It’s that time of year again, 2024 New Year Meal Prep. Time to reset and realign your meal prep for nutrition and good habits. Whether you are a seasoned meal prep pro or new to meal prep, post holidays are a great time to update your habits.
Keep it simple: Over complicating your routine is a quick way to derail your new routine. It doesn’t have to check every box, progress not perfection. Focus on what works or what is the most important right now. The rest you can work on later.
Focus on what you like: Trying to meal prep with foods you don’t like already is a great way to grow your tastes but it can also lead to a loss of interest in the food you cook.
Plan ahead: Planning is the most important part of meal prepping. A good meal plan is based on recipe choice, grocery shopping, cooking schedule, and so much more. Start with a plan and the rest will fall into place.
Replace/invest/upgrade containers: It’s a new year. It’s time to consider your meal container situation and whether you need to replace or upgrade your containers.
Diversify your routine: 2024 new year meal prep is a perfect time to mix up your routine. Variety is the spice of life and meal routine.
Listen to your body: As with anything, listen to your body and adjust your meal prep for what makes you feel best. Don’t force a lifestyle change. Work on your nutrition and your habits that are right for you.
New year, new you, new meal prep routine. Meal prepping at all is a great step in the right direction of avoiding processed fast foods. Make your 2024 new year meal prep nutritious with these tips.
Stay organized: Keep things clean and the process clear in your head and you’ll find that you enjoy the meal prep experience more and stick with it longer.
Experiment with seasonings: spicing up recipes is a good way to enjoy new tastes and mix up your routine without having to do entirely new recipes.
Focus on nutritional protein: If you’re having trouble adjusting your meal prep to be more nutritious than focus on core components of each meal and start there. Use lean meat like chicken or fish. Then work on your sides.
Make your own sauces: Sauces can make and break the nutritional value of a meal. Overly salty or sweet sauces are good to avoid. Homemade sauces or light dressings are great alternatives.
Portion control: Most meals can be made significantly more healthy simply with portion control. Lean more towards veggies and lean meat and away from fried foods and sugars.
Find fruits and veggies you like: A good tip for meal prepping nutritionally is to find one or two veggies and fruits that you like and stick with those as your sides and work the recipes around them.
First time meal prepping can be daunting to get into but with the right approach it’s accessible and life changing.
Meal prep for only specific days: Focus on the days that you need meal prep the most. This is a great way to start meal prepping that is more accessible for first timers especially if you don’t cook often to begin with.
Minimize waste: Under cook rather than over cook. Nothing is more of a let down in meal prep than throwing out food that you cooked. It wastes money and time. It’s always better to want more than to have too much. It’ll keep you interested in meal prepping for longer.
Stay flexible: Cooking with the same recipes, ingredients, and flavors is a quick way to burn out on meal prep. Stay flexible and you’ll find it easier to mix up a meal routine in planning or even on the fly.
Freezer friendly meals: Batch cooking is great for efficiency and money saving but it also makes a lot of food. Freezer friendly meals are easier to stretch out. This is great if you can’t eat it fast enough before it goes bad or if you want to do different meals in between so it’s not the same thing day after day.
No cook meal prep recipes are a must for long term routines. They’re fast, easy to put together, and perfect for a variety of situations that other meals simply don’t work in. Meal prepping for lunches that you know will be in a place without a working microwave, oven, or grill tend to be a boring sandwich and a bag of chips. These no cook meal prep recipes bring the flavor and the nutrition without the need to be reheated. Not to mention the time save on meal prepping during busy schedules. No cook recipes are a well deserved break from the constant cooking, prepping, and cleaning. These recipes are also delicious and nutritious. The fresh ingredients mean maintain more of their varied macro nutrients and removes the cooking oils and butter.
1. Smoked Salmon English Muffin
The smoky, savory salmon complements the creamy richness of the ripe avocado, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The slightly salty salmon with the buttery, nutty tasting avocado creates an all together new experience that dances on the taste buds. This open-faced sandwich not only satisfies the palate but is also stunning visually. It’s a sophisticated yet simple dish that effortlessly elevates breakfast. The avocado provides healthy fats for your diets while the smoked salmon offers low calories for high protein and additional nurtients.
This is a great option for people who don’t have a lot of time to cook breakfast. You can throw this together quickly, run out the door, and eat it on the way to work.
This open-faced Smoked Salmon English Muffin is the perfect healthy meal for busy mornings or an afternoon snack. It combines delicious smoked salmon with sliced avocados and comes together in less than 10 minutes for a great start to the day! This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Why…
Smoked salmon and fruit are a great combination of flavors, textures, and nutrients. The rich, smoky salmon carries savory and salty flavors that is balanced out by the sweet and tangy fruit. Instead of fighting each other, every bite is balanced. It’s also a lot of fun to mix and match the combinations with the smoked salmon so each bite is unique. This combination not only offers a delightful flavor experience but also provides a textural adventure, as the soft, silky salmon complements the crisp and juicy textures of the fruit. The avocado and vinaigrette dressing round out the meal for a super easy no cook meal prep recipe.
