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Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

pot roast

Turkey, Ham, and Prime Rib normally steal the show when it comes to holiday feasts, but what about changing it up a bit and trying something a little different and a bit easier. These non-traditional entrees are a great alternative if you are wanting to try something new and also cut down time in the kitchen. Here are some secrets to a stress-free Thanksgiving!

Air Fryer BBQ Pork Ribs

These Air Fryer Pork Ribs are so quick to prepare, you’ll be amazed by how tender they are and crispy they can get on the outside. All it requires is a simple dry rub and your favorite bottled bbq sauce. And it cooks in less than 30 minutes. Serve it with a side of green beans or seasoned corn.

pork ribs
pork ribs

Air Fryer BBQ Pork Ribs

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs baby back pork ribs
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 3/4 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, mix together the dry rub ingredients (paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper)
  • Pat the ribs dry and rub the seasonings all over the ribs, making sure it is fully coated
  • Place the ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375F for 20 minutes
  • Remove the basket from the air fryer and brush the top of the ribs with the barbecue sauce
  • Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes (or until the pork has reached an internal temperature of 145F)
  • Remove the ribs from the basket and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into individual ribs

Instant Pot Turkey Loin

While whole roasted turkey is usually the star of the show during Thanksgiving dinners, this tender turkey loin is sure to be a show stopper. No need to worry about the long hours of cooking meat to perfect tenderness, the Instant Pot will do the job for you. You can still pair this with your favorite homemade stuffing.

turkey loin
turkey loin

Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Instant Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs turkey breast tenderloin
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp rosemary (fresh, chopped)
  • 1/4 cup white onions (chopped)
  • 2 each garlic cloves (peeled)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp worchestershire sauce

Instructions
 

  • Turn the instant pot on the saute setting and add oil to the instant pot
  • Place the tenderloin in the bottom and sear on all sides until golden brown (about 2 to 3 minutes on each side)
  • Next, pour in the broth, add onions and garlic cloves
  • Sprinkle in the rosemary, salt, and pepper, and worchestershire sauce
  • Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and set the manual setting to 20 minutes on high pressure, making sure the pressure valve is in the sealed position
  • When done, follow the manufacturer's instructions to carefully release the pressure
  • Remove the tenderloin from the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1/2 inch thick slices. Serve with the extra broth

Oven Baked Mini Meatloafs

These beef patties may be mini, but they are full of flavor and can be made in portion sizes with half the baking time. They are perfect for an entree option or appetizer while your guests arrive. These go perfect with creamy mashed potatoes.

Oven Baked Mini Meatloafs

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • muffin tins
  • oven

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf patty

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 each egg
  • 2/3 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup white onions (diced)
  • 2 tbsp garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tsp italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Meatloaf sauce

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F
  • In a large mixing bowl, add all of the meatloaf ingredients (beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, ketchup, seasonings)
  • Use your hands or large spoon to mix it all together really well
  • Divide them into 12 equal portions. Grease the wells of the muffin pans with oil and place each portion into the bottom of the well. Be sure to press down to fill the cup
  • Bake in the oven for 15 minutes
  • Meanwhile, heat a sauce pan on medium heat and add the ingredients for the meatloaf sauce and mix it well until it reaches a smooth consistency
  • After the meatloaf has baked for 15 minutes, remove it from the pan (if needed, use a paper towel, carefully soak any excess liquid or grease from the muffin wells)
  • Evenly pour the meatloaf sauce onto each meatloaf patty and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the meat is cooked through an internal temperature of 165F

Oven Baked Tomato Basil Salmon

This baked salmon makes for a great Thanksgiving main course option and only requires simple ingredients that can be baked in less than 20 minutes. Serve this entree on top of rice pilaf, fluffy couscous, or pan-fried polenta cakes.

