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Versatile Meal Prep, a “How To”

Meal prep versatility can make or break a routine. Meal prep burnout happens because you get bored of the flavors, the textures, the monotony of it all. It can also be as simple as one week of meals that you don’t like but are stuck with 5 days of food and you break from your habit. This is where versatility comes in and makes a world of difference. Being able to break up the pattern, pivot mid week, and feel reassured that you aren’t stuck eating the exact same meal all week.

There is a lot that you can do to improve your meal prep versatility. The most important part of any meal prepping is planning out your recipes. Preparing food that you like, stores well, is easy to cook, and combines with the other ingredients is the focus. 

View our regularly updated Weekly Meal Plans!

Start with flavor profiles

Some flavors go well on certain proteins and work differently with various vegetables. Consider flavors that you already like and plan around that to determine the protein. 

1. Garlic and Herb:

One of the most versatile flavor combinations is garlic and herb. It can be adjusted for your taste, goes on a ton of different ingredients, and is very healthy for you. You honestly might be able to put this on everything that isn’t sweet.

Components: Garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley.
Works well with: Roasted vegetables, grilled meats, pasta, salads.

2. Citrus and Herb:

This is a great combo of flavors for versatile meal prep as flavor is light and tends to leave the meal overall feeling light. This is good for lunches at work where you do want to be too tired after eating. This is also very easy to adjust to your preferences.

Components: Lemon, lime, orange, cilantro, mint.
Works well with: Seafood, chicken, salads, grains, vegetables.

3. Savory Umami:

Soy sauce can do a lot of work in flavoring foods. It’s a powerful flavor that is balanced out by the miso, mushrooms, and sesame oil. This is great for having a strong impact but it does limit the versatility as many foods simply taste like soy sauce if you go too heavy with it.

Components: Soy sauce, miso, mushrooms, sesame oil.
Works well with: Stir-fries, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, rice dishes.

4. Mediterranean:

This is another light flavor set that is delicious and nutritious. Getting fresh herbs will make a big difference but even the dried the seasoning bottles will work for improving your meal prep versatility.

Components: Olive oil, garlic, lemon, oregano, basil.
Works well with: Grilled proteins, salads, pasta, roasted vegetables.

5. Spicy and Smoky:

Spicy and smoky is a strong flavor combination with a lot of character. Used sparingly, in just the protein, works great and the veggies can be added later with little to no flavoring. 

Components: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, chipotle, garlic.
Works well with: Tacos, barbecue, roasted meats, soups.

6. Sweet and Tangy:

Sweet and tangy is a good way to balance out these other flavor profiles in your meal routines. Sometimes you need something that is less salty, smokey, or citrus-y. This profile can waken up taste buds and make any ingredients dramatically change their taste.

ingredients for versatile meal prep

Components: Honey, balsamic vinegar, mustard, maple syrup.
Works well with: Grilled meats, salads, roasted vegetables, glazes.

7. Balsamic Glaze:

Glazes are a great way to season your food. It’s easy to adjust the strength of the glaze and adjust the amount you pour onto the food itself. It can work as a marinade or as a dressing.

Components: Balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard.
Works well with: Grilled meats, roasted vegetables, salads, bruschetta.

8. Ginger Sesame:

Ginger sesame is a fantastic flavor profile that can be light as well, depending on how you make it and how much you add. This is another versatile meal prep flavor that is perfect for work lunches.

Components: Ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions.
Works well with: Stir-fries, grilled meats, salads, noodles.

Choose versatile ingredients

Just like with choosing versatile flavors, versatile proteins and veggies are important. Consider the flavor profiles you’re interested in and choose a protein that can work well across multiple.

  • Proteins: Chicken breast, ground turkey, tofu, beans, ground beef.
  • Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, couscous.
  • Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes.
  • Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, nuts.

These are safe places to start for each category, however, depending on your personal tastes, you can really expand in tons of directions after identifying the flavors you want to work with.

Bulk prep protein, cook sides as needed

Another approach to versatile meal prep is to bulk cook the protein. This is often the most involved and longest part of the cook. If you can knock this out ahead of time then you can assemble meals as needed. This works especially well with instant pots, chicken, cuts of beef, and ground beef or turkey mixed with a sauce. This can often make enough to last all week, is super easy and can be portioned out and reheated nicely. 

The sides or the grains and veggies for each meal are important. Depending on the grain you’re going for, these can be cooked half at the beginning and the second half as you need it. This will keep the texture like you want it and offer you a chance to change it up if you are no longer enjoying the quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Veggies again can be eaten raw and just need to be cleaned and cut. You can also cook them separately and have them ready to be portioned out. Again, consider only making enough for a couple of days or making two sets of different vegetables so you can change it up each day.

The most important thing is to store the different parts individually. As soon as you combine all of the separate foods, they combine and are delicious but there is also no going back. Storing them separately gives you choice down the line. Even if that means throwing out some parts of the dish that you don’t like but keeping the other parts.

Sauces and Dressings

This is a game changer for food versatility. There are so many foods that you can simply cook with very little flavor and achieve the perfect texture while being blank canvases for flavor. Just like keeping each part of the meal prep separate, keeping the sauce separate will offer opportunities to pivot. It will also help your food retain its texture. In some cases the additional moisture will ruin the texture of a crust, breading, or a crisp bite. 

Utilizing sauces to make versatile meal prep is a fun way to mix and match flavors without being committed to a week’s worth of it. You can try a different sauce each day or even multiple sauces during the same meal. Sometimes a bit of sweet and tangy needs to be balanced with spicy and smokey.