Smoked salmon with fruit salad sounds like an unlikely pairing however if you haven’t tried it you will be amazed. The smoky, salty salmon mixes perfectly with the medley of fruit. The fruit brings out the flavor of the salmon and the salmon highlights the sweetness of the fruits.
A new take on tuna salad that is packed with protein, tastes fresh, and super easy. this no cook meal prep recipe is a favorite for work lunches. It’s robust flavors from the salmon and sesame ginger vinaigrette are a delight on the palette and fills you up fast. This is great for meal prepping as portioning it out and making exactly as much as you want is very easy. The vegetables create a balanced nutritious meal that will have everyone at the office asking for the recipe.
Asian salmon salad is a take on tuna salad over a bed of fresh greens topped with corn, edamame, and cherry tomatoes with sesame ginger vinaigrette drizzled over top. This super simple no cook meal prep recipe is a favorite for lunches. The fresh vegetables balance out the salmon, mayonnaise, and red onion which packs…
It’s a whole new take on the classic deviled eggs recipe. The richness of the tuna pairs seamlessly with the velvety texture of the egg yolk mixture, resulting in a luscious and flavorful filling. Tuna stuffed deviled eggs retain all of the original flavors with the addition of the bold, savory tuna that is not only packed with flavor but with protein as well. This can be a great change up for your meal prep routine or for a party or pot luck. The addition of canned tuna brings a classic to the modern age.
To ensure your Tuna Stuffed Deviled Eggs stay fresh and flavorful, here are some storage tips: Store the deviled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days.If you plan to eat them later in the week, consider storing the filling and the egg whites separately. Assemble them just before eating to maintain the perfect texture.
Greetings, food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you a fabulous recipe that not only adds a burst of flavor to your meal prep routine but also offers numerous health and cost benefits. Get ready to indulge in the delectable goodness of Tuna Stuffed Deviled Eggs, a low carb meal that will keep your…
Watermelon and prosciutto is a fun mix of flavors and textures that balance each other out while retaining their unique flavor profiles. The sweet, crisp watermelon is balanced with the salty, smooth flavors of the prosciutto for a complete meal that is unlike any other sandwich you have ever had. Watermelon, the star of this show, is not only incredibly refreshing but also packed with vitamins A and C, along with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a refreshingly delicious lunch idea that’s perfect for those scorching hot days. Today, we’re diving into the realm of culinary creativity with a delightful watermelon prosciutto sandwich that will make your mouth water. Trust me, folks, this recipe is an absolute game-changer for meal prep! This post…
Balanced flavors: The real trick to no cook meal prep recipes is balancing powerful flavors on the plate. When you cook, you can blend flavors but with fresh ingredients you need to know the right combinations to make a harmonious meal.
Time-Saving: No-cook meal prepping is a time-efficient approach, streamlining the meal prep process. By eliminating the need for cooking, it minimizes kitchen time and makes it easier to plan and assemble meals quickly.
No Cook is Fresh: No-cook meal prepping often involves using fresh, raw ingredients, which helps retain their natural nutrients and flavors.
Versatility: No-cook meal prepping caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions, making it accessible to a wide range of lifestyles and nutritional plans.
Accessibility: Some people don’t have access to a kitchen all of the time. If you’re on the go, kitchen is out of order, or you simply don’t have an adequate kitchen for you meal prep needs. No cook meal prep recipes are super easy for anyone with basic tools and a little bit of space.
High protein diets like the Carnivore Diet are not new (Atkins, Keto, Paleo), and there is a lot of science that backs up the health benefits of increasing protein in your diet. It’s important to remember, though, that the Carnivore Diet may not be the perfect fit for everyone and educating yourself before trying it is a good idea. This is especially true if you have unique dietary needs. If you are concerned about your diet or the impacts on your body from eating habits, you should always consult a licensed dietitian and your primary physician. They are your trusted partners in optimizing your health, and together, you can create a personalized plan that aligns perfectly with your goals.
What is the Carnivore Diet?
At first glance, the Carnivore Diet may seem refreshingly straightforward-just enjoy delicious meat! However, when it comes to crafting a truly healthy and balanced diet, it tends to be much more complicated. Unlike other high-protein, low-carb diets, the Carnivore Diet eliminates all carbs. The Carnivore diet approach is pretty much a “meat-only” diet and includes animal products like eggs, butter, as well as poultry, beef, pork, and fish. This can also include bone broth and lard, and for those who find that too strict, some other foods that are acceptable include milk, yogurt and cheese. It’s worth noting that there are diverse interpretations of the Carnivore diet, each offering its own twist, but essentially this is the basic approach.
What does the Carnivore Diet cut out?
It completely cuts out vegetables, fruits, breads, pasta, nuts, alcohol, and essentially anything overly processed. That is a significant portion of foods and food categories. Anything that isn’t derived from meat, poultry or fish is eliminated from the diet.
Why choose the Carnivore Diet?
