Meal prepping can be a game changer for busy weeks, helping you save both time and money. With these 25 easy recipes, you can whip up delicious and satisfying meals in advance, making it simple to stick to your goals without the stress of daily cooking. From hearty casseroles to quick stir-fries, these ideas will keep your meals varied and enjoyable. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets - but all without any unnecessarily expensive ingredients.
Walking Taco Casserole
This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a hearty meal. Perfect for a potluck or a simple dinner during a busy week. You can throw it together without much effort, and everyone will love it. This is a great way to enjoy taco night without the fuss.
Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Skillet
This chicken teriyaki broccoli skillet features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a simple, gluten-free teriyaki sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that fits well into a busy week. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy. This dish is great for those nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a perfect option for meal prep, making it easy to have tasty meals ready to go.
Crème Fraîche Carbonara
This version of carbonara is packed with flavor and is a great twist on the classic dish. It's simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Using affordable ingredients, this meal is budget-friendly and satisfying. It's a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy tasty leftovers throughout the week. Enjoy a hearty meal that feels special without breaking the bank.
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
This dish features tender shredded chicken combined with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and rice. It's all seasoned with onions, garlic, and a mix of Mexican spices. The result is a hearty meal that's easy to prepare. Perfect for busy nights, this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl is satisfying and flavorful. It's a great option for meal prep throughout the week.
Homemade Hamburgers
This dish is simple and satisfying, perfect for a quick meal during the week. With just a few ingredients like ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, you can whip up something delicious. It's great for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it with your favorite burger toppings for a fun twist. This is a great option for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Egg roll in a bowl is a quick and simple dinner that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with flavors reminiscent of traditional egg rolls, but without the wrappers. You’ll find a variety of fresh vegetables mixed in, making it a colorful and healthy option. The dish is brought together with a tasty sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. This is a great choice for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
Thai Basil Chicken is a tasty and easy dish that features chicken, green beans, and fresh Thai basil in a flavorful sauce. This is a good dinner option when you need something quick and satisfying. With ground chicken, you can whip this up in about 15 minutes. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everyone will enjoy this simple yet delicious meal.
Sausage Asparagus Pasta Bake
This dish features just five simple ingredients, making it easy to prepare. Fresh asparagus and sweet Italian sausage come together for a tasty mix that everyone will enjoy. It's a great option for a quick weeknight meal. With minimal effort, you can have a satisfying dinner on the table. This is a perfect choice for meal prep, keeping things both affordable and delicious.
Eggplant Moussaka
Eggplant Moussaka is a simple and satisfying dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all covered in a generous layer of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, focusing instead on extra eggplant for a true Mediterranean flavor. It's a healthy option that doesn't require much effort to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both filling and comforting. Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with this easy-to-make meal.
Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
This Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne is packed with chili flavor and plenty of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. It’s a quick dish that comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a busy week. The combination of flavors and textures makes it satisfying and enjoyable. With just a few easy steps, you can have a hearty meal ready to go. This is a great option for meal prep, providing delicious leftovers for the week.
Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
Vegetarian tacos can be a delicious and satisfying meal option. These tacos are packed with refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese, giving them a great flavor and texture. Topped with fresh homemade pico de gallo, they add a nice burst of freshness. This is a simple and quick recipe that anyone can whip up. Perfect for busy weeknights, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table.
Greek Yogurt Egg Salad
This egg salad is a great option for your lunch sandwiches. It's a lighter take on the classic recipe, making it a good choice for a nutritious meal. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, it fits well into a busy week. You can whip it up quickly and enjoy it throughout the week. This dish is not only tasty but also budget-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep.
Slow Cooker Texas Beef Brisket
This slow cooker brisket is a simple way to prepare a delicious meal. The Texas-style beef brisket turns out tender and flavorful, making it great for sandwiches. With minimal effort, you can have a hearty dish ready for the week. It's perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this easy meal prep idea that everyone will love.
Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki
Teriyaki thighs are a simple and quick dish to prepare. You can whip up the teriyaki sauce at home using just a few ingredients. With the help of your Instant Pot, the rest of the meal comes together in no time. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a flavorful meal that doesn’t require much effort.
Instant Pot Chicken Soup
This Instant Pot Chicken Soup is perfect for a cozy dinner that you can whip up in just over an hour. It's creamy and has a nice little kick to it, making it a comforting choice for any night. With its rich flavors, this soup is sure to warm you up. It's a great option for meal prep, giving you a hearty dish to enjoy throughout the week. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup anytime you need a satisfying meal.
Thin Basil Chicken Breasts
Thin chicken breasts can be prepared in the air fryer for a simple and tasty dinner. In just 6 minutes, you can have a flavorful meal ready to enjoy. Seasoned with garlic and basil, this dish brings a nice kick to your weeknight dinner. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something quick. This is a good dinner choice that won't take much time to make.
Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
Creamy pesto gnocchi features a rich and smooth cream sauce packed with flavor. It's a simple meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes using a skillet. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its delightful combination of ingredients, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy a comforting and satisfying dinner that doesn’t require a lot of effort.
Santa Fe Chicken Salad
Santa Fe Chicken Salad is a simple dish that you can whip up in no time. Using rotisserie chicken makes it easy to prepare, and a quick two-ingredient creamy salsa dressing adds a nice touch. This salad is both filling and healthy, perfect for lunch or dinner. It's a great option for busy weeks when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a satisfying meal that doesn't break the bank.
White Bean Stew
White Bean Stew is a filling dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Tuscan cooking while being entirely vegan. It's a great option for family dinners during a hectic week. This stew is simple to prepare and works well for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it offers a satisfying and nutritious meal. Enjoy this comforting stew any night of the week.
20 Minute Mongolian Ground Beef
Mongolian ground beef is a tasty dish that the whole family will enjoy. It features a rich flavor from hoisin sauce and is packed with umami goodness. This recipe is simple to prepare using ground beef and a few everyday ingredients like tamari or soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying. Adding this to your meal plan will make dinner a breeze.
Instant Pot Bolognese
This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while cooking. It’s a rich and filling pasta sauce that captures the essence of the classic dish, but you can whip it up in no time. Using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe is perfect for busy weeks. Enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a delicious option for dinner that everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a tasty dish that's simple to prepare. With only a handful of ingredients and the slow cooker handling the cooking, it’s a straightforward option for busy days. Creamy and cheesy, this meal is full of flavor and loved by everyone. It’s great for dinner, game day, or just a weekend snack. Once you give it a try, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies
This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. It requires minimal effort, just some chopping at the beginning. Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze. You’ll enjoy a delicious mix of chicken, veggies, and flavorful sauce all in one dish. It's a simple way to get a satisfying meal on the table.
Penne Pomodoro
This dish features whole canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and penne pasta, creating a satisfying vegetarian meal. It's easy to prepare and perfect for any day of the week. With its comforting flavors, it's sure to please everyone at the table. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work. Enjoy a hearty meal that brings everyone together.
Air Fryer Meatballs
These air fryer meatballs are simple to prepare and can be ready in less than an hour. Made without eggs or breadcrumbs, they offer a lighter take on the classic recipe. With their juicy and tender texture, they stand out from any meatballs you've made before. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy these Swedish-style meatballs as a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
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