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2024 New Year Meal Prep

healthy meals - meal plan service

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. 

Click to view weekly meal plans and start the year off strong

Good new year meal prep habits for everyone.

flexible meals - meals for one
  • 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.

scalable meals - meal plan service
  • 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.

Happy 2024 new year meal prepping! Good luck on your new routines and check back for weekly meal plans, new recipes, new tips and tricks, and nutritional insights.

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Top No Cook Meal Prep Recipes

Smoked Salmon and Fruit Salad

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.

White round plate with open faced english muffin topped with sliced avocado, smoked salmon, and sliced cucumber.

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…

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2. Smoked Salmon and Fruit Salad

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 and Fruit Salad

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.

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3. Asian Salmon Salad 

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

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…

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4. Tuna Stuffed Deviled Eggs

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.

round plate with deviled eggs and arugula salad

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…

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5. Refreshing Watermelon Prosciutto Sandwich

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.

watermelon with prosciutto and spring mix

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…

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More about No Cook Meal Prep:

  • 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.

Free Weekly Meal Plans

Try out our weekly meal plans with tasty recipes. We make your shopping list and show you how to prep your meals.

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Meal Prepping Desserts

round plate with diced peaches and rolled oats

Meal prepping desserts is a great addition to savory meal prep or an introduction into meal prepping. We often don’t think about dessert meal prep as a lot of people meal prep for nutritional reasons or because dessert tends to be a cookie, or ice cream, or candy. Something that is easy enough to grab. Desserts can be more than that though, they can be healthy and delicious and an excellent part of a meal routine. 

round plate with diced peaches and rolled oats

One of the main goals behind meal prepping is to stay on a routine and avoid unhealthy, quick food options. The same goes for dessert. Baking cookies is easy enough but meal prepping with them will help limit how many you eat in one sitting. It’s also a great way to wrap up lunch or dinner so you don’t feel unsatisfied and likely to break from your routine. That little treat can psychologically provide comfort and prevent burn out.

Meal prepping desserts also has the added benefit of avoiding packaged or restaurant desserts which have a lot of preservatives, sugar, corn syrup, and many more ingredients that aren’t healthy. Planning your desserts ahead of time means you can select quality desserts from the bakery section, make your own, or at least choose healthy dessert options. You will be amazed at how much dessert you can actually eat while staying on a healthy diet.

Meal prepping savory dishes often involves how well the food stores and reheats. The same goes for desserts but has added wrinkles. If it’s meant to be cold, can you keep it cold until it’s time to eat? If it’s meant to be room temperature or hot, will the consistency and texture last until it’s time to eat? These are questions you often have to answer with savory meal prep. Consider your situation, is there a fridge or freezer, and what recipes will work for you. 

A safe tip may be to start with desserts that can be stored at room temperature, last a few days, and don’t require heating up. This way you can leave it on your counter, grab it the day you need it and otherwise not worry about it. Baked goods are an excellent choice for this. They will start to dry out but they’ll last a few days. Opt for desserts that maintain or even enhance their flavors and textures over time. 

ricotta apple ingredients

If you’re on a low or no sugar diet like keto, look for sugar free desserts. Be aware that many natural foods already have high sugar amounts. Some fruits and vegetables can actually be quite high in sugar naturally so just because it’s all natural doesn’t mean you can eat a ton of it. Balance out sweet fruits with yogurt or citrus. 

Consider options like energy bites, chia seed puddings, and fruit-based treats that are not only sweet but also offer nutritional benefits.

Just like meal prepping savory dishes, desserts can be prepared in large batches to save time and effort throughout the week. Choose recipes that lend themselves well to batch cooking, such as baked goods, bars, or no-bake treats. Once prepared, divide them into individual servings and store them in convenient, portion-controlled containers for easy access.

Desserts can also be frozen in parts either pre-cooked or post-cooked in portions. Cookie dough, muffins, or individually wrapped slices of cake can be frozen. When that sweet tooth strikes, you can simply thaw a portion and enjoy a freshly preserved treat without the need for excessive preparation.

To make your desserts even more meal prep-friendly, experiment with ingredient substitutions that align with your dietary needs. Explore natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia as alternatives to refined sugars. Swap traditional flours with whole grain or gluten-free options for a healthier take on classic desserts

Dessert meal prepping is a delightful and practical way to ensure that your sweet tooth is satisfied without compromising your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Experiment with various recipes, be adventurous with ingredient substitutions, and discover the joy of having a curated selection of wholesome desserts at your fingertips.

round plate with diced peaches and rolled oats
breakfast quinoa

Cinnamon Toast Quinoa Crunch with Strawberries

If you enjoy oatmeal for breakfast, try this healthy breakfast alternative. It is a sweet and nutty cinnamon-toasted quinoa recipe. Feel good and start the day off with this super healthy bowl of nutrients! This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Why we enjoy this sweet quinoa breakfast for…

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ricotta apple

Oven Baked Apple with Ricotta and Walnuts

We often associate baked apples with pies and dessert, but our Baked Apples with Ricotta and Walnuts meal prep recipe can easily be enjoyed for a healthy breakfast. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. We love this healthy-breakfast, baked apple recipe for so many reasons: It’s a light…

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Best Meal Prep Containers – Gift Edition

This is a perfect time to update, upgrade, or replace your meal prep containers with more of the Best Meal Prep Containers – Gift Edition. Whether you’re treating yourself or the meal prepper in your life, this list will provide you plenty of options from cheap to expensive, full meal to portions, and silicone to glass and even ceramic.