Some individuals may be motivated to choose this diet because of other similar diets that reduce carb intake and gained the benefits of lower blood glucose levels, therefore, they may assume that if low carb diets worked well, a no carb diet may work better. In addition, high protein diets assist in muscle growth, weight management, and can help in some additional health issues potentially helping with inflammation. Let’s face it, it’s also a diet that is very enticing for people who don’t like vegetables and fruits but want to lose weight. It’s also fun to think about the exciting cuts of meat you can explore with the new recipe restrictions. Sometimes limitations breed creativity and new experiences.
Considering how restrictive the Carnivore Diet is, there is a higher chance of reducing calorie intake because you are eliminating so many other food groups you would have previously eaten, and it most likely would result in weight loss. More on that below.
Living with the Carnivore Diet
The list of authorized foods on the diet is short so it seems simple when you think about it. Change your meal routine over to beef with eggs in the morning, it’s like a breakfast taco without the tortilla. For lunch and dinner, cook chicken in butter with salt and pepper and you’re good to go. You can even take paleo or keto recipes and remove the additional ingredients for a whole host of recipe options. It can be a delicious diet which is one reason it’s very popular.
What this also means, no eating out, no frozen meals, no processed foods really at all. That is a tough pill to swallow for anyone and especially busy people who barely have time to meal prep as it is. Cutting out fast food and processed foods can make a huge difference on your diet though. Those tend to be fatty, unhealthy, and a convenient go-to option for many of us. So the Carnivore Diet can make a significant impact on your weight and how you feel just from cutting out these foods.
Is the Carnivore diet right for you
This comes down to the individual. In some cases for individuals with chronic conditions or food intolerances, this diet may be beneficial as a short-term elimination diet that can determine common food triggers that cause inflammation or don’t agree with your system. The approach would be to eliminate common triggers such as gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, shellfish, and tree nuts and slowly reintroduce new foods slowly to see what causes any inflammation or intolerances.
However, extreme diets like this are not meant to be lifelong changes. They’re meant to help jumpstart your metabolism, get you motivated and moving in the right direction but living your life without vegetables and fruits is unhealthy. Fruits and vegetables and other food groups provide your body with necessary nutrients such as potassium, dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A and C. These are very important to a balanced nutritional diet that your body needs to function. You may not feel the loss with a short term dietary journey through the Carnivore Diet, but your body will feel the stress of not having these nutrients after a short while.
The Carnivore Diet is trendy and sounds tasty. Steak and chicken for every meal is a dream for a lot of us. While it’s tempting to dive right in, it’s important to remember that optimal health involves thoughtful consideration. Consult with a licensed dietitian and your primary physician to create an appropriate nutritional plan that aligns with your health goals. You should also consider a well balanced diet that meets the nutrient and caloric needs for your body. There are plenty of ways to increase the protein in your diet without consuming only meat and animal products. By doing so, you’ll enhance and protect your body in the long term.
Ground beef meal prepping is one of the best set of skills and recipes to improve your meal routine. Ground beef is versatile, quick and easy to cook. Most cuisines in the world use some kind of ground beef. From meatloaf to meatballs, from tacos to lettuce wraps, ground beef can do it all.
Not all ground beef is the same. Knowing the right ground beef for the recipe, your dietary needs, and for meal prepping is important.
Ground beef meal prepping is affordable but that doesn’t mean you should always buy the cheapest ground beef that you can find. Quality ground beef is worth the money. It tends to be healthier and tastier. This is especially important for meals like hamburgers or meatloaf, any recipe that focuses on the flavor of the ground beef as opposed to a lot of sauces or seasonings.
Fatty Ground Beef (70% Lean, 30% Fat) One of the most common ground beef options at the grocery store is 70% lean beef mixed with 30% fat. This makes the ground beef flavorful, juicy is a great choice for hamburgers or recipes with chilis involved. The fat can cool down the heat of the chilis and retain the flavor. Expect your final food volume to be lower if you use this type of ground beef. Much of the contents will melt away since it’s fat so you may want to make portions bigger than you would expect.
Medium Ground Beef (80% Lean, 20% Fat) This is another of the most common ground beef types that you’ll find. Medium ground beef is a little less fatty which makes it a better choice for meal prepping recipes that will mask a bit more of the flavor. Tacos, spaghetti, casseroles are great examples of times to use medium ground beef over fatty or lean mixtures.
Lean Ground Beef (85% Lean, 15% Fat) Lean ground beef can often be interchanged with medium ground beef and depending on your grocery store this can be hard to find.
Extra Lean Ground Beef (90 – 95% Lean, 5 – 10% Fat) This is the last most common ground beef type that you’ll find at your grocery store. Depending on the brand, it’ll have slightly different ratios but is essentially the same. This is a healthier option to the others since it starts out with less fat so there is less that you need to remove from the beef when cooking. This is a great option for use in recipes that are adding moisture back into the meal by other means. Cooking with fats or oils from other sources like chili oil can replace the ground beef fat and bring new flavors to the dish.
Ground Sirloin or Ground Round This has become more common at grocery stores and is more expensive but also from a better cut. If you don’t mind the extra cost and you’re really looking for something with a bit more flavor, this is an excellent option. These products tend to be on the leaner side so if you’re health conscious but still want that beef flavor, consider this as the best option.