Oven Baked Tomato Basil Salmon

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course lunch
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • sheet pan
  • oven

Ingredients
  

Salmon and seasonings

  • 1.5 lbs salmon
  • 2 each roma tomato (thinly sliced)
  • 6 each fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400F
  • Place the salmon on a sheet pan. Season with salt and pepper
  • Sprinkle the minced garlic on top. Layer the tomato leaves and basil leaves evenly all over the salmon.
  • Drizzle with olive oil
  • Bake everything in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 145F

Honey Balsamic Baked Chicken

Here’s an Easy One Pan Baked Balsamic Chicken recipe that is easy to prepare, baked to perfection in the oven, and will make your tastebuds happy. They will go great with a winter salad or any roasted vegetable side dish.

balsamic chicken
balsamic chicken

Honey Balsamic Baked Chicken

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • sheet pan
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 4 each bone in chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup balsamic dressing
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp rosemary (fresh, finley chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425F degrees
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic dressing, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and rosemary
  • Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour half of the balsamic marinade over the chicken and make sure it is fully coated
  • Cook the chicken for 20 minutes
  • After 20 minutes, pour the rest of the balsamic marinade on top and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165
  • Remove from the oven and place it on a serving dish and enjoy! Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies

Notes

Note: After the chicken cooks, you can split the recipe in half and shred half of the chicken meat, and use it as your protein for a lunch salad or in a sandwich.

Delicata Squash Lasagna

This low-carb lasagna is rich and delicious and layered with slices of delicata squash topped with savory meat sauce and shredded cheese. It may be low in carbs, but it definitely still brings that comfort we all crave in lasagna.

delicata lasagna
delicata lasagna

Delicata Squash Lasagna

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • spatula
  • saute pan
  • baking dish
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1/4 cup red onions (diced)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 each delicata squash
  • 1.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400F
  • Add 1 tbsp olive oil to a saute pan on medium high heat. Saute the onions until they soften (about 2 to 3 minutes)
  • Next, add the ground beef and seasonings and saute until it is fully cooked and golden brown (about 7 to 8 minutes)
  • Then, add the marinara sauce and stir it all together
  • Slice the delicata squash in half, lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh and seeds from the middle. Slice it into 1/4 inch thick slices
  • Grease a baking dish and add 1/3 of the meatsauce at the bottom. Layer it with 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella and delicata squash slices. Repeat this process two more times, until all ingredients have been used up
  • Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes

Instant Pot Beef Pot Roast

This delicious and hearty pot roast with savory gravy is tender and is perfect for a family feast. Serve with roasted potatoes or on top of cauliflower rice if you are trying to keep it low carb friendly.

pot roast
pot roast

Savory Instant Pot Beef Pot Roast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • spatula
  • Instant Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 lbs boneless beef chuck roast
  • 4 each garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup red onion (diced)
  • 2 cups baby carrots
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp rosemary (fresh, finely chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Place the Instant Pot on the saute setting on high heat
  • Season the beef with salt and pepper and add oil to the Instant Pot
  • Add the beef and cook on all sides until evenly browned (about 3 to 4 minutes). Repeat until all sides are browned
  • Next, add the onions, garlic, and thyme. Stir it all around for 2 minutes
  • Pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce and scrape any of the browned bits from the bottom of the pot
  • Turn off the saute setting and select the manual setting to adjust the pressure to high and set the time for 30 minutes. Make sure the valve is in the sealed position
  • After it has finished cooking, follow the manufacturer's directions for quick-release of the pressure
  • Remove the beef from the Instant Pot. Set the instant pot to the soup setting and add the baby carrots.
  • Mix together the water and corn starch until it makes a slurry. Once the broth is boiling, stir in the corn starch mixture until the sauce thickens
  • Slice the roast into 1/2 inch slices. Serve with gravy and add salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh thyme if desired

If you are looking for side dishes to pair up with these thanksgiving entrees, check out our recommendations for Easy to Make Thanksgiving Side Dishes.

Free Weekly Meal Plans

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Nov 15 Weekly Meal Plan

stuffed pepper

Make sure to go to How this page works first if you haven’t yet.

Set Your Pace

  • If you’re a beginner at meal prep: Be prepared to set aside 2-3 hours. Once mise en place is complete, all of these recipes can be completed one by one.
  • If you’re a meal prep pro, use the sequenced steps below: These steps give you the flexibility to cook items simultaneously in a sequence of events.
  • Be sure to set timers and check on food items to avoid overcooking. Sequencing will save you time and meal prep can be done in 1-2 hours.

Meal Prep Run Down

  1. First, prepare the items that require the oven such as the sausage and potato hash, peach granola muffin bar, salmon and veggies, and chicken enchilada stuffed peppers.
  2. Next, start preparing the soup.
  3. Lastly, assemble the salmon stuffed avocado.
  4. When everything is finished cooking, plate everything up in containers, and let them cool before refrigerating.