Meal prep containers should fit the type of food you’re cooking. Many meals work better with individual compartments while others keep better with good insulation. Having a variety of meal prep containers available can also open up your meal routine. You feel more freedom to try new recipes when you know you have the perfect container for it.

Need more information before you select the best meal prep container for you or as a gift? Here is some helpful details for understanding the materials and their benefits:

Plastic containers:

  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Inexpensive and widely available.
  • Durable and resistant to breakage.

Glass containers:

  • Generally more durable and long-lasting compared to plastic.
  • Environmentally friendly and recyclable.
  • Non-reactive and doesn’t absorb odors or stains.

Silicone containers:

  • Flexible and collapsible, saving storage space.
  • Lightweight.
  • Resistant to stains and odors.

Ceramic containers:

  • Oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures.
  • Resistant to odors and stains.
  • Durable and long-lasting.

1. Bentgo® Modern – Versatile 4-Compartment Meal Prep Containers

Chic and modern, it’s even in the name, the Bentgo meal prep container is microwave safe, breaks out into pieces for easy washing, and has customizable compartments! This is a great choice for lunch meal prep. The leak resistance seals keep your bag clean so you can carry without concern. It also looks great. The bento style lunch box stands out in a modest way. The Bentgo comes in a variety of colors and is one of the best meal prep containers to give as a gift.

Meal Prep Container Price: $28

  • CUSTOMIZABLE COMPARTMENTS: An optional divider provides a fourth compartment for creating portion-controlled meals
  • LEAK-RESISTANT LUNCH BOX: Mess-free design comes with a leak-resistant seal that hugs the removable food tray to avoid spills
  • PERFECT FOR ON THE GO: Confidently carry your Bentgo Modern in a purse, briefcase, or backpack for eating healthy wherever you go!

Shop Bentgo Meal Prep Containers

2.W&P Porter Bowl Lunch Container

The W&P Porter silicone lunch bowl is perfect for soups and salads. The size is great for lunch or storing leftovers for the next day. Microwave and freezer safe, this modern food container is durable and last for years. The lid fits tight with a strap, although it is not as leak proof as other options.

Price: $20

  • PREMIUM, FOOD-GRADE MATERIALS: Crafted from high-quality BPA-free plastic & silicone, the Porter Bowl is a game changer. The durable plastic base is wrapped in the highest quality protective silicone with a silicone snap-strap to secure the plastic lid
  • SMART & STYLISH: The Porter Bowl’s sleek minimalist design & muted hues elevates the everyday – you can cut down on single-use plastics and look good doing it
  • TAKE IT TO GO: Roomy, one-liter capacity packs everything from big salads and grain bowls to pasta and veggies. The unique dimensions make it ideal for commuting. 7.5″ diameter, 2.875″ tall, Capacity: 4 3/8 cups (1 liter)
  • EASY TO CLEAN: The Porter Bowl is designed to make meal prep and cleanup a breeze; Throw it in the microwave, then rinse it out or toss it in the dishwasher (just don’t put it in the oven)

Shop W&P Porter Bowl Meal Prep Containers

3. Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jar

Leak proof, gorgeous design, and it comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The double insulation keeps food the perfect temperature for hours. It’s dishwasher safe so clean up is easy. The leak proof, twist on lid makes this a great option for soups, dips, and sauces. Throw it in your bag with your favorite meal and enjoy a warm lunch on a cold day. The powder ceramic coating on the outside is durable and the stainless steel shell can take a beating without showing wear.

Price: $22.46 – 33.69

  • TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation
  • Made with 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel to ensure pure taste and no flavor transfer
  • Leakproof when closed
  • Color Last powder coat is dishwasher safe, keeping your bottle slip-free and colorful
  • BPA-Free & Toxin-Free

Shop Hydro Flask Insulated Meal Prep Containers

4. Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags

Looking for an alternative to plastic bags carry your lunch in? Try Stasher silicone resuable bags. These funky little bags are very versatile and can be used for anything. Microwave, dishwasher, and even oven (up to 400 degrees) safe so you can store food and reheat easily. The leak proof seal keeps moisture in and out. Most importantly they’re much more durable than traditional plastic bags and they can last a long time even with daily use. These are a great product to have alongside any of the best meal prep containers just for those extra crackers, chips, fruit slices, or sauces. For lunches on the go, they fit so nicely into any bag unlike hard plastic or glass containers.

Price: $36.88

  • GO BAG GOES WITH YOU: Store a quick snack for the road, office supplies, or personal hygiene items; This leak-free, portable, accessible storage stays secure with a clip for your bag or beltloop; (18 Ounce)
  • MORE GREEN, PLEASE: Preserve herbs and greens in a variety of ways, regrow veggie scraps, and store them in Stasher bags once harvested for an endless garden of green goodness;
  • JUST THE STASH: Platinum food-grade silicone Stashers are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe to 400F; Eliminate single-use plastic by using Stasher for snacks, travel and low-waste items like reusable straws and utensils
  • EASY TO CARE FOR: Reusable silicone Stashers go from the freezer to the microwave to the oven & dishwasher; Store low-waste items, like reusable straws & utensils, for a portable meal or, so you can refuse single-use plastic

Shop Stasher Silicone Meal Prep Bags

5. Caraway Glass Food Storage Set

The Caraway Glass meal prep containers make an amazing gift for meal prep enthusiasts. The elegant design, the optional compartments, and quality materials are above what most people are going to have for their lunch boxes. The sleek styling will stand out and materials will last for years. They are more expensive than other containers on this list and depending on your budget may not be right for you but if you want to give a great gift to someone this is a perfect option. Microwave, freezer, and oven safe (except for lids and inserts) this set ticks all of the boxes and looks great doing it. Definitely one of the best meal prep containers especially for gifts.