Blended Ground Beef Many stores offer their own blends which can change from day to day but offer a more unique and personalized experience. There is something special about interacting with your local butcher, even if it is a large grocery store, and using the products you know were made in house rather than a big factory. If that’s important to you. Also, if you’re buying enough ground beef you can have a custom blend made for you by the butcher as well. If you have specific dietary needs, this is a good option.
Great Ground Beef Meal Prepping Recipes
Hamburgers The classic hamburger is an easy and quick meal to make and there are tons of different combinations that you can do with ground beef. Mix in peppers, herbs, and cheeses for a unique hamburger experience. Obviously when storing hamburgers you should store the patties as separately as possible so they don’t stick together, especially if you apply cheese when cooking. Store the buns and veggies in separate containers or use a meal prep container with multiple compartments.
Tacos and Burritos Ground beef tacos are another super easy meal to whip up. A bit of taco seasoning added to the cooking ground beef and you have multiple ways that you can use it. Prep your veggies, beans or rice and you can create a tasty and nutritious meal.
Spaghetti Bolognese Spaghetti with a meat red sauce is one of the original ground beef meal prepping recipes. It’s easy, quick, and can make a ton of food affordably. It also stores and reheats very well. It’s filling and tastes great on top of everything. This is a definite go-to meal for the busy work weeks.
Meatloaf Another classic ground beef meal prepping recipe is meatloaf. This is a meal that really can be anything that you want it to be. Adjust the recipe to fit your particular tastes. Substitute veggies and spices and you’ll find meatloaf to really be a general term for a dish that can be anything you want it to be. It can also be very healthy if you adjust your ground beef, vegetables, and sauces to be healthier.
Stir-Fry Ground beef stir-fry can be an easy and quick meal that can be made in any volume that you like. Change up the spices and veggies that you use to make tons of variations of a stir-fry and appreciate different profiles. This can also bring a different texture to ground beef if you’re getting tired of the same ground beef experience. Beef and Broccoli is a popular option by the way.
Stuffed Peppers Ground beef meal prepping can be fun and colorful. Stuffed peppers with ground beef bring the color of the bell peppers, not to mention the sweetness, with the savoriness of the ground beef. Add some additional veggies on top and some healthy melted cheese for a delicious meal.
Casseroles Casseroles are an old classic for ground beef as well as ground beef meal prepping. Casseroles are a great option for mixing many different ingredients, easy cooking, and can make a lot of food easily. There may be more casserole recipes available than any other recipe types so you’ll have plenty of options to mix up the routine.
Beef and Rice Bowls One of the best and easiest recipe types for ground beef meal prepping is beef and rice. It sounds so simple but there are limitless ways for you to season the beef, tons of veggie combinations to put with it, and you can spice the rice or use different types of rice. These are perfect recipes for stepping outside of your normal routine as you can always mix it up later or add additional sauces if it doesn’t turn out like you wanted.
Love the comfort of meatloaf, but don’t want to wait too long for the prep? Here’s a twist on a meatloaf-recipe family favorite using burger patties. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. While classic meatloaf recipes are normally baked in a loaf pan, we opted for using hamburger…
Here’s a low-carb, gluten-free version of lasagna that has all the hearty flavors of the classic lasagna dish. Best of all, the tasty ingredients are all packed in sweet and vibrant bell pepper cups. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Now, we know that lasagna can sometimes be…
Meal prepping leftovers is a great way to save money and be more efficient with your time. One of the most important leftover meal prepping tips is to keep cooked ingredients separate as much as possible. Use food storage containers that have compartments to keep entire meals separated. (This is also great for portion control) Picking recipes that produce good leftovers for meal prepping can be tough. Follow these tips on meal prepping leftovers and you should have a great place to start.
Intro
Add sauces just to the portions that you are serving that night. This way your food won’t get soggy with the sauce and your sauce won’t dry out.
Keep proteins and veggies separate. They reheat at different speeds, have different moisture levels and obviously taste distinct. If you mix them in the containers this can cause the veggies to become mushy and everything will taste the same.
This isn’t always possible. One pot or one pan recipes don’t really leave this as an option. These meals will be tougher to meal prep with but some still work great. Stir fry is a great example. Although everything is mixed, veggies, protein, and sauce, it still works great. Choosing the right recipe isn’t always easy. A good way to think about it is, if the meal has distinct side dishes, then keep them separate or if you’re dealing with pasta or rice. Testing out different recipes is a recommended approach.
Repurpose Leftovers
Most people don’t like eating the same leftovers day after day. Repurpose them into entirely new dishes. This is much easier if you keep the individual parts separate as recommended above. Chicken is a very versatile protein and simple seasoning works great. This way you can use it in american, italian, bbq, and many other ways without having to cook more. This will make it easier to meal prep and stick to the routine. Since proteins tend to be versatile, when cooking originally, consider decreasing the number of or volume of the sides. It’s typically easier to cook more of the sides the next day if you like them but this also means you can have plenty of chicken, beef, or any other protein ready to go as you mix and match recipes in your meal prepping.
