broccoli and cheddar soup?
To make creamy broccoli and cheddar soup, sauté onions and garlic, create a roux with flour, whisk in chicken broth, and add chopped broccoli to simmer. Finish by stirring in shredded cheddar and milk for creaminess. It’s a comforting soup perfect for meal prep.
How long does lentil soup last in the fridge?
Lentil soup can be kept in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stove, adding water or broth if it thickens too much. This makes it a great option for meal planning.
What are the steps to prepare Baked Ziti?
To prepare Baked Ziti, cook ziti pasta until just shy of al dente, brown the ground beef or sausage, mix with marinara sauce, and layer with ricotta and shredded cheeses in a baking dish. Bake until bubbly and golden. It’s easy and delicious for meal prep.