Price: $220.50

  • KEEP YOUR FOOD FRESH: Look forward to leftovers with Caraway’s easy-to-store, non-toxic food storage containers. This 14 piece set looks great and most importantly keeps your food extra fresh and organized.
  • CREATE YOUR OWN BENTO BOX: Build an on-the-go bento box with the 4 dot & dash inserts. They fit nicely in one of the glass food containers for a lunch that stays fresh and tightly sealed. Use the Storage Straps to add an extra layer of security.
  • SAFE, NON-TOXIC CONTAINERS: Every piece of our food container set is free of toxic materials such as PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, and BPA. The containers are safe for microwave, oven, refrigerator, and freezer use. Lids and inserts are not microwave safe.
  • WHAT’S IN THE BOX: Each set comes with 1 large container, 2 medium containers, 2 small containers, 2 dot inserts, 2 dash inserts, 2 container straps, and 3 complimentary organizers for easy kitchen storage.

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6. Glotoch 50 Pack 32 oz Meal Prep Containers

Sometimes a fancy glass or silicone container doesn’t fit the situation. Sometimes you a plastic container is all you need. These containers are reusable and versatile but if you don’t want to risk breaking, losing, or forgetting your quality containers they’re a good choice. These classic meal prep containers work for most situations. They’re not as great with the microwave or with preventing leaks but for general use of storing food and transporting your lunch to the work fridge until you’re ready to eat, they’re great.

Price: $19.43

  • TO GO CONTAINERS with thoughtful design ensures this container set meets all your needs. Perfect for packing lunches, takeout, and delivery. Prep hot or cold meals: salad, sandwich, snack, fresh fruit, dip, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and leftovers. Prep meals worry-free, our food prep containers’ durable design has a high tolerance for bending, twisting, and temperature, plus our airtight, leak-proof lids seal tight, keeping your food safe and secure.
  • 50 pack set of 32 oz. take out food containers, with 2 compartments to keep entrees and sides separated. Containers measure: (8.4” x 6” x 1.77”). Stackable and lightweight design allows for easy storage. Washable, reusable, and microwave safe. Containers can be reheated or frozen and withstand temperatures in the range of (-40°F to 270°F) or ( -40°C to 132°C). Strong crack resistant material is dishwasher safe and can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher repeatedly.
  • All of LUNCH CONTAINERS are made with you and your health in mind, made from the highest quality food-grade PP plastics] These containers are BPA free, temperature resistant and microwavable. Manufactured via injection molding, our products have airtight lids to seal and safely store food. Durability and flexibility, minimize cracking and prevent damage common among competing products. Plastic containers with lids are easy to clean. Eco-friendly and recyclable.

Shop Glotoch 50 Pack Meal Prep Containers

7. Overnight Oats Jars with Spoon and Lid

Overnight oats are hugely popular. These jars are perfect for oats, fruits, salads, soups, and veggies. The tight fit, leak proof lid means you don’t have to worry about spillage while the clear jar is great for visualizing the food and showing off your meal prep skills. The handy detachable spoon is a great addition. Nothing is worse than forgetting the utensils you need to actually eat your lunch, besides forgetting your lunch entirely. These mason jar style containers can be used for storing food, pickling, or lunch. The measurement marks will help with portioning while the wide math will make it so much easier to actually get food in and out. Everything is dishwasher safe and ready to go!

Price: $14.39

  • Thick Oats Container: Premium glass oatmeal container made of premium BPA free durable food-grade glass, these overnight canning jars are sturdy enough for everyday home use, the wide mouth mason jars is easy to use and clean.
  • Various Uses: (15oz✖6pack) Glass container with lids & spoon is a good choice for dieters to control food intake. Perfect for storing cereal, milk, yogurt, oats, rice, coffee, tea, snacks, nuts, cookies, these overnight oats jars suitable for any office, restaurant, dormitory or family use.
  • Airtight and Keep Food Fresher: Silicone lids with seal rings make these oatmeal container more airtight and leak proof. Luecmo Overnight Oats Jars can keep your food dry and fresh for a long time. Convenient and attractive in the kitchen, the Oatmeal Container also a great addition to your pantry organization.
  • Wide Opening Mason Jars: Wide opening design make its easy to put in and take out your storage, easy to clean. Crafted of food-graded glass, BPA-Free, non-toxic, the storage jar’s body is transparent so it’s easy to see what’s stored inside and to know how much is left in the oats jar.

Shop Overnight Oats Meal Prep Containers

8. Beanto Cutlery Set On-The-Go

Speaking of the utensils you need to eat your meal prep lunch, no set would be complete without reusable spork, knife and even chopsticks. The cute container stores the utensils safely and keeps them from getting dirty from everything else in your bag. Available in a handful different colors, these are a great companion to any of the best meal prep containers on our list. The microwave safe utensils are durable and dishwasher safe. Utensil sets often go forgotten about which make them a perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the meal prepper in your life.

Price: $8.43

  • Compact and Portable: Set includes chopsticks, knife, and a spork. Each utensil is durable with high heat-resistance and nests neatly into a slim travel case for easy portability.
  • Perfect Companion: Our cutlery is the ideal companion to the Beanto Bowl. Creates an enjoyable dining experience when used together. Included silicone strap attaches cutlery to the Beanto Bowl (sold separately).
  • Food Safety: Safe for microwave, refrigerator, and freezer. Made of FDA and LFGB certified food-grade safe materials. BPA-free and free from BPS, Lead, Cadmium, Latex, and Phthalates.