You can also use the ingredients to make a frittata or casserole. These solutions can make a modest amount of leftovers go much further as well if you’re looking to feed many people or make it through the busy week without cooking again. This can save food that has lost it’s ideal texture. The casserole can mask it and add a new flavor on top.
Even just adding a simple egg on top can make a big difference when meal prepping leftovers. The egg itself brings life back to the flavors already there and adds a delicious flavor in itself. Also if you like runny yolks, this is a great way to add moisture to a dish that has started to dry out in the fridge.
If your meal didn’t not include a sauce or you want to try something different, add a sauce to your meal prepped leftovers. This will make it more likely that you want to eat your leftovers as you get bored of them by adding a new flavor and changing up the whole dish. The new sauce can also add much needed moisture to dried out food. An easy solution for most people is to add hot sauce to leftovers. It’s quick and has a lot of flavor to bring excitement back to your 3 day old chicken and broccoli.
Leftover Prep & Safety
After you’ve finished eating your food and you’re cleaning up the kitchen and preparing your portions of leftovers, let them cool down before putting them in the fridge. This is important for a few reasons – see our article on tips for freezing meals.
Only reheat chicken once to avoid harmful bacteria (also to prevent drying the chicken out even more). The best way is to portion out meals originally so that you’re only reheating what you know you’ll eat. The other option is to create your plate of food from the leftovers and only reheat that instead of reheating the entire leftovers container.
When reheating leftovers, go slowly and cover the food. The biggest issue with leftovers is that they dry out. You don’t want to further dry them out by cooking them at high temps. Low and slow and with a cover on. The cover can be aluminum foil in the oven or a plastic/glass cover in the microwave. Another option is a damp paper towel as the steam from the paper towel can bring a bit of moisture back to otherwise dry food.
Meal Prepping Leftovers
The last piece of advise if you don’t like eating leftovers, don’t over cook. Cut recipes in half. This is a great approach if you’re cooking for one and don’t want to eat 2lbs of chicken in the next couple of days. Use an online calculator or simply cook less protein and veggies.
Beef is a staple in every chef’s kitchen so we put together a list of our Top 10 Meal Prep Beef Recipes. Beef is a versatile protein that works well across cuisines and meal prep recipes as it reheats well and lasts in the kitchen. There are so many cuts of beef that there are endless possibilities. Beef is also a popular ingredient for meal prep as it’s easy to cook, making it a great option for cooks with less experience. It’s very forgiving and still tastes great!
Depending on how you prepare your beef, it can be very nutritious and filling. Lean beef is a great source of protein and can be a benefit to weight management as it fills you up fast without too much oil and fat. Make sure you get your ratios of beef to vegetables right and you’ll be enjoying your diet rather than dreading it.
Beef can also be very affordable. Sure steaks and different cuts can get expensive but ground beef is a great option that works in so many dishes and is very affordable.
1. Easy Beef Fajita Pasta Recipe
A comforting collision of two worlds, this fajita pasta combines traditional Mexican spices like cumin, cilantro, chili powder and paprika with a hearty and filling pasta. Sour cream (or yogurt) is added to give this pasta the creamy texture we all love in a pasta dish.
This recipe calls for flank steak but you can easily sub in chicken or shrimp if red meat isn’t your thing. You’ll cook each of these with the same process but cooking times will vary. The incredible versatility is part of why the Beef Fajita Pasta made it into our list of top 10 meal prep beef recipes. Plus it’s delicious.
This take on beef and vegetables is a good way to shake up your weekly meals. Although it uses the same ground beef as a lot of recipes, the Chayote squash and mix of spices deliver an entirely different experience from many of the recipes on this list.
Air fryer steak kebabs are such a fun and great meal that you can enjoy with friends or family. Everybody loves eating food on a stick, especially kiddos! It’s also a great way to pack flavor and healthy ingredients together on a skewer.
Kebabs are traditionally cooked on a skewer over a fire or baked in an oven so that it can roast. Roasting is one of the healthiest ways to prepare your meals because it results in minimal losses of vitamins and nutrients. Air fryer and kebabs, what’s not to like, and that’s why this recipe made it on our top 10 list of meal prep beef recipes.
Tacos are a classic choice for beef recipes as they’re easy to put together and so easy to make variations of. The Jicama tortillas are a great low carb alternative to flour or corn tortillas and taste just as great. If you’re craving a bit of spice in your meal prep rotation we recommend trying this version of ground beef tacos.
We love a one-pot dish and this Thai red beef curry is definitely one of our favorites. By simmering the ingredients at a lower temperature for a longer period of time, you are able to break down the beef and make it super tender. The combination of sweet and heat flavors make this seriously delicious.
Curry’s are also great because you can throw in whatever vegetables you have on hand and make this meal even more nutritious. This recipe doesn’t call it for it but we do like adding in green beans or squash if we’ve got it on hand.
One of the meal prep hacks to making this dish truly tasty is by adding fresh herbs. Not only do they add a pop of color and freshness to your dish, but they also add an incredible depth of flavor. For this recipe, I highly recommend adding fresh basil to your ground beef filling. The combination of this fresh herb with the juicy ground beef and flavorful sauce is simply irresistible.
