Easy Meal Prep Dinner Ideas: Quick and Delicious Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Is the daily 'What are we going to eat tonight?' question starting to feel like a chore, and are you now looking for easy meal prep dinners?

Between work, family, and other commitments, finding the time and energy to cook a healthy meal can feel impossible.

But with a little planning and these simple dishes, you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked dinners without the daily stress. 

This article will let you be saying goodbye to frantic weeknight cooking and hello to easy meal prep dinners that nourish your body and soul!

KEY POINTS

• Meal prepping helps you avoid the daily dinner rush and enjoy home-cooked meals without the stress.
• Casseroles, soups, stews, and stir-fries are all great options for easy dinner meal preps.

What to Meal Prep for Dinner to Save Time?

Meal prepping can be a game-changer for busy weeknights!

And did you know that spending more time on meal preparation is associated with better mental health, lower stress levels, and reduced feelings of having extra time?

According to the National Library of Medicine, here are some ideas for dinners that save time, with different cooking and prepping styles to suit your preferences:

1. Casseroles

Casseroles are perfect for busy weeknights because they can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you're ready to eat.

They also reheat well, so you can enjoy leftovers for days.

Recipe ideas:

1. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. This classic dish combines tender chicken, broccoli florets, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. To prep ahead, cook the chicken and chop the broccoli in advance. Then, simply assemble the casserole in a baking dish and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
2. Shepherd's Pie. This hearty meal features a flavorful ground meat (beef or lamb) base topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. For meal prep, brown the ground meat and prepare the vegetables ahead of time. Then, assemble the layers in a baking dish and refrigerate. When you're ready to cook, simply bake until bubbly and golden brown.

2. Soups & Stews

Soups and stews are ideal for batch cooking and freezing. They're also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and protein.

Recipe ideas:

1. Chicken Noodle Soup. This comforting classic is packed with vegetables and lean protein. To prep ahead, cook the chicken and vegetables in advance. Then, simply combine all the ingredients in a pot and simmer until the flavors meld.
2. Beef Stew. This hearty stew features tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables in a rich and flavorful broth. For meal prep, brown the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Then, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low heat until the beef is tender.

3. Sheet Pan Meals

Sheet pan meals are incredibly efficient, as they involve roasting protein and vegetables together on a single baking sheet.

They require minimal cleanup and offer endless variations.

Recipe ideas:

1. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables. It’s a flavorful and healthy meal that features chicken, potatoes, and your favorite vegetables, all roasted to perfection. To prep ahead, marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance. Then, simply arrange everything on a baking sheet and roast until cooked through.
2. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus. It’s an elegant and easy dish that combines salmon fillets and tender asparagus, coated in a delicious honey garlic glaze. For meal prep, marinate the salmon and trim the asparagus ahead of time. Then, arrange everything on a baking sheet and roast until the salmon is cooked through.

4. Stir-fries

Stir-fries are quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights. They're also a great way to use up leftover cooked protein and vegetables.

Recipe ideas:

1. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-fry. This classic takeout favorite is easy to make at home. To prep ahead, cook the chicken and chop the broccoli and other vegetables in advance. Then, simply stir-fry everything together in a wok or large skillet.
2. Beef and Peppers Stir-fry. This flavorful and satisfying dish combines tender beef and colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce. For meal prep, slice the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Then, stir-fry everything together until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

5. One-Pot Meals

One-pot meals are incredibly convenient, as they minimize cooking time and cleanup. They're also a great way to create flavorful and satisfying dishes with minimal effort.

Recipe ideas:

1. Chicken and Rice Pilaf. A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines chicken, rice, and vegetables in a single pot. To prep ahead, cook the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance. Then, simply combine all the ingredients in a pot and simmer until the rice is cooked through.
2. Beef and Barley Soup. A hearty and comforting soup featuring tender beef, barley, and vegetables in a rich broth. For meal prep, brown the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Then, combine all the ingredients in a pot and simmer until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.

6. Slow Cooker Meals

Slow cookers are a meal prepper's best friend. They allow you to "set it and forget it," making them ideal for busy days.

Recipe ideas:

1. Pulled Pork. This tender and flavorful pulled pork can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or salads. To prep ahead, season the pork shoulder and place it in the slow cooker with your favorite barbecue sauce. Cook on low heat until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
2. Chicken Chili. This hearty and satisfying chili combines chicken, beans, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. For meal prep, brown the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Then, combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low heat until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld.

Ditch the Dinner Stress! 

Give meal prep a try! Just start with one or two of the recipes listed above and see how much time and energy you save. 

Need help with meal prep? Jetpack Nutrition is here for you! Check out our menu now. 

FAQs

How long do meal-prepped meals last?

Most meal-prepped meals can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.

What are some good meal prep containers?

Choose reusable, airtight containers that are freezer- and microwave-safe. Glass containers are a great option, as they don't retain odors or stains.

Is meal prepping time-consuming?

It can be, initially! But once you get into a routine, meal prepping actually saves you time in the long run.

In fact, you'll be spending less time each day figuring out what to cook and actually preparing the meal.