Shop Beanto Cutlery Set

We actually have another article on this topic. You should check out our first article about the “Best Meal Prep Containers” if you’re looking for something a little different.

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Meal Prepping Appetizers

glass meal prep containers with deviled eggs and arugula salad

It’s the time of year for feasting, extravagant food and multiple courses, for friends and family. Everyone is busy and budgets are tight. Finding ways to streamline your cooking is imperative and this all starts with appetizers. Meal prepping appetizers can save you a ton of time and money. We are here to help with recipes and tips. 

Appetizers are small foods before the main course but despite their size can be more expensive and time consuming to cook than the entree. Meal prepping appetizers yourself rather than buying pre-made can be more work but this will save you money and create better food. You can control portions, salt and sugar levels, and focus on delivering a nutritious appetizer to kick the meal off right.

glass meal prep containers with deviled eggs and arugula salad

Grocery prices have grown so much so fast and knowing how to pick your recipes and plan your grocery shopping can save you on meal prepping appetizers. Do your research early, plan your cooking schedule, and make in bulk to maximize your time in the kitchen.

Focus on appetizer recipes that use ingredients that are always cheaper and simpler to make. It doesn’t mean that they aren’t still delicious or part of the festive meals. Foods like beans, rice, potatoes, lentils, and bananas are all common ingredients that can be cooked quickly and easily. They usually can be done in 30 minutes with minimal involvement. 

Meal prepping appetizers for holiday meals can also benefit from using canned or frozen fruit and veggies. Depending on the recipe, swapping to these shelf stable options can be cheaper than organically grown as well as avoiding food waste. 

Buying in bulk has been a long standing approach to saving money and time with cooking. If you’re committed to multiple holiday parties and need to bring food to each one, bring the same appetizer each time and buy the ingredients in bulk right from the beginning. This is especially the case when buying shelf stable ingredients that are on sale. Not to mention the time savings in the kitchen. Cook the base ingredients in bulk and form an assembly line to improve productivity. 

round plate with egg rolls, sliced green cucumber, and shredded red cabbage

Another way to make the most of meal prepping appetizers is to plan ahead and recognize that you’ll have leftovers. Use those leftovers for future lunches. This means choosing recipes that are meal prep friendly, they store and reheat well. Again, potatoes, beans, and rice are great options for this. You can add those to future meal preps and mix and match easily. This’ll make meal prepping the days after the big holiday meal a breeze. As often as you can, leave any extra ingredients that you don’t need for the party stored separately rather than combined. That way you can finish the assembly later for better quality. Maintaining texture and flavors is key in meal prepping and that’s, often, much easier to do before you combine. 

Remember the age old rule of cooking: people eat with their eyes first. Work on your presentation. Making something quick and cheap can seem fancy and festive if you put work into making it look delicious and fit for a party. Just serving it out of a pot or a plastic container is fine but if you’re trying to class up a meal then serve it with finesse. Put the food in a serving dish, sprinkle some finishing spices on top, top it with fresh herbs, serve it hot. These tips can elevate your meal and make it feel special.

Meal prepping appetizers can ensure that you serve good food and enough for everyone. The trick is making good decisions along the way. Don’t cook ingredients too far in advance. That’s a quick way to waste a lot of time and money. The day before is a safe bet.

round plate with egg rolls, sliced green cucumber, and shredded red cabbage

Air Fryer Beef Egg Rolls

If you’re a fan of savory, crispy, and oh-so-flavorful bites, you’re in for a treat. These mouthwatering egg rolls are not just about incredible taste; they’re a celebration of health and budget-friendliness. With lean ground beef, vibrant red cabbage, and a homemade sauce that’s both sweet and savory, we’re about to create a lunch meal…

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rectangular plate with turkey and cheese taquitos with pico de gallo, avocado, and spring mix

Air Fryer Turkey Deli Taquitos

Air Fryer Turkey Deli Taquitos – the ultimate air fryer lunch hero. Budget-friendly, time-saving, kid-approved, and infinitely customizable. Believe me, if you’re all about quick, budget-friendly, and delicious meal prepping, this is the game changer you’ve been waiting for! This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. We love Air…

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round plate with deviled eggs and arugula salad

Tuna Stuffed Deviled Eggs

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…

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Affordable Holiday Meals & Sides

Rectangular wooden plate with diced sausage, diced butternut squash, dried cranberries, and green arugula salad.

The holidays are here and this is the time for joyous, indulgent feasts. The price of groceries is only going up and between food and gifts, we can all stand to save some money with these affordable holiday meals and sides. 

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests, we all want a taste of the holidays. Meal prepping holiday foods can be delicious and healthy without breaking the bank. With the right set of recipes and good grocery shopping, you can save tons on this holiday while still feasting. 

glass meal prep containers with air fryer chicken and broccoli

Plan your menu in advance. Good meal prepping benefits from good planning. Affordable holiday meals can focus on a few key ingredients that evoke the flavors that we know and love. Take it a little at a time. Testing out new recipes can be tricky and lead to wasted food if it doesn’t work out. Food waste will feel heavier on the budget than anything else.

Mix up old favorites with variations that include these flavors and you’ll be amazed at what will work. This could even become a staple year round for your meal routine. Explore new proteins like lentils, beans, and legumes. These alternative protein sources are incredibly good for your diet and can be a good addition to your affordable holiday meals. Consider non-traditional holiday recipes and update them with the flavors of the holidays.