By using lettuce wraps you’re cutting out lots of calories. Plus, ground beef is a great source of protein and the addition of vegetables like bell peppers and onions adds fiber and important vitamins and minerals. And let’s not forget about the incredible flavors and textures that make this dish so satisfying.
Beef and broccoli is always a popular combination and our Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is healthy and affordable. This recipe works so well as a meal prep recipe as it’s portions easily, can be made in a big batch, and it’s flavorful. Follow our recipe for a healthy version of Beef & Broccoli that tastes just as good.
Broccoli normally has a strong flavor, which makes it one of the most “not so favorite veggies for many”, but adding them to this beef stir fry makes it easier to acquire a taste for it. Not to mention, the green colors really brighten up the dish giving it a great meal appeal.
Another stir fry recipe made the list. This easy ground beef meal prep dish is full of vegetables and has a lot of great flavors using simple ingredients. There are several options for vegetables that you can use for stir fry. For this recipe, we used a mix of green and red cabbage, but you can easily add more vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, shredded carrots, and green beans. This healthy stir fry option is also keto friendly and a great addition to everyone’s meal prep routine so we had to add it to our list of top 10 meal prep beef recipes.
If you’re looking for a new side dish to accompany your meal prep, give udon noodles a try. Udon noodles are chewy Japanese noodles made from wheat flour, water, and salt. They are thicker than ramen and soba noodles that you often find in Asian recipes.
They are often served in a simple broth or used in stir fry recipes. The great thing about this ingredient is that you can often find them already packaged and pre-cooked in the international aisles of the grocery store. This means no cooking is required! When it comes to meal prep, you definitely want to incorporate ready to eat ingredients to cut down on prep time.
Not only are udon noodles a great alternate to rice, udon noodles can be a healthy addition to your meal prep as long as they are portioned right and portioned with a fair amount of protein and fiber.
10. Sautéed Ground Beef with Kale & Squash Rice Bowl
Rice bowls are delicious and versatile meals that can literally work with any combination of proteins and vegetables. The beef, kale and squash make for a hearty, healthy flavor that is also incredibly affordable. Rice bowls are also great for meal prepping as it’s easy to portion and reheats well, making it a great weekday lunch recipe.
This recipe can work with many different vegetable combinations so it’s a great recipe when you’re down to your last groceries in the fridge.
Versatility and Variety: Beef offers a wide range of cuts, cooking methods, and flavor profiles, making it versatile for meal prep. You can choose lean cuts like sirloin or tenderloin for healthier options or opt for fattier cuts like chuck or short ribs for more indulgent meals. You can experiment with different recipes, spices, marinades, and cooking techniques to keep your meal prep exciting and varied.
Batch Cooking and Freezing: Beef is well-suited for batch cooking and freezing. You can prepare larger portions of beef-based dishes like stews, chili, or meatballs and portion them into individual containers for future meals. This allows you to save time and effort by cooking in larger quantities and having ready-to-eat meals in the freezer for busy days.
When meal prepping with beef, it’s important to consider the cooking and storage requirements of different cuts to maintain their quality and safety. Additionally, it’s recommended to choose lean cuts or trim excess fat for healthier options. Overall, beef can be a valuable ingredient in meal prep, providing flavor, nutrients, and satisfaction to your pre-prepared meals.
Looking for more meal prep beef recipes? Try our entire list of beef recipes that are perfect for quick and nutritious dinners.
Meal prepping saves you a lot of time by making cooking efficient but that doesn’t mean that you won’t still be spending time in the kitchen. I spend a lot of time testing recipes, meal prepping, and cooking for others so I’m in the kitchen everyday. Having the right knives, pans, and kitchen tools at my disposal makes cooking so much easier and way more fun.
Anyone who has ever tried to cook with a dull knife or a crummy pan can tell you, the right kitchen tools are worth it. This list of the best kitchen tools for meal prepping balances out the needs of the kitchen with budget friendly, durable and effective products.
1. Knife: Wusthoff 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
It’s pricey, but it’s important to invest in a really good knife. Most recipes are going to involve cutting proteins, vegetables or fruits and a high quality, sharp knife not only makes life easier but also keeps you safe. Most kitchen knife cuts come from dull knives that require too much force. A knife that holds an edge well, like the Wusthoff 8 Inch Chef’s knife not only holds a very sharp edge but can last you forever if you maintain it.
Wusthof is a well-respected German knife manufacturer known for producing high-quality kitchen knives. The knives are well balanced, comfortable and designed to be the best in the kitchen. If you’re only going to buy one tool for your kitchen, a knife is a great place to start.
Product Details
Price: $170 – $240
WÜSTHOF CLASSIC SERIES – The full Tang, Triple Riveted handles of the classic line offer the widest range of cutlery that can satisfy every home cook or professional chef. The WÜSTHOF classic series has been our best-selling series for generations
CHEF’S KNIFE – Features an 8” long blade, 4.5” long handle and weighs 8.5 ounce Full Bolster and Finger Guard, German Made Cook’s Knife. Ergonomic handle design made from a long-lasting synthetic material to resist fading and discoloration
Whether or not you’re updating your kitchen knife, a good quality cutting board can help speed up cutting and cleanup. Not everything in your kitchen has to be expensive to be effective. This Farberware cutting board is a great example. We’ve had cutting boards from this brand for decades and it’s tough. The cutting board is resistant to deep cuts while still be soft enough to protect your knife. Also the juice groove works wonders when cutting proteins like chicken, avoids the messy counter clean up or contamination of your other ingredients.
