Meal prepping can be a game changer for anyone looking to save time and money while eating well. With 27 easy meal prep ideas, you can create delicious meals that fit any budget. These simple recipes will help you stay organized in the kitchen and make it easy to eat well throughout the week. 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.
Kung Pao Chicken
This dish is packed with flavor and is super simple to prepare. It offers a healthier option compared to your usual take-out meals. With a great mix of salty and sweet, it’s a satisfying choice for dinner. This recipe is sure to become a favorite for those nights when you want something quick and tasty. Enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Potato Cheese Soup
This dish is all about comfort and warmth. The combination of smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese blends wonderfully with creamy potatoes, creating a satisfying soup. It’s simple to prepare and only requires one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for chilly days or when you just want something hearty. This is a great option for meal prep during the week.
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.
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.
One Pot Chicken Corn Chowder
This dish brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite. It features tender rotisserie chicken, sweet corn, hearty potatoes, and crispy bacon, all combined in a creamy broth. It's a simple meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is easy to prepare and comforting to enjoy. You'll love how all the flavors come together for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Crock Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Breasts
Crock Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Breasts is a tasty meal that the whole family will enjoy. This dish features chicken cooked in a rich, creamy lemon sauce that pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. It's a simple recipe that you can prepare in a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days. The combination of flavors is sure to please everyone at the table. This is a great option for a comforting dinner.
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.
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.
Red Curry Tofu Stir Fry
This flavorful curry is a great alternative to takeout. It's easy to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients. Perfect for busy nights, this dish can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. With just a few simple steps, you can have a satisfying meal ready to go. Enjoy a homemade option that saves you time and money.
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.
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This chicken tortilla soup is simple to make and requires minimal prep time. It's a dish that my family and friends have loved for years. Perfect for busy weeknights, it cooks in a crockpot, allowing you to set it and forget it. The flavors come together beautifully, making it a satisfying meal. This is a great option for meal prep, providing delicious leftovers for the week.
Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl
The Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a simple meal that you can whip up any night. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and is packed with great flavors. This dish combines tender chicken with quinoa and a tasty pesto sauce. It's perfect for busy weeks when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a healthy and delicious dinner that everyone will love.
Ground Beef & Broccoli
This healthy meal is simple to prepare with only 9 ingredients and takes just 20 minutes in one pan. It's perfect for anyone looking to eat well without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can easily whip this up during a busy week and still enjoy a nutritious dinner. With minimal cleanup, it’s a great option for those who want to keep things easy. This dish is a great way to plan your meals for the week without breaking the bank.
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs are full of flavor and are sure to fill you up. They’re easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal. Just let the crockpot handle everything, and you’ll end up with tender, juicy meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s a simple way to enjoy a delicious dinner.
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.
Mediterranean Barley and Vegetable Soup
This soup is packed with pearled barley, a mix of fresh vegetables, and classic Mediterranean herbs. It's a healthy and satisfying option that won't break the bank. Perfect for meal prep, this dish can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. The combination of flavors makes it a great choice for lunch or dinner. Enjoy a warm bowl that’s both filling and easy on your wallet.
One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
This dish features a rich, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta, ensuring every bite is flavorful. It includes tender kale and savory Italian sausage, adding a nice touch to the meal. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is easy to prepare and satisfying. It's a great option for meal prep, providing delicious leftovers for the week. Enjoy a hearty and comforting dinner that won't break the bank.
Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Crockpot Salsa Chicken is a great option for meal prep. Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day. After 6-8 hours, you'll have a dish that's tender and full of flavor. This chicken is versatile and can be used in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or wraps throughout the week. It's an easy way to have delicious meals ready to go.
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.
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.
Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi
Pulled pork banh mi is a tasty sandwich that combines a Vietnamese baguette with juicy pulled pork, crunchy pickled veggies, and a zesty sriracha mayo. Using a slow cooker for the pulled pork makes this dish simple to prepare. It's a great option for lunch or dinner, offering a nice mix of flavors and textures. This sandwich is satisfying and perfect for meal prep throughout the week. Enjoy a delicious and easy meal that everyone will love.
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.
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.
Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish that consists of tender, slow-cooked shredded pork with crispy, golden edges. Making it in a slow cooker is simple; just toss in the ingredients and let it cook slowly until the meat is ready. After cooking, shred the pork and give it a quick broil to get those nice crispy bits. This dish is great for tacos, burritos, tostadas, and a variety of other meals. It's a tasty option for meal prep that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
This soup brings together all the great flavors of stuffed bell peppers, but in a warm and comforting bowl. Made in your slow cooker, it simmers gently to develop rich tastes without much effort. It's a filling and satisfying option for busy weeknights. Perfect for meal prep, this dish can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week. Enjoy a hearty meal that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.
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