If you’re sequencing your meal prep, be sure to keep an eye on everything! Make sure food is kept refrigerated under 40F degrees until ready to eat.

Assembly Tips

  • Evenly divide meals according to the serving size
  • Let all items cool before placing them in the refrigerator
  • Keep all items refrigerated under 40F until ready to eat or reheat
  • Breakfast: Both meals can be reheated in the microwave.
  • Lunch: The stuffed avocado can be served chilled (wait to slice the avocado open until ready to eat to prevent from browning), the stuffed pepper can be reheated in the microwave (serve the salad ingredients chilled)
  • Dinner: Both meals can be reheated in the microwave

Extra Flavors and Substitutions

  • Sausage and Potato Hash: You can use sweet potato instead of regular potato
  • Peach Granola Muffin Bar: You can use any kind of fruit as your topping
  • Stuffed Avocado: You can use canned tuna instead of canned salmon
  • Salmon & Bok Choy: You can substitue the bokchoy with broccolini or any other type of veggies
  • Supplement meals with additional snacks such as fresh veggies and fruit for additional daily caloric needs. You can use lime/lemon and olive oil in place of salad dressing

Extra Leftover Ingredients Not Used

  • Protein: Freeze any uncooked meats and save for a later recipe, or you can cook the full amount, and freeze the portion that you do not eat, and save for later use.
  • Veggies: Freeze any leftover veggies for later use. Use leftover herbs in omelets or other dishes for the weekend

What Else

How This Page Works
Meal Prep 101
Weekly Meal Plans
Specialty Diets
Recipe Inspirations
Helpful Resources

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Nov 8 Weekly Meal Plan

cauliflower pizza

Make sure to go to How this page works first if you haven’t yet.

Set Your Pace

  • If you’re a beginner at meal prep: Be prepared to set aside 2-3 hours. Once mise en place is complete, all of these recipes can be completed one by one.
  • If you’re a meal prep pro, use the sequenced steps below: These steps give you the flexibility to cook items simultaneously in a sequence of events.
  • Be sure to set timers and check on food items to avoid overcooking. Sequencing will save you time and meal prep can be done in 1-2 hours.

Meal Prep Run Down

  1. First, prepare the items that require the oven such as the cauliflower sausage pizza, baked apple cinnamon oatmeal, and balsamic chicken with green beans & baby carrots.
  2. Next, start pan frying the salmon and cooking the brussels sprouts. While the salmon is cooking, prepare the fried eggs with apple and sausage hash.
  3. Lastly, assemble the lettuce deli wrap.
  4. When everything is finished cooking, plate everything up in containers, and let them cool before refrigerating.

If you’re sequencing your meal prep, be sure to keep an eye on everything! Make sure food is kept refrigerated under 40F degrees until ready to eat.

Assembly Tips

  • Evenly divide meals according to the serving size
  • Let all items cool before placing them in the refrigerator
  • Keep all items refrigerated under 40F until ready to eat or reheat
  • Breakfast: Both meals can be reheated in the microwave.
  • Lunch: The lettuce deli wrap can be served chilled, while the cauliflower pizza can be reheated in the microwave
  • Dinner: Both meals can be reheated in the microwave

Extra Flavors and Substitutions

  • Apple & Sausage Hash: You can use any kind of sausage. If you want to consolidate ingredients, you can use the same sausage for the hash and the sausage for the cauliflower pizza
  • Oatmeal: You can use pears instead of apples
  • Lettuce Wrap: You can use any kind of deli meat and stuff it with extra sliced veggies of your choice
  • Salmon & Brussel Sprouts: You can substitue the brussels sprouts with broccoli or cauliflower
  • Supplement meals with additional snacks such as fresh veggies and fruit for additional daily caloric needs. You can use lime/lemon and olive oil in place of salad dressing

Extra Leftover Ingredients Not Used

  • Protein: Freeze any uncooked meats and save for a later recipe, or you can cook the full amount, and freeze the portion that you do not eat, and save for later use.
  • Veggies: Freeze any leftover veggies for later use. Use leftover herbs in omelets or other dishes for the weekend

What Else

How This Page Works
Meal Prep 101
Weekly Meal Plans
Specialty Diets
Recipe Inspirations
Helpful Resources

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One-Pot Chicken Marinara with Kale and Sweet Potato

chicken marinara

This easy one-pot dish is simply made with chicken stewed in marinara sauce and paired with sweet potatoes and kale. This is a hearty and chunky chicken recipe that is sure to warm you up on a cold night and only takes a few simple steps.