The Farberware cutting boards have been around for a long time and there’s a good reason for it, they’re the best for a great price. The non slip edges of the board are a life saver when you’re cutting fast and furious. The cutting board is a medium size so it fits in most cabinets very easily, is very light but it’s still a great size for meal prepping.
Farberware Cutting Board Details
Price: $12 – $13
ANTIMICROBIAL: This board features an antimicrobial product protection which inhibits the growth of odor and stain-causing bacteria on the surface of the cutting board only This product does not protect users or others against food-borne bacteria. Always clean and wash this product thoroughly before and after each use
REVERSIBLE AND SLIP RESISTANT: This cutting board is reversible for double the cutting surface and features a hand hole and non-slip trim for added control and stability
Meal prepping goes hand in hand with portioning and batches. Being able to size up or size down recipes as well as create balanced meals that are broken up into multiple servings is extremely important. This is especially important if as you work on your nutrition and balancing your nutrients in every meal. Some of the best kitchen tools for meal prepping will be your measuring cups. You’ll use them in almost every recipe and serving measurement so getting a good set early is worth it. The quality of the Farberware Pro Stainless Steel Measuring Cup set is fantastic and I put them through their paces every day. They’re easy to clean and look gorgeous.
Farberware Pro Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
Price: $28-$30
SET INCLUDES: 4 measuring cups (1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, 1 cup) and 5 measuring spoons (1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/2 tbsp, and 1 tbsp)
EASY TO USE: measurements engraved right into the handles–won’t wash or wear off
DURABLE: stainless steel construction withstands rigorous everyday use
EASY TO STORE: the cups and spoons nest, taking up less space when stored, and both come with a handy ring, keeping all the pieces neatly together
The faithful casserole dish can last some people decades so it’s worth it to get a good one. Plus casserole dishes tend to get used a lot and are subjected to a lot of high temperatures so getting a quality Pyrex dish is a good option. There are a lot of more expensive casserole dishes out there but for the majority of people, a Pyrex dish will everything you need it to do, last forever and cook food very well. What more do you need? Meal prepping in general uses many baking recipes since baking can take a while and can produce a lot of food so it makes sense to make an entire week’s lunches in one casserole dish. It’s convenient and because it’s baked, more often, it’s healthier.
Pyrex casserole dishes are also great during clean up. They’re so easy to soak and scrub without worrying about damaging the material. These dishes will save you so much time.
Pyrex Glass Casserole Dish
Price: $13-$18
HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIAL: The Pyrex Easy Grab casserole dish offers high-quality durability and reliability. Tempered glass and large handles help bring stability and safety when handling hot food or any spillable meal.
INTUITIVE DESIGN: The Pyrex bakeware set has wide handles that help secure a firm grip to avoid slips and spills. This is the ideal tool for baking and serving all manner of dishes and entertaining. Product dimensions are 9-in x 7.25-in x 2.75-in.
EVERYDAY USE: High-quality non-pourous glass gives you a peace of mind when storing your food, resisting stains, flavors and odors. Durable tempered glass is also dishwasher, freezer, microwave and preheated oven safe.
5. Metal Sheet Pan: Farberware Bakeware Nonstick Pans
Metal sheet pans for the oven don’t have to be fancy but good quality pans will last longer, resist rusting, and provide a better bake. Just like with the casserole dish, metal oven pans can be used for so many recipes when meal prepping. Having a good set like the Farberware nonstick pans 4 set, can make life much easier. It’ll also make clean up much easier.
Sheet pans can be very versatile and used for a wide range of cooking techniques, cuisines and meal types. Go from roasting vegetables to baking some brownies. These sheet pans are some of the best kitchen tools for meal prepping.
Farberware Bakeware Steel Nonstick Oven Pan 4 Set
Price: $21 – $24
PFOA-FREE NONSTICK: Long-lasting nonstick on these baking trays promotes excellent food release and easy cleanup when making pizzas, cookies or even small casseroles. No Rolled Edges
HIGH HEAT TOASTER OVEN READY: The toaster oven pans in this 4-piece pizza, cake, and cookie tray set are oven safe in toaster or conventional ovens to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
PRODUCT DETAILS: Farberware 57775 Bakeware Nonstick Toaster Oven Pan Set, Includes Two 10-Inch x 7-Inch Cookie Trays – 10″ L x 7″ W (interior)/ 10.8″ x 7.5″ (exterior), one 10-Inch x 7-Inch Cake Pan – 10″ L x 7″ W (interior)/ 10.8″ x 7.5″ (exterior), one 7-Inch Pizza Pan – 7″ L x 7″ x W (interior)/ 7.5″ x 7.5″ (exterior). Steel Construction.
