Sundays are my most productive day in the kitchen. Thinking about the rest of the week inspires me to get ahead of the work and prepare meals ahead of time. I play some upbeat music, keep the coffee flowing and get to cooking. This has helped me with the dreaded “what to make for dinner” question because I’ve got the protein already prepared, now I just need to decide what goes with it! The recipes I list below are great to mix and match and keep reading to discover the secret formula I’ve created for meal prep success!
If you are struggling with what to make during the week and want to try meal planning- here are my favorites! They are versatile (meaning you can use the proteins and sides in multiple ways) and they are simple to make and store. They are my go-to’s for a reason-they reheat well and taste even better the next day.
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Chicken Recipes for Meal Prep
This is the recipe I make the most- it is just so convenient. The Instant Pot makes it hands off and the possibilities are endless with shredded chicken.
- Meal Prep Tip: Make a double batch on Sunday and then seal in an airtight container and it will last up to four days refrigerated.
- How to use it: White chicken chili, taco Tuesday, burritos, enchiladas, chicken and rice bowl, stuffed bell peppers.
Chicken thighs are actually one of my favorite cuts of meat- so flavorful and impossible to dry out.
- Meal Prep Tip: When making chicken thighs make extra and refrigerate leftovers, They reheat well in an oven at 350 degrees for ten minutes.
- How to use it: Use chicken for rice bowls add a vegetable and your favorite sauce, serve with Mac and Cheese for a kid friendly meal.
Beef Recipes for Meal Prep
Add everything in the morning and by late afternoon you have fork tended, shredded beef with endless possibilities.
- Meal Prep Tip: Store shredded beef in an airtight container with some of the liquid from crock pot poured on top (to keep meat from drying out)
- How to use it: Turn the shredded beef into barbacoa, BBQ sandwiches, or use in a chili.
This classic roast recipe is a complete meal ready for busy evenings. 5 minutes of prep for a recipe your family will want to eat every week.
- Meal Prep Tip: Store leftovers in the residual cooking liquid to keep the roast moist, add an extra splash of beef broth while reheating.
- How to use it: This is a complete, ready to eat meal and we recommend eating the leftovers much the same!
Pork Recipes for Meal Prep
I love putting everything in one sheet pan and having a complete meal with minimal cleanup!
- Meal Prep Tip: Make two tenderloins- one you can slice for dinner and the other. you can use for the rest of the week.
- How to use it: Cube it and make pork rice bowls, add it to chili, make a stir fry, or slice thin and add to sandwiches.
Sunday family dinner but ready in just 30 minutes!
- Meal Prep Tip: Store the potatoes and tenderloin separately in airtight containers. Reheat the gravy over the stovetop for the smoothest texture.
- How to use it: The first night eat the tenderloin sliced, leftovers can be cubed and added into fried rice.
Casseroles the Reheat Well
Creamy, cheese-y and the ultimate comfort food with tater tots!
- Meal Prep Tip: Assemble all of the casserole beforehand but leave off the tater tots until you are ready to bake and eat.
- How to use it: Double the recipe, store one and eat the other for dinner. Or share with a neighbor!
This is our family favorite casserole- add bacon bits, cubed ham or really any protein and it becomes a complete (comfort food) meal!
- Meal Prep Tip: Use disposable aluminum foil pans to make ahead and freeze.
- How to use it: Double the recipe and freeze one, you can mix up the proteins so that both are slightly different. This is a great recipe to share with neighbors.
Make Ahead Sides for Doubling
No draining a hot pot of boiling water, no standing over the stove-top checking to see if potatoes are done- the instant pot does it all for you.
- Meal Prep Tip: Make a big batch on Sunday, refrigerate (up to four days) or freeze small portions.
- Pair with: Pork tenderloin, cast iron chicken, or shredded beef.
This is mashed potatoes but with everything already added in- just like a baked potato!
- Meal Prep Tip: Make the mashed potato base up to three days ahead and store in fridge until you are ready.
- Pair with: Shredded beef, sheet pan pork, or chicken thighs
Fluffy and flavorful instant pot rice ready in under 15 minutes.
- Meal Prep Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth or water and fluff with a fork. Freezes well up to 2 months.
- Pair with: any protein and vegetable for a tasty rice bowl
How to Use All Week
The best part about this recipe guide is the mixing and matching of recipes. Below is our recommendation for prepping for the week:
- One shredded protein (chicken, beef, pork) for flexible dinner nights
- One sliced protein (roast, pork, chicken thighs) for quick dinners
- 1 casserole assembled and ready to heat
- 1 large side dish (beans, rice, or potatoes)
This weekly formula gives you a good foundation for 5-6 dinners per week, start here and then make changes to your meal prepping as needed.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Instant Pot Cheesy Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs
- Crock Pot Smothered Chicken
- Quick and Easy Hamburger Bun Recipe
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