Meal prep tips for One-Pot Chicken Marinara

  • Chicken: We used chicken breast to keep it lean, however, if you prefer dark meat, feel free to use boneless skinless chicken thighs.
  • Sweet Potatoes: We used sweet potatoes, however, if you want to use regular potatoes, try them with red baby potaotes to cut your down your prep.
  • Vegetables: We paired it with baby kale for extra veggies and nutrients, however, you can use other vegetables such as bell peppers, baby carrots, or even spinach.
  • Marinara Sauce: If you don’t have marinara sauce, you can substitute with tomato sauce and just add some italian seasoning.
chicken marinara

One Pot Chicken Marinara with Kale & Sweet Potato

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • spatula
  • soup pot

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz chicken breast
  • 1 each sweet potato
  • 1/4 cup red onions (diced)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 4 cups baby kale
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions
 

  • Cut the chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes
  • Wash and peel the sweet potato and cut in 1 inch cubes
  • Add oil to a soup pot on medium high heat and saute red onions until they soften
  • Next, add the chicken breasts and saute for about 3 to 5 minutes until it is golden brown
  • Then, add the marinara sauce and water in the pot and mix well
  • Add the sweet potato and bring the liquid to a boil. After it is boiling, lower the heat to low medium and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer for abot 20 minutes until the chicken fully cooks to an internal temperature of 165F
  • Finally, remove the lid and stir in the baby kale until it wilts
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Oven-Baked Stuffed Primavera Chicken

Stuffed Chicken

This stuffed chicken breast is literally packed with bright colors and vibrant flavors. This is a great, easy chicken dinner if you are looking for a low-cost meal recipe.

Meal prep tips for Stuffed Primavera Chicken Breasts

  • We used boneless, skinless, chicken breast meat, however, you can also use chicken thighs.
  • The best vegetables to use are the ones you can easily slice such as yellow squash, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. Feel free to add herbs on top for more flavor.
  • We kept this recipe dairy free, but if you want to add a depth of flavor, sprinkling shredded mozzarella cheese on top makes for a delicious combination.
  • We kept it simple with italian seasoning and paprika, but using any combo of spices works just as well.
Stuffed Chicken

Primavera Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Colorful and vibrant stuffed primavera chicken breasts perfect for a healthy meal prep dish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • sheet pan
  • oven
  • mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup zucchini (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup yellow squash (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup red onions (sliced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Salad Dressing and Spring Mix

  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups spring mix

Instructions
 

  • Preheat hte oven to 400F. Using a sharp knife, cut slits in each chicken breast, about 1/2 inch apart, being careful not to cut through completely. Stuff the slits with a mixture of sliced veggies, alternating with each slit.
  • Sprinkle the chicken with the seasonings and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165F. (optional) during the last 5 minutes, you can sprinkle with shredded cheese to let it melt.
  • Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, mix together the salad dressing ingredients until it is well blended.
  • Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with a side salad and salad dressing.
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Heart-Healthy

Stuffed Chicken

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What Else

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Nov 1 Weekly Meal Plan

pork chops

Make sure to go to How this page works first if you haven’t yet.

Set Your Pace

  • If you’re a beginner at meal prep: Be prepared to set aside 2-3 hours. Once mise en place is complete, all of these recipes can be completed one by one.
  • If you’re a meal prep pro, use the sequenced steps below: These steps give you the flexibility to cook items simultaneously in a sequence of events.
  • Be sure to set timers and check on food items to avoid overcooking. Sequencing will save you time and meal prep can be done in 1-2 hours.

Meal Prep Run Down

  1. First, prepare the items that require the oven such as the sausage marinara and squash noodles.
  2. Next, start grilling they honey soy steak. While the steak is grilling, pan-sear the pork chops, and saute the shrimp.
  3. Then, prepare the breakfast burritos.
  4. Lastly, assemble the yogurt.
  5. When everything is finished cooking, plate everything up in containers, and let them cool before refrigerating.

