24 Meal Prep Ideas That Save You Time All Week

Check out these simple meal prep ideas that make cooking super easy. We have everything from cozy pastas and fried rice to quick stir-fries and filling burritos. These recipes use basic stuff you might already have and don’t take long to make. They are perfect for a busy schedule, a quiet night in, or when you just want a really good homemade meal without any fuss.

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30-Minute Salmon Stir Fry with Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce

A bowl of stir-fried chicken with broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, and green onions served over rice. A fork is on the side of the bowl. Nearby, there's a small bowl of sesame seeds and some chopped vegetables. — 30-Minute Salmon Stir Fry with Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce. Photo By Marys Whole Life

This salmon stir-fry is a healthy and fast option for any night. The tasty glaze makes the salmon and veggies a perfect pair.
Get the recipe: 30-Minute Salmon Stir Fry with Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce

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 California Burrito is a huge, satisfying wrap stuffed with steak and crispy fries. It’s a seriously delicious handful that makes for a fun dinner.
Get the recipe: California Burrito

One Pot Creamy Chicken Mushroom Orzo With Parmesan

A white bowl filled with creamy mushroom orzo garnished with fresh herbs. The dish is on a white marble surface, with silverware and a striped napkin nearby. A sprig of parsley decorates the corner. — One Pot Creamy Chicken Mushroom Orzo With Parmesan. Photo by Dizzy Busy and Hungry

This one-pot dish has chicken, mushrooms, and orzo in a creamy sauce. It’s a rich and cozy meal with very little cleanup afterwards.
Get the recipe: One Pot Creamy Chicken Mushroom Orzo With Parmesan

Mexican Picadillo

You get so much flavor in every bite of this Mexican Picadillo. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that cooks up in one pan with ground beef and potatoes.
Get Recipe: Mexican Picadillo

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dish!)

A plate of creamy pasta with shredded pieces of cooked chicken, garnished with leafy greens, is placed on a white table. A fork is on the plate, and to the side, a sliced lemon and a striped cloth are visible. — Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dish!). Photo credit: On My Kids Plate.

This creamy lemon chicken pasta is bright, fresh, and ready fast. The lemon sauce with spinach and chicken is both light and comforting.
Get the recipe: Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Roasted Rosemary Chicken

This roasted rosemary chicken is a classic dinner that everyone loves. The savory herbs make the chicken juicy and full of flavor every single time.
Get Recipe: Roasted Rosemary Chicken

20-Minute Steak Fried Rice Recipe (Gluten-Free)

Bowl of fried rice with beef, peas, carrots, and chopped green onions, garnished with scallions. Chopsticks rest on the bowl's edge. Additional bowls of rice and sliced green onions are nearby on a light background. — 20-Minute Steak Fried Rice Recipe. Photo credit: Marys Whole Life

Use up leftover rice and steak to make this easy steak fried rice. It’s a hearty meal that you can have ready in just twenty minutes.
Get the recipe: 20-Minute Steak Fried Rice Recipe (Gluten-Free)

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

If you like a little heat, you’ll love this spicy chicken chipotle pasta. It’s a creamy and bold pasta dish that really wakes up your taste buds.
Get Recipe: Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Healthy Tuna Salad Meal Prep

Glass meal prep containers with sliced apples, leafy greens, and a creamy chicken salad mixture. Each compartment holds neatly arranged apple slices and a portion of the salad over spinach. A striped cloth is partially visible on the side. — Healthy Tuna Salad Meal Prep. Photo by Get Inspired Everyday

This is a fantastic Healthy Tuna Salad Meal Prep that’s both light and filling. You can make it in just minutes for a no-stress lunch that keeps you going.
Get the recipe: Healthy Tuna Salad Meal Prep

Instant Pot Shredded Beef Burritos

A burrito cut into half and sitting on a wooden cutting board. — Instant Pot Shredded Beef Burritos. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

These burritos are full of tender beef and your favorite fillings. Making them in the Instant Pot is a total shortcut for a family-friendly dinner.
Get Recipe: Instant Pot Shredded Beef Burritos

Easy Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Recipe (Farfalle Pasta)

A bowl of pasta topped with grilled chicken slices, drizzled with balsamic glaze. Garnished with sun-dried tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and fresh parsley. The pasta is bow-tie shaped and lightly dressed with sauce. — Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Recipe. Photo by The Fresh Cooky

This creamy bow tie pasta is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish. It feels special enough for company but is actually really easy to put together on any weeknight.
Get the recipe: Easy Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Recipe (Farfalle Pasta)

Amazing & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

A blue bowl filled with chicken fried rice garnished with green onions, served with chopsticks on top. Surrounding the bowl are small dishes containing soy sauce, additional green onions, and another garnish, all set on a textured surface. — Amazing & Easy Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Wok Your World.

