20 Meal Prep Recipes That Save You Money

Meal prep is a smart way to make your week easier by having great food ready to go. These recipes are all about simple ingredients and straightforward steps, so you can cook once and eat well for days. You’ll find options for proteins like chicken and salmon, along with hearty vegetarian bowls and easy burritos. They are designed to save you time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. This collection makes it simple to enjoy homemade meals even on your busiest days.

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Mediterranean Chicken Kabob Skewers Using Grill Pan

Grilled chicken and vegetable skewers with red and green bell peppers and mushrooms are served on a bed of rice on a dark plate. A striped cloth and a utensil are partially visible next to the plate. — Mediterranean Chicken Kabob Skewers. Photo by Cuisine Travel

Chunks of chicken are marinated in lemon and herbs, then grilled on skewers. Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs are a healthy and protein-packed meal prep option.
Get the recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Kabob Skewers Using Grill Pan

Durango Burritos

These burritos are filled with tender shredded beef and a simple red salsa. Durango Burritos are a delicious and portable meal for lunch or dinner.
Get the recipe: Durango Burritos

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Rice

A close-up of a bowl filled with tofu cubes, green peas, and brown rice. A silver spoon is placed inside, ready for serving. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs. — 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Rice. Photo by The Fruity Jem

Cooked rice is mixed with peanut butter and soy sauce for a savory, nutty side. Peanut Butter Rice is an easy, unique, and kid-friendly dish.
Get the recipe: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Rice

California Burrito

Two hands hold a stuffed burrito cut in half, revealing a filling of beef, avocado, cheese, and other ingredients. The background is a wooden surface, providing a warm and appetizing contrast. — California Burrito. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

A large flour tortilla is stuffed with grilled steak, french fries, and cheese. A California Burrito is a famously hearty and satisfying handheld meal.
Get the recipe: California Burrito

Spicy Tomato Basil Pasta

A plate of penne pasta with mushrooms, tomatoes, and herbs in a tomato sauce. Garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork rests on the side of the white plate with a blue rim. — Spicy Tomato Basil Pasta. Photo by Plant Based on a Budget

Pasta is tossed in a simple, spicy tomato sauce with plenty of fresh basil. Spicy Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick, vegetarian, and flavorful dinner.
Get the recipe: Spicy Tomato Basil Pasta

Birria Burrito

Shredded beef that’s been cooked in a rich, spiced broth is wrapped in a tortilla. A Birria Burrito is incredibly flavorful and often served with a dipping sauce.
Get the recipe: Birria Burrito

Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Slices of roasted sweet potatoes sprinkled with herbs, arranged on a white decorative platter. A silver fork is placed on the platter beside the sweet potatoes. The dish sits on a light surface. — Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo by Olivias Kitchen

Sweet potatoes are sliced, seasoned, and baked until tender and caramelized. Baked Sweet Potato Slices are an easy, healthy side dish for any meal.
Get the recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Roasted Rosemary Chicken

A whole chicken is seasoned with fresh rosemary and roasted until the skin is crispy. Roasted Rosemary Chicken is a classic, comforting, and flavorful dinner.
Get Recipe: Roasted Rosemary Chicken

Easy Gluten-Free Paleo Tahini Chicken Salad (Keto)

A bowl of mixed salad with chunks of chicken, carrots, olives, and greens. Next to it, a sandwich on a plate, sliced in half, filled with the same salad ingredients. Both are set on a white tablecloth. — Gluten-Free Paleo Tahini Chicken Salad. Photo by Strength and Sunshine

This chicken salad uses creamy tahini instead of mayonnaise as the dressing. A Gluten-Free Tahini Chicken Salad is a light, dairy-free lunch perfect for packing.
Get the recipe: Easy Gluten-Free Paleo Tahini Chicken Salad

Harissa Chickpea Smash Sandwich

A sandwich with sesame seed bread filled with lettuce, sliced radishes, and a creamy chickpea salad, resting on a parchment paper background. — Chickpea Smash Sandwich. Photo by Life Around The Table

Chickpeas are mashed with spicy harissa and spread on bread for a sandwich. A Harissa Chickpea Smash Sandwich is a fast, flavorful, and plant-based lunch.
Get the recipe: Harissa Chickpea Smash Sandwich