When grocery shopping, if you’re unsure about certain ingredients, lean towards taking risks with ingredients that are shelf stable. That way even if you don’t end up using them, they won’t go to waste. You can always use them in something later. 

Spices tend to be one of the most expensive parts of exploring new meals. Meal prepping affordable holiday meals can come down to the spices. If you don’t have many of the spices that you need for the recipes, try to limit yourself to only a few new spices. Also look for recipes that overlap new spices, even if they aren’t holiday recipes as you’ll likely have a lot of spice leftover after the holidays and you’ll want to use them somehow. 

This guide highlights some key herbs, spices, and spice blends that you can use to work in the holiday flavors into your meals.

Herbs for the holidays

  • Rosemary: slightly minty, sage-like, peppery, balsamic taste with a bitter, woody aftertaste
  • Bay Leaves: herbal flavor with notes of eucalyptus, menthol, and pine
  • Parsely: clean and peppery taste with a touch of earthiness
  • Sage: earthy, sweet-yet-savory
  • Thyme: peppery and sweet, sometimes with a clove-like sensation
  • Mint: subtly sweet taste and cooling sensation
bowls of spices for affordable holiday meals

Spices for the holidays

  • Allspice is just one berry, not a spice blend. It delivers the pleasantly warm and fragrant aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, with just a pinch of pepper. 
  • Cloves: cinnamon, but with a sharper tooth. 
  • Cumin is earthy and deep with a twist of lemon. It’s a very commonly used spice in recipes and goes especially great on green beans, potatoes, and carrots.
  • Nutmeg is bittersweet, with deep woody tones. Nutmeg partners well with carrots, cheese dishes, pumpkin pie, spinach, and sweet potatoes, as well as in cakes or sprinkled over eggnog.
  • Poultry Seasoning is herbaceous and woodsy, an energizing mix of thyme, rosemary, sage, marjoram, and oregano.
  • Garam Masala is a blend of black pepper, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and saffron elevates sweet and savory comfort.

Create your own rubs and sauces to capture the holiday flavors without having to cook entire recipes. Sauces also provide the benefit that if you don’t end up liking them you can always leave it out and still enjoy the rest of the meal. This is a good reason to keep sauces separate when meal prepping.

glass meal prep containers with persimmon muffins

Fall Persimmon Muffins

Energize Your Mornings with Healthy Persimmon Almond Muffins! Packed with wholesome goodness, these muffins are a delightful start to your day, combining the exotic flavor of persimmons with the nutty crunch of almonds.  These muffins are not only delicious but also a perfect choice for a healthy breakfast meal prep. They are rich in fiber,…

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glass meal prep containers with pasta and pumpkin marinara with green spinach and shredded cheese

Sausage Pumpkin Pasta

Fall into Flavor with this Healthy Seasonal Meal Prep with Sausage and Pumpkin Marinara Pasta. Embracing the changing seasons doesn’t mean you have to compromise your health or your taste buds. As the air turns crisp and leaves blanket the ground, it’s time to welcome the comforting flavors of fall into your kitchen. Our Sausage…

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Rectangular wooden plate with diced sausage, diced butternut squash, dried cranberries, and green arugula salad.
glass meal prep containers with air fryer chicken and broccoli

Air Fryer Apricot Glazed Chicken with Broccoli

Air Fryer Apricot Glazed Chicken with Broccoli is a scrumptious, budget-friendly meal prep option designed for busy individuals seeking convenience without sacrificing flavor. This recipe features succulent chicken thighs marinated in a savory-sweet glaze made from a blend of soy sauce, apricot, honey, and aromatic spices. The magic of the air fryer ensures quick and…

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glass cup with chia pudding topped with mixed berries

Chia Pudding with Mixed Berries

Chia Pudding with Mixed Berries – a vibrant, nutrient-packed creation that spells a simple, healthy breakfast with a touch of culinary artistry. Enjoy your mornings with this fuss-free delight, and remember, meal prep isn’t just about saving time – it’s about embracing a delicious and nutritious lifestyle. Happy prepping! This post may contain affiliate links….

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Make Ahead Meals for the Holidays

make ahead holiday meal roast

The holidays are coming up and cooking a lot of food takes so much time. Anything you can do to make ahead meals for the holidays, the better. From prepping individual ingredients to fully cooking entire dishes days ahead of time can make the day-of go so much easier. You can trust that you have everything ready and you have enough. Relieve the stress of cooking on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and every holiday throughout the year.

Meal prep and make ahead meals can save you a ton of time on main courses or side dishes. If you don’t know the basics you can find yourself having to remake a lot of food though. Some dishes and ingredients work and others simply don’t. Follow these fundamental rules and you should do great.

Foods that can be frozen entirely cooked are a great option for saving time especially when you’re expecting to feed a lot of people. Meals that focus on a meat, grain or veggie generally freeze well. 

  • Casseroles: Creamy casseroles freeze very well. Although cream doesn’t freeze well on its own, as part of a dish it works. You can entirely cook dishes like mac n cheese, pot pies, and casseroles ahead of time and freeze them days in advance. Take it out the morning-of and reheat in the oven.
  • Soups & stews: Soups and stews freeze and reheat fantastically. The moisture from the broth keeps everything sealed and prevents the other ingredients from drying out in the freezer. We covered this before on this post: Tips For Freezing Meals. Soups make a great addition to holiday meals but they take so long to cook and develop flavor. Make ahead meals for the holidays, like soups, is an efficient and easy way to prepare. Even if you don’t want to cook the entire soup ahead, even just preparing the broth can save hours to build flavors. (depending on the soup)
  • Dough: Pie, bread, and cookie dough all freeze well. Dough can take a lot of effort and time to prepare. Make ahead meals like pot pies, dessert pies, or breads will make holiday dishes possible that would ordinarily not be an option.
  • Desserts: So many desserts do well in the freezer or in the fridge. Cookies, cakes, other pastries, you can even get away with prepping them and leaving them unbaked until the day of. Make ahead desserts is definitely a time saver and game changer.

