Meal Prep Like a Pro: 17 Recipes for Stress-Free Weeknights

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Meal Prep Like a Pro: 17 Recipes for Stress-Free Weeknights

Weeknights can be hectic, but meal prep can make a big difference in how smoothly your evenings go. These 17 recipes are designed to simplify your life by letting you spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing. Prep once and enjoy multiple meals throughout the week, ensuring that you have something nutritious and delicious ready to go. It’s an easy way to keep your dinners stress-free and satisfying, making weeknights much more enjoyable.

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Molly Bars

Four pieces of molly bars on a white plate.
Molly Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Molly Bars, a perfect treat that can be prepped ahead for convenience. These bars offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a great addition to your meal prep routine. By preparing them in advance, you can have a tasty snack or dessert ready whenever you need it. Enjoy the ease of having a delicious treat always at hand.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars

Beef Bourguignon

Beef bourguignon in a white bowl with thyme.
Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Perfect for a cozy night, this Beef Bourguignon offers rich flavors that can be prepped ahead and enjoyed later. Transforming simple weeknights into gourmet experiences without the stress, this dish ensures you have a hearty, satisfying meal ready to go. By making it in advance, you save time and effort while still enjoying a luxurious dinner. Just heat and serve for an easy, delicious meal that feels like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Pickled Yellow Beans

Pickled yellow beans in a jar on a wooden table.
Pickled Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a tangy twist to your meals with Pickled Yellow Beans, a perfect side that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week. These beans bring a burst of flavor to any dinner table without any last-minute fuss, making them an ideal addition to your meal prep routine. Simply make ahead and savor the zesty crunch whenever you need a quick and tasty side. Enjoy the convenience of a flavorful dish that’s always ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a vibrant and refreshing meal that can be prepared ahead of time for busy weeknights. This salad offers a perfect mix of textures and flavors, perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner. By making it in advance, you save precious time while still enjoying a delicious, well-balanced meal. Just grab it from the fridge, and you’re ready to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Greek Meatballs

Greek Meatballs on a plate with tomatoes.
Greek Meatballs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Enjoy a flavorful dinner with Greek Meatballs, which are perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying later. These meatballs are packed with taste and can be paired with various sides, making weeknight dinners both easy and versatile. Preparing them in advance means you only need to heat and serve when you’re ready to eat. This way, you can have a stress-free, delicious meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Upgrade your burger night with Bacon-Wrapped Burgers, a tasty option that can be prepped ahead for a hassle-free dinner. These burgers offer a savory twist on the classic, ensuring a tasty meal that’s quick to serve. By preparing them in advance, you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal. Simply heat them up, and indulge in a delicious, stress-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simplify your dinner routine with Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken, a dish that’s perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying later. This recipe offers a flavorful, easy-to-make option that can be ready in minutes on busy nights. By preparing it in advance, you save time and effort, ensuring a delicious meal with minimal fuss. Just heat and serve for a stress-free dinner that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your weeknight meals with Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef, an easy-to-prep dish that’s ready to go when you are. This flavorful ground beef can be used in various recipes, making it a versatile addition to your meal prep. By preparing it in advance, you can enjoy a quick and tasty dinner without the last-minute rush. Simply heat it up, and add it to your favorite dishes for a delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

A top-down shot of Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies on a white plate.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Treat yourself to Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies, a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that you can prepare in advance. These cookies offer a refreshing citrus flavor with a satisfying crunch, perfect for any time you need a sweet treat. By baking them ahead, you ensure you always have a delicious snack on hand. Enjoy the convenience of having homemade cookies ready whenever you crave them.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Enjoy the best of both worlds with Pizza Pasta Salad, a fun and flavorful dish that’s perfect for meal prep. This salad combines the savory taste of pizza with the convenience of a pasta salad, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Preparing it in advance means you can have a delicious, ready-to-eat meal whenever you need it. Just grab it from the fridge and enjoy a stress-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a quick yet satisfying dinner, Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a fantastic choice that can be prepped ahead of time. This dish combines comfort and nutrition, ensuring you have a wholesome meal ready in minutes. By preparing it in advance, you can enjoy the delicious blend of flavors without the weeknight rush. Heat it up, and dinner is served, making your evenings smoother and more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish. The meal is set on a white wooden table beside silver cutlery and a floral napkin.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Indulge in the comfort of Diner Style Salisbury Steak, a classic dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. This hearty meal offers rich flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner. By making it in advance, you can enjoy the convenience of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Just heat and serve for a delicious, comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Keep your dinners light and tasty with Salmon Pasta Salad, a refreshing dish that’s perfect for meal prep. This salad combines the rich flavor of salmon with the convenience of a pasta salad, making it an ideal choice for busy nights. Preparing it ahead of time ensures you have a nutritious and delicious meal ready to go. Just grab it from the fridge and enjoy a stress-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bring the taste of your favorite restaurant home with Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers, a dish that’s easy to prepare in advance. This recipe offers the familiar flavors you love, without the hassle of dining out. By making it ahead, you save time and ensure a delicious, ready-to-eat meal whenever you need it. Simply heat and serve for a convenient, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Close-up shot of Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers on a Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill topped with cheesy onion on a plate.
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Take your burger game to the next level with Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers, a tasty and easy-to-prep meal. These burgers offer a unique twist on the classic, combining the rich flavor of French onion soup with the convenience of a burger. By preparing them in advance, you ensure a quick and delicious dinner with minimal effort. Just heat them up and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Enjoy a nostalgic favorite with Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs, a dish that’s perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying later. These meatballs are cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, making them a convenient and delicious option for busy weeknights. By preparing them in advance, you can have a comforting, home-cooked meal ready with minimal effort. Just reheat and serve for a stress-free, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Beef Barbacoa

Beef Barbacoa in a blue bowl.
Beef Barbacoa. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of Beef Barbacoa with minimal weeknight effort by preparing it ahead of time. This dish brings a taste of slow-cooked goodness that’s ready to heat and eat whenever you are. Making it in advance means you can savor a delicious, tender beef dish without the usual prep and cooking time. Just reheat and enjoy a flavorful, stress-free meal that’s perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

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