If you’re sequencing your meal prep, be sure to keep an eye on everything! Make sure food is kept refrigerated under 40F degrees until ready to eat.

Assembly Tips

  • Evenly divide meals according to the serving size
  • Let all items cool before placing them in the refrigerator
  • Keep all items refrigerated under 40F until ready to eat or reheat
  • Breakfast: The breakfast burritos can be reheated in the microwave, serve the yogurt chilled.
  • Lunch: The steak and shrimp can be reheated in the microwave, serve the salad items chilled
  • Dinner: Both meals can be reheated in the microwave

Extra Flavors and Substitutions

  • Breakfast burrito: You can fill the burrito with any topping you like such as bell peppers and onions or even sausage crumbles
  • Squash noodles: You can use regular pasta instead of squash noodles
  • Supplement meals with additional snacks such as fresh veggies and fruit for additional daily caloric needs. You can use lime/lemon and olive oil in place of salad dressing

Extra Leftover Ingredients Not Used

  • Protein: Freeze any uncooked meats and save for a later recipe, or you can cook the full amount, and freeze the portion that you do not eat, and save for later use.
  • Veggies: Freeze any leftover veggies for later use. Use leftover herbs in omelets or other dishes for the weekend

What Else

How This Page Works
Meal Prep 101
Weekly Meal Plans
Specialty Diets
Recipe Inspirations
Helpful Resources

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Oct 25 Weekly Meal Plan

Mexican Chicken Soup

Make sure to go to How this page works first if you haven’t yet.

Set Your Pace

  • If you’re a beginner at meal prep: Be prepared to set aside 2-3 hours. Once mise en place is complete, all of these recipes can be completed one by one.
  • If you’re a meal prep pro, use the sequenced steps below: These steps give you the flexibility to cook items simultaneously in a sequence of events.
  • Be sure to set timers and check on food items to avoid overcooking. Sequencing will save you time and meal prep can be done in 1-2 hours.

Meal Prep Run Down

  1. First, prepare the items that require the oven such as the roasted broccolini & baby potatoes.
  2. Next, start cooking the chicken soup. While the chicken soup is cooking, pan-sear the tilapia, and cook the chili chicken.
  3. Then, prepare the breakfast items such as the scrambled eggs and pancakes.
  4. Lastly, assemble the beef pastrami antipasto.
  5. When everything is finished cooking, plate everything up in containers, and let them cool before refrigerating.

If you’re sequencing your meal prep, be sure to keep an eye on everything! Make sure food is kept refrigerated under 40F degrees until ready to eat.

Assembly Tips

  • Evenly divide meals according to the serving size
  • Let all items cool before placing them in the refrigerator
  • Keep all items refrigerated under 40F until ready to eat or reheat
  • Breakfast: Both meals can be reheated in the mircowave, serve the strawberries chilled.
  • Lunch: Serve the Beef Pastrami Antipasto chilled, while the Chili Chicken can be reheated in the microwave
  • Dinner: Both meals can be reheated in the microwave

Extra Flavors and Substitutions

  • Scrambled Eggs and Beans: You can use any kind of beans such as pinto beans
  • Antipasto: You can use any kind of deli meat such as turkey or ham
  • Soup: If you have leftover beans, you can add it to the soup
  • Supplement meals with additional snacks such as fresh veggies and fruit for additional daily caloric needs. You can use lime/lemon and olive oil in place of salad dressing

Extra Leftover Ingredients Not Used

  • Protein: Freeze any uncooked meats and save for a later recipe, or you can cook the full amount, and freeze the portion that you do not eat, and save for later use.
  • Veggies: Freeze any leftover veggies for later use. Use leftover herbs in omelets or other dishes for the weekend

What Else

How This Page Works
Meal Prep 101
Weekly Meal Plans
Specialty Diets
Recipe Inspirations
Helpful Resources

Posted on by

Oct 18 Weekly Meal Plan

chili fries

Make sure to go to How this page works first if you haven’t yet.

Set Your Pace

  • If you’re a beginner at meal prep: Be prepared to set aside 2-3 hours. Once mise en place is complete, all of these recipes can be completed one by one.
  • If you’re a meal prep pro, use the sequenced steps below: These steps give you the flexibility to cook items simultaneously in a sequence of events.
  • Be sure to set timers and check on food items to avoid overcooking. Sequencing will save you time and meal prep can be done in 1-2 hours.