You can make this better-than-takeout chicken fried rice at home in no time. It’s loaded with chicken, rice, and eggs for a super satisfying meal.
Get the recipe: Amazing & Easy Chicken Fried Rice

Instant Pot Kısır (Spicy Turkish Bulgur Salad)

A bowl of tabbouleh made with finely chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, cucumber, and bulgur wheat, garnished with a lemon slice and parsley sprig, on a gray plate. — Instant Pot Kısır. Photo by Earth To Veg

Kısır is a flavorful Turkish bulgur salad with herbs and spices. Making it in the Instant Pot is the fastest way to get this tasty side dish.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Kısır (Spicy Turkish Bulgur Salad)

Birria Burrito

A Birria Burrito is filled with incredibly tender, flavorful shredded beef. It’s a messy and amazing treat that’s totally worth it.
Get the recipe: Birria Burrito

Easy Spinach Garlic Pasta With Peas

A bowl of whole grain penne pasta mixed with fresh spinach and green peas, sprinkled with grated cheese and black pepper. The dish has a light and healthy appearance, with vibrant green vegetables contrasting against the pasta. — Easy Spinach Garlic Pasta With Peas. Photo by My Chefs Apron

This spinach garlic pasta with peas is a warm and comforting meal. It comes together quickly with a simple, garlicky sauce.
Get the recipe: Easy Spinach Garlic Pasta With Peas

Durango Burritos

Durango Burritos are packed with shredded beef and a green tomatillo salsa. They are a super filling and tasty meal any night of the week.
Get the recipe: Durango Burritos

Garlic Fried Rice Recipe

Plate of fried rice on a bamboo mat. The dish is garnished with green onions and appears to contain small pieces of vegetables and protein. Surrounding the plate are ingredients including garlic cloves and a small bowl of chopped green onions. — Garlic Fried Rice Recipe. Photo Credit: The Rice Chick

This simple garlic fried rice is packed with flavor from lots of fresh garlic. It’s the perfect, easy side dish for almost anything you’re making.
Get the recipe: Garlic Fried Rice Recipe

Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta

A plate of creamy pasta topped with chicken pieces, lemon slices, and parsley. It's served on a white dish with a blue napkin underneath. Nearby are a fork, a wedge of Parmesan cheese, and a small plate of lemon slices. Text reads "No Fuss Noodles". — Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta. Photo by No Fuss Noodle

For a zesty and easy dinner, try this creamy lemon pepper chicken pasta. The lemon pepper seasoning gives it a really nice, tangy kick.
Get the recipe: Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl

A white bowl full of avocado, chicken, and more ingredients, sitting on a white surface. — Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl. Photo by A Grateful Meal

These buffalo chicken rice bowls are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. They have all that tangy buffalo flavor you love, served over rice.
Get the recipe: Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl

Easy Spinach Broccoli Skillet

A skillet on a wooden surface contains a mixture of cooked vegetables, including broccoli and carrots, garnished with walnuts. Three cubes of white cheese are placed on top. A wooden spoon rests nearby. — Easy Spinach Broccoli Skillet. Photo by Refresh My Health

This spinach and broccoli skillet is a simple and healthy way to eat your veggies. It’s a flavorful side that cooks in just one pan.
Get the recipe: Easy Spinach Broccoli Skillet

4-Ingredient Almond Flour Meatballs

A plate of crispy meatballs served on a bed of white rice, accompanied by sautéed leafy greens and yellow vegetables. The dish is vibrant and appetizing, showcasing a mix of textures and colors. — 4-Ingredient Almond Flour Meatballs. Photo credit: Garlic All Day

These almond flour meatballs need only four simple ingredients to make. They are a great low-carb option that the whole family can enjoy.
Get the recipe: 4-Ingredient Almond Flour Meatballs

Ground Pork Lettuce Wraps

A white plate with three lettuce wraps filled with seasoned minced meat, shredded carrots, and garnished with green onions. A side of dipping sauce and scattered carrot shreds are visible nearby. — Ground Pork Lettuce Wraps. Photo by On My Kids Plate

These lettuce wraps are a fresh and fun meal with seasoned pork and crispy veggies. They come together quickly for a dinner that’s also really light.
Get the recipe: Ground Pork Lettuce Wraps

Our Favorite Stovetop Chili

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, chopped avocado, and green onions. A spoon is placed in the bowl. The dish is served on a white plate. — Stovetop Chili. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

This easy stovetop chili is a filling and budget-friendly dinner. You only need a few ingredients to make a big, comforting pot of it.
Get the recipe: Our Favorite Stovetop Chili

Venison Stroganoff

A black plate with pasta topped with creamy mushroom sauce and garnished with parsley. A portion of bright green peas is served on the side. — Venison Stroganoff. Photo credit: Culinar Carnival

This venison stroganoff is a rich and hearty twist on the classic dish. It’s a comforting meal served over tender egg noodles.
Get the recipe: Venison Stroganoff