Don’t feel limited though. Tons of make ahead meals can be frozen. A good rule to follow is don’t freeze foods that are

  • Crunchy
  • Mayonnaise based meals
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Salads
  • Custards

Any meal that requires an emulsion is likely to split or become grainy. Foods release moisture as they’re freezing so crunchy foods lose their crunch.

Reheating make ahead meals for the holidays

Most frozen meals can be cooked or reheated from frozen. Adjust the cooking times and use a food thermometer to check internal temps. 

Leftovers from the holidays

According to the USDA, if you thawed the meal in the refrigerator, yes, you can refreeze foods after cooking or reheating them. Make sure to freeze food again within 3 days however the earlier you get it frozen the better it tends to upkeep. 

Make ahead meals a day before

prep ahead holiday meal ingredients

Preparing vegetables the day before is a great way to save time, peel potatoes, cut off the ends of string beans, chop onions, and roast beets. Thaw the turkey, marinate or brine the meat, and make any dips. All of this prep not only makes things easier but also helps develop flavors.

Use separate meal containers to avoid flavors leaching from each other. See our blog post on meal prep containers. Learn more with our post on the Best Meal Prepping Containers.

Want help on cooking the perfect turkey for Thanksgiving, check out our article on How to Cook Turkey for more information!

Need some help with some ideas for make ahead meals for holiday appetizers, sides, and entrees then start here:

rectangle white baking dish with sliced sausage, diced potatoes and peppers, and green onions

Oven Baked Sausage and Potato Hash

Hey there, breakfast enthusiasts! Today, I’ve got a scrumptious recipe that will not only save you time but also add some flavor-packed excitement to your morning routine. Get ready to dive into the deliciousness of oven-baked sausage and potato hash. This delightful dish is perfect for breakfast meal prep, and I’ll tell you why! This…

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round plate with deviled eggs and arugula salad

Tuna Stuffed Deviled Eggs

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chicken and green beans

Roasted Chicken with Green Bean Casserole

Roasted chicken and green bean casserole are two classic American dishes in and of themselves but together the two provide a nutrient-packed meal with a fantastic balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Many people often look to French’s or Campbell’s green bean casserole recipes but we prefer our, made from scratch cream base coupled with…

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Meal Prepping Snack Packs – Lunch Ideas

meal prepped snack pack

Lunchables are a popular choice for children’s lunches and as a grown up you can still enjoy meal prepping snack packs. It’s like a small charcuterie board on-the-go. For busy people, meal prepping snack packs has to be one of the easiest and quickest meals out there. Adult snack packs have become popular in the past few years and there are a few options for you that are prepackaged in the store, however making your own is so easy and customizable.

Besides the shopping trip, it’s mostly cutting up fruits, veggies, and cheese and stacking them in meal containers. It’s so easy that a child can do it. If you need to prepare meals for yourself and a child, this is a great option. You can both eat the same or similar meal and they can learn about meal prepping while they help you.

One of the best parts of meal prepping snack packs is being able to customize them to your particular dietary needs. It’s much easier to balance nutrition or lean towards high protein foods or low sugar. Since each element of the snack pack is individual, it’s extremely easy to adjust even daily to your needs or taste for the day. 

Meal Prepping Snack Pack Ideas

  • Chicken salad, snap peas, blueberries, pita
  • Hummus, carrots, mandarin orange slices, salami
  • Cottage cheese, strawberries, broccoli, beef jerky
  • Greek Yogurt, grapes, almonds, cherry tomatoes
  • Nut butter, apple slices, hardboiled eggs, baked chicken, cauliflower
  • Tuna, hardboiled eggs, cucumbers, crackers

Customizable snack packs provide a ton of variety in your meals. You can simply buy random foods and mix and match them to see how they taste together. It’s much more fun and engaging than a sandwich and often tastes better. It’s easier to be creative and experimental when it’s just amounts of each food. These fun deviations from your normal meal prep routine keeps things fresh and exciting. Preventing diet burnout is very important in meal prepping. Check out bento boxes as well. Japanese lunch boxes that are extremely popular with a huge variety of foods that can be included and even the complexity of flavors. Bento can act as a great inspiration for you meal prepping even if you’re not prepared to invest the same amount of time.

You can also use fresh ingredients for your homemade snack packs. Fresh fruit, veggies, cheeses and crackers all taste better than the prepackaged store snack packs. Plus, meal prepping snack packs at home is much more affordable. You can buy in bulk and break down each ingredient into snack size portions. You’ll also be surprised how much you can buy for the same price as store bought snack packs which are priced up for convenience.

Another way that meal prepping snack packs can save you money is by using those random leftovers. Sometimes you end up with small amounts of left overs that don’t work well into a different meal but can easily become part of a snack pack. Cooked veggies, fruits like grapes or strawberries, even proteins like shredded chicken and ground beef can be worked into a snack pack. Being able to use these small parts of other meals to make an entire lunch minimizes food waste and saves you money.

Having the right meal prep containers helps out a lot. Each food should be stored separate to avoid soggy crackers and cheese. Classic lunch containers with 3 or 4 compartments are perfect for this. Even small single compartment containers are great for specific snack foods. 