One of the best kitchen tools for meal prepping is the trusty stove top pan. I cook so many meals on the stove top as it’s versatile, easy to gauge and most importantly, more fun. You can do so much with the food while it’s cooking on the stove top. Starting with butter and garlic before adding the other ingredients, adding spices as you go or even finishing off the cook in the oven. Cuisinart’s Stainless Steel Saute Pan is one the essential pans in the kitchen, in my opinion. It has lasted me over a decade and has been one of the most fun kitchen tools to cook with.
Cuisinart pans with high edges can saute or cook soup, or just help keep you cleaner. The pans are quick to clean and light for their size.
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Saute Pan
Price: $60 – $70
EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: The 5.5-Quart Saute Pan with Helper Handle and Flavor Lock Lid has straight high sides and a flat cooking surface to maximise capacity. Measurement markings provide you with ease of use every time with Drip-Free pouring
COOKING AND CLEANING: Experience professional performance with an aluminum encapsulated base that heats quickly and spreads heat evenly, eliminating any hot spots. The cooking surface does not discolor, react with food or alter flavors, providing professional results. Dishwasher safe.
Not your ordinary strainer, but a newer version. This one is great, you can rinse fruit/vegetables in it, drain pasta, and use it as a drying rack! Colanders are not most people’s first thought when considering the best kitchen tools for meal prepping but a good colander is a life saver. Anyone who has ever struggled with draining a pan without spilling or burning yourself knows what I mean. Colanders may not get used as often as a pan or a knife but when you need it to work there are not many alternatives that work nearly as well.
This collapsible colander from WYOK is cool too. It’s convenient for many different sinks as well as easier to handle when you have two hands on a hot pot and are trying not to knock over your colander as you pour the food you just made into it.
Collapsible colander from WYOK
Price: $12 – $15
EXPANDABLE COLANDER: The colander can be expanded from 14.2 inches to 19.5 inches to fit for sinks of different sizes and hold more food and fruits.
LARGE CAPACITY & VERSATILE: 5-quart capacity to hold and drain everything like spaghetti, pasta, potatoes, broccoli, green beans, carrots, spinach and other veggies.
SPACE SAVING: The expandable body design make it very convenient to store in any kitchen drawer, cabinet or drying tray without taking up too much space.
HIGH QUALITY & DURABLE: The colander is made of high quality material. It is BPA free and dishwasher safe. Heat-Resistant up to 230° F/ 110°C. Heavy-duty designed could make it repeatedly work well.
Shop for the Collapsible Colander from WYOK
8. Oven Mitts: Kitchenaid Oven Mitts
Oven mitts can be a very personal preference type of kitchen tool. What everyone is comfortable with when dealing with hundreds of degrees of heat and heavy and hot pans, can be very different. I have found through all of my different oven mitts through the years that the Kitchenaid mini oven mitts gave me the best grip and heat protection without being annoying to get off after use. I still have my decorative mitts hanging up but when I’m cooking, I’m going for the mitts that I can trust. It’s too easy to drop a casserole dish of molten hot food and have a very bad day.
Kitchenaid Mini Oven Mitts
Price: $13-$20
Cotton
HEAT RESISTANT COTTON – Made of 100 percent durable, heat-resistant cotton, these oven mitts will help shield your hands from heat up-to 302 degrees Fahrenheit.
SILICONE PRINT GRIPS – Textured, heart-shaped silicone grips ensure a more secure hold when handling hot cookware.
SET OF TWO – Protect both hands while handling hot pots and pans. Set includes two (2) Kitchen Aid Asteroid Mini Mitts in gray, 5.5″ W x 8″ L.
Last but certainly not least is all of the spatulas, stirring spoons and whisks that’ll need as you meal prep. The best kitchen tools for meal prepping can’t be complete without them. There are a lot of good utensils out there but I have found this set to be a great choice for how effective they are, easy to clean, and they look good which can be important if they hang on the walls or are otherwise visible when not cooking.
I have especially found that whisks are a tricky utensil and finding a good one can help a lot, especially when it comes time to clean it. I like to cook with silicone, because it can handle high heat, doesn’t scratch pans, and is easy to clean. Specific brands are less important with utensils, just make sure they’re good quality silicone and you should be good.
Utensil Set
Price: $27 – $35
HEAT-RESISTANT, NON-MELTING, WOODEN HANDLE – The silicone cooking utensils can withstand temperatures up to 446°F, even if they are used in a high-temperature frying environment, they will not melt or produce smoke. The wooden handle feels comfortable prevents heat transfer, so you don’t have to worry about scalding the chef’s hands. These cooking utensils set is a good gift choice for mom. Note: Each handle has a slightly different color and texture
SAFE, BPA FREE, FOOD GRADE SILICONE, ODORLESS – The kitchen utensil set are made of high quality food grade silicone.BPA free. no harmful smell. Note: It must be soaked for half an hour when it is used for the first time, and then exposed to the air for about 3 hours, the original smell of silica gel will disappear. The silicone cooking utensil is safe to use for any type of food. These kitchen utensil set does not react with food or beverages
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