Korean Beef Bowl

A bowl of white rice topped with seasoned ground beef and garnished with chopped green onions. Two metallic chopsticks rest on the side of the bowl. A patterned napkin is partially visible on the side. — Korean Beef Bowl. Photo by Cheerful Cook

Ground beef is cooked in a sweet and savory Korean-inspired sauce and served over rice. A Korean Beef Bowl is a quick, delicious, and family-friendly dinner.
Get the recipe: Korean Beef Bowl

Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Close-up of grilled chicken thighs on a black plate, covered in a glazed sauce and garnished with chopped cilantro. The chicken is golden-brown with slightly charred edges. — Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo by Cook With Kushi

Chicken thighs are seasoned and baked until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy. Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs are a simple, hands-off protein for meal prep.
Get the recipe: Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Quick Healthy Vegetarian Rainbow Poke Rice Bowl

A colorful bowl of food with sections of brown rice, mango cubes, avocado slices, red cabbage shreds, tofu cubes, edamame, cucumber slices, and radish slices. The dish is topped with black sesame seeds and arranged in a visually appealing manner. — Vegetarian Rainbow Poke Rice Bowl. Photo by The Fruity Jem

This colorful bowl is filled with tofu, fresh vegetables, and rice for a healthy meal. A Vegetarian Rainbow Poke Rice Bowl is a fresh and vibrant lunch option.
Get the recipe: Quick Healthy Vegetarian Rainbow Poke Rice Bowl

Chicken Pomodoro

A skillet containing cooked chicken breasts topped with sliced grape tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a rich tomato sauce. The dish is garnished with herbs and set against a light background. — Chicken Pomodoro. Photo by Rich and Delish

Tender chicken is cooked in a light, fresh tomato sauce with garlic and herbs. Chicken Pomodoro is a simple, Italian-inspired dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the recipe: Chicken Pomodoro

Air Fryer Salmon

A grilled salmon fillet garnished with chives and spices is served on a black plate. It is accompanied by lemon slices, a fresh salad with cabbage and greens, and a sprinkle of seeds. Chopped chives are in a bowl nearby. — Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

Salmon fillets are cooked in the air fryer with a simple spice rub. Air Fryer Salmon is a fast, healthy, and nearly effortless way to cook fish.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops

A plate of crispy breaded pork chops garnished with fresh green salad leaves. A small bowl of sauce is on the side, beside folded napkins, a fork, and a knife on a light-colored surface. — Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo by CopyKat Recipes

Pork chops are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baked until crispy. Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a nostalgic and easy weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe: Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Pork Chop Pizzaiola

A baking tray filled with four pieces of chicken topped with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs. A wooden spatula rests next to the chicken on the tray. The tray is lined with parchment paper. — Pork Chop Pizzaiola. Photo credit: LikeHotKeto.

Pork chops are baked under a layer of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Pork Chop Pizzaiola is a cozy, Italian-style dish that cooks quickly.
Get the recipe: Pork Chop Pizzaiola

Baked Blackened Salmon

Two seasoned salmon fillets served on a white oval plate, garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley. The fillets are heavily spiced with a dark crust, contrasting with the bright and fresh garnishes. — Baked Blackened Salmon. Photo by Two Cloves Kitchen

Salmon is coated with a spicy blackening seasoning and baked in the oven. Baked Blackened Salmon is a bold, flavorful, and simple seafood dinner.
Get the recipe: Baked Blackened Salmon

Easy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Four baked sweet potato halves topped with shredded chicken, melted cheese, and sliced green onions on a wooden board, next to a blue and white checkered cloth. — Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo by Olivias Kitchen

Shredded buffalo chicken is piled into a baked sweet potato for a spicy and sweet combo. These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a complete meal in one.
Get the recipe: Easy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Easy Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Wings Recipe

Grilled chicken wings on parchment paper, garnished with fresh herbs. Beside them, a bowl of mixed potato salad and a stack of patterned napkins on a plate. The scene is set on a light-colored fabric surface. — Air Fryer Turkey Wings. Photo by The Fresh Cooky

Turkey wings are seasoned and cooked in the air fryer until the skin is super crispy. Air Fryer Turkey Wings are a fun alternative to chicken wings.
Get the recipe: Easy Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Wings Recipe