Meal prepping snack packs at home also means you can portion control. Snack packs tend to be small anyways however the nutrients tend to be heavy on cheese and crackers. Balancing your snack pack is easy if you know the basics. These simple foods will taste great together and will balance well.

These are popular meal prepping snack pack foods. Mixing and matching them can create a variety of flavor combinations as well as keeping lunch at work fun. The trick is to balance nutrients. Try to always include a veggie, a fruit, a small amount of cheese and protein. Include dips to make veggies more fun if you’re not a veggie fan. 

  • Cheese cubes or string cheese
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Deli meat
  • Leftover chicken 
  • Chicken salad
  • Cucumbers
  • Sugar snap peas
  • Hummus
  • Mixed nuts
  • Grapes
  • Yogurt
  • Beef or turkey jerky
  • Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
  • Peanuts or Almonds
  • Tuna
  • Baked tofu
  • Cottage cheese
  • Apple slices
  • Egg bites
  • Broccoli
  • Crackers
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Meal Prepping Soups

chicken soup

Meal prepping soups is one of the easiest, most affordable meal prepping methods. On top of that, soups are versatile and last a while in the freezer, just a few reasons soup is so popular. It’s soup season and a perfect time to dust off your big pots and instant pots. Soup meal prep is very forgiving, you can adjust and season as you go and build up flavors slowly. There are many soup tricks to learn to balance the saltiness, thickness, maintain vegetable textures, and much much more.

A good thing to check before you get started is how many meal prep soup containers you have available. It’s frustrating to spend hours making a soup only to find that you don’t have the right containers to actually take it with you. If you’re planning to freeze the majority of it, then a gallon bag will suffice. It freezes well and is more convenient to store in the freezer. Lastly, make sure to let soup cool down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge or freezer.

Soups are some of the most affordable options for home cooking. Not only does it go a long way but it’s great for cheap or throw away ingredients. Leaner and tougher cuts of beef and pork are great options for stews. The longer cooking times and broth help break down the protein and these cuts have great flavor, it’s just the texture and tenderness that need help.

Cuts to use in stews and soups

  • Chuck
  • Bone-in short rib
  • Bohemian (Bottom Sirloin Flap)
  • Beef Round
  • Oxtail
  • Cross-cut shanks

Depending on the recipe you’re making, the order of cooking can vary however a good rule is to sear the meat before you add it to the broth. This searing helps maintain the flavor and bite of the meat as well as adding a caramelized note. 

Meal prepping with soups is also a great way to save money with all of the off-cuts of vegetables. Broccoli stalks, carrot peels, beet skins, there are tons of ways to use these pieces of vegetables in a soup and never notice. 

Round bowl with beef soup and udon noodles.

You can even make delicious broth with bones. A popular option to buy an entire chicken, after cleaning the meat off, you can use the carcass to create a homemade chicken broth. A good broth can be easy, water and strong ingredients from the pantry, concentrates, herbs, and salt and pepper. Soups alongside the rest of your meal prep makes cooking at home even more affordable. 

There are 4 famous soup bases the French mirepoix, German suppengrün, Spanish sofrito and Creole “holy trinity” are four classic flavor bases that dominate many western recipes

Mirepoix & Suppengrün: Made by cooking onions, celery, and carrots in a pot. Mixed together and started all at the same time, they are cooked slowly in butter or oil without browning them. This brings the flavor out.

Sofrito: Sofrito is a flavorful cooking base used in many Latin American, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisines. Traditionally, it is made by grinding ingredients together using a mortar and pestle. Often made with onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomato, and cilantro with additional spices.

Creole “holy trinity”: Similar to the French Mirepoix, the Creole soup base starts with onions, celery, but then substitutes bell peppers in for carrots.

However we often tend to be too busy for more involved soup meal prep recipes and we are just looking for a simple, no fuss soup. Crock pots and instant pots are amazing for this. With a bit of store bought stock or bouillon cubes, throw everything into the pot and just set to cook for hours. (typically around 4 hours) You can still build up flavors and it’s just as delicious with way less work. These recipes are perfect soup meal prep for busy schedules.

round plate with beef chunks in tomato sauce with napa cabbage, red cabbage, and sliced mushrooms

One Pot Beef and Cabbage Stew

Are you in search of a hearty and hassle-free dinner meal prep option that will make your weeknights a breeze? Look no further than our One-Pot Beef and Cabbage Stew recipe. Packed with lean beef, colorful cabbage, and savory mushrooms, this dish is a surefire way to satisfy your taste buds while simplifying your meal…

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Round bowl with beef soup and udon noodles.

Instant Pot Recipe for Beef Udon Noodles

Enjoy udon noodles served in this savory soup by using your chopsticks while making a slurping sound. Slurping enhances the flavors of this dish 🙂 This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Cooking for two can be a challege, but with a little planning and creativity, it can be…

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chicken soup

One Pot Mexican Chicken Soup

This Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe comes together quickly and is a flavorful and budget-friendly meal. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Not only is this Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe full of nutrients and high in protein, it is also made with pantry-friendly and budget-friendly ingredients. Why is This…

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turkey soup

One Pot Turkey Toscana Soup

Here’s a healthy spin on a restaurant classic. This One Pot Turkey Toscana Soup recipe is lightened up with healthy ingredients that you can make in less than 30 minutes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Why You’ll Enjoy this Version of Turkey Toscana Soup Zuppa Toscana soup…

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Our Favorite Meal Prepping Soup Recipes