Meal Prep Run Down

  1. First, prepare the items that require the oven such as the egg frittata, roasted butternut squash fries, and sweet and sour chicken.
  2. Next, prepare the pork chops in the Instant Pot and boil the rutabaga.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the chili.
  4. Lastly, finish preparing the pork chops and mashed rutabaga.
  5. When everything is finished cooking, plate everything up in containers, and let them cool before refrigerating.

If you’re sequencing your meal prep, be sure to keep an eye on everything! Make sure food is kept refrigerated under 40F degrees until ready to eat.

Assembly Tips

  • Evenly divide meals according to the serving size
  • Let all items cool before placing them in the refrigerator
  • Keep all items refrigerated under 40F until ready to eat or reheat
  • Breakfast: The egg frittata can be reheated in the microwave. Slice the apples the same day you are ready to eat them to prevent the apples from browning.
  • Lunch: Keep the shrimp chilled and prepare the apple slices and avocado the same day you are ready to eat them to prevent the avocado and apples from browning. The chicken and bell peppers can be reheated in the microwave
  • Dinner: Both meals can be reheated in the microwave

Extra Flavors and Substitutions

  • Apple Nachos: You can use any kind of fruit and any kind of nuts for your toppings. Substitute honey with peanut butter for a lower carb option
  • Sweet & Sour Chicken: You can use any kind of cut of chicken such as wings or even boneless options such as chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins. Serve with a side of rice or cauliflower rice
  • Chili Fries: You can use any any kind of meat such as ground turkey or chicken. If you can’t find butternut squash fries, you can substitute with sweet potato or regular potatoes
  • Supplement meals with additional snacks such as fresh veggies and fruit for additional daily caloric needs. You can use lime/lemon and olive oil in place of salad dressing

Extra Leftover Ingredients Not Used

  • Protein: Freeze any uncooked meats and save for a later recipe, or you can cook the full amount, and freeze the portion that you do not eat, and save for later use.
  • Veggies: Freeze any leftover veggies for later use. Use leftover herbs in omelets or other dishes for the weekend

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Pumpkin Cranberry Oat Crumb Bar

cranberry crumble

This Pumpkin Cranberry Oat Crumb Bar can easily lift your spirits with the satisfying flavor of something sweet, spicy, and warmth. 

Ease of Making: Medium

The texture is hearty with the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, and aromatic pumpkin spice. This dessert combines the best flavors of fall with pumpkin puree, dried cranberries, and vanilla extract.

Homemade oat bars are a nutritious, customizable, and cost-effective snack option that offers convenience and a sustainable alternative to store-bought bars. They are a great way to satisfy your hunger, boost your energy, and support a healthy lifestyle.

Making oat bars at home allows you to customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences. You can experiment with different flavors, textures, and add-ins like chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or spices. Oat bars can also be tailored to accommodate dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan options.

Oat bars are often made with nutritious ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners. Oats are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for a snack. Store-bought granola bars or energy bars can be quite expensive, especially if you consume them regularly. Making oat bars at home is a cost-effective alternative.

Meal prep tips for Cranberry Crumb Oat Bar Desserts

  • Bring the butter to room temperature so that it is easier to cream together with the sugar
  • You can use either dried fruit or fresh cranberries with this recipe
  • Finely chop the walnuts so that they are easier to fold into the batter and no one gets a big chunk of walnut in their bite
  • Cool the crumb bar before trying to cut them
  • You can also freeze them and reheat them when you are ready to enjoy them
cranberry crumble

Pumpkin Cranberry Crumble Cake

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • spoons
  • mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice (or ground cinnamon)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 each eggs
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 350F
  • In a bowl, add the softened butter and sugar and whisk them together until creamy
  • Next, add the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract and whisk it together
  • Then, add the pumpkin spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the flour in batches and continue to mix it all together
  • Afterwards, add in the rolled oats, cranberries, and chopped walnuts
  • Grease a baking dish and pour in the batter
  • Place it in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the center is fully cooked. Test it with a toothpick by inserting it into the center of the cake. If cooked, it should come out clean
  • Allow it to cool before slicing into bite size squares