Meal prepping can be a game changer for anyone looking to save time and money in the kitchen. With just a little planning, you can prepare easy and satisfying meals for the week ahead. Here are 27 easy meal prep ideas that will help you streamline your cooking and make mealtime a breeze. 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.
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.
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.
Creamy Leek, Ham & Potato Soup
This creamy soup is simple to prepare and really tasty. It's comforting and filled with vegetables, making it a healthy choice. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick meal. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying. Enjoy a warm bowl that everyone will love.
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.
French Dip Sandwiches
Easy French Dip Sandwiches are simple to prepare with just six ingredients and a slow cooker. You’ll have tender shredded roast beef seasoned perfectly and served on hoagie rolls topped with melted Provolone cheese. A side of Au Jus adds the finishing touch, making it a delicious meal. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work. Enjoy the classic flavors of a restaurant right at home.
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.
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.
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are a quick and tasty option that everyone will enjoy. They feature tender shaved steak, sautéed peppers, and onions, all covered with gooey provolone cheese. These sliders come together easily and can be baked in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, they offer a satisfying meal without much effort. Serve them up for a fun dinner that’s sure to please.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili
This recipe is simple and creates a flavorful sauce while it cooks in the slow cooker. It's perfect for busy weeks when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work. The result is a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. This is a great option for meal prep, giving you satisfying leftovers for the week.
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.
Smoky Air Fryer Drumsticks
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks turn simple chicken into a delicious meal with a great mix of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights. The air fryer helps to make the chicken tender and juicy without much work. It's a great option for meal prep, giving you tasty leftovers for the week. Everyone will enjoy this flavorful chicken.
Hamburger Steak
Hamburger patties are cooked until they're just right and then placed in a rich, creamy gravy made from the drippings, onions, garlic, and herbs. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Pair it with some mashed potatoes and your choice of vegetables for a complete meal. It's a simple yet satisfying option that everyone will enjoy. This is a great way to prepare a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad is a fresh and easy salad that puts a twist on the traditional Tabbouleh. Instead of using bulgur, this version swaps it out for quinoa, which adds extra protein. It's a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week. This salad is light, healthy, and full of flavor, making it a perfect side dish or a quick lunch. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a nutritious meal that keeps well in the fridge.
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.
Mexican Shredded Chicken
This shredded chicken has a tasty Mexican twist and is perfect for meal prep throughout the week. It’s a simple and healthy option that works well in burritos, tacos, or enchiladas, or can be enjoyed on its own. The chicken thighs are seasoned with a smoky spice blend and cooked until they’re nice and crispy. After cooking, they’re easily shredded with a couple of forks. This dish is great for quick meals and adds a lot of flavor to your weeknight dinners.
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.
Chickpea Gyros
Chickpea gyros are a simple vegetarian meal that you can whip up in just 10 minutes on the stovetop, with only a few minutes needed for prep. This means you can come home and be enjoying dinner in about 15 minutes. They’re perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. With their hearty ingredients, these gyros are filling and satisfying. This is a great option for meal prep during the week.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken cacciatore is a simple dish that you can make in a slow cooker. It features a rich sauce made with diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bell peppers, onions, and a mix of Italian spices. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It's a great option for meal prep, giving you delicious leftovers for the week.
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.
Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Air-fried chicken nuggets are quick to make and only take about 10 minutes to cook. With a special ingredient, they turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. They’re a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal throughout the week. These nuggets are sure to please everyone at the table.
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.
Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff
This Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is a creamy, savory, luxurious dinner inspired by delicious Eastern European cuisine, and all ready to eat in just half an hour! You simply can't beat this easy stroganoff recipe when you're looking for a satisfying, comforting meal that doesn't involve slaving in the kitchen all afternoon.
Copycat Noodles and Company Pasta Fresca
This quick pasta fresca is a simple dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It captures the flavors of the popular meal from Noodles and Company, but you can enjoy it at home. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is all about convenience and deliciousness. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. It's a great option for meal prep, making your week a little easier.
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.
Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli
This Korean ground beef and broccoli dish is a quick and tasty option that you can whip up in just 25 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much. This version uses ground beef, making it easier on your wallet while still delivering that familiar comforting flavor. It's a simple meal that doesn't require a lot of work, so you can enjoy a delicious dinner without the stress. This is a great choice for anyone looking to save time and money during the week.
Air Fryer Chicken And Potatoes Dinner
This Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes dinner is a simple and satisfying meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. It uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it easy to prepare. With just a few steps, you can have a hearty dish ready in no time. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting meal that brings everyone together.
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