Meal prep can be a big challenge, which is why we’ve compiled the easiest recipes of them all. Prepare these dishes ahead of time in big batches or individual containers to get memorable dinners (and breakfast and dessert) on the table no matter how busy your week. Whether you’re a batch-cooking newbie or a seasoned pro of pre-made meals, these recipes are delicious, easy and anything but boring.
Ranch Pork Chop Sheet Pan Supper
Sheet pans dinners help you prepare a meal in a snap by reducing the cooking time. They’re also a great way to get your children in the kitchen to help. Ranch dressing mix is used to season the pork chops, potatoes and beans so you get that delicious flavour in every bite.
Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers
A cinch to meal-prep for the week ahead, these stuffed peppers are a healthier alternative to a traditional carb-laden dish. With slow-digesting carbs and protein, you avoid the evening lull bread or pasta can bring on.
Healthy Eggplant and Kale Parmesan
Eggplant + Parmesan = a classic comfort food dish you won’t be able to resist. If you’re short on time, however, consider stripping the kale from its stems, tearing up the fresh basil and grating all that cheese in advance for a simple make-ahead recipe you can quickly pop into the oven. Hearty weeknight suppers never tasted so good.
Vegetarian Minestrone
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than leaning on a classic for optimal comfort. This thick, hearty Italian veggie soup will be a bona fide hit with the entire family – it also freezes beautifully, making it an absolute must-make if you have a busy week ahead.
Freezer Bag Chicken Curry Stir-Fry
Set aside a bit of time over the weekend and prepare this freezer-friendly meal that can be defrosted for breezy weeknight dinners. While the chicken, cauliflower and peas simmer in the coconut curry sauce, warm some naan for dipping.
Mexican Rice Casserole
Mix things up with this Mexican-inspired rice casserole dish that your family will gobble up in no time. Bonus: this one-pot recipe is also a cinch to clean up. Find more easy weeknight meal inspiration with the Pioneer Woman’s one-pot recipes that will make dinner a breeze.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
These protein-packed fajitas rely on a foil-lined baking sheet and broiler for a quick and healthy weeknight meal with minimal clean-up. Meal prep doesn’t get much easier than this. Prefer something meatless? Try these high-protein vegan meals.
Monster Meatballs
What exactly makes these uber meatballs tough to top? Chalk it up to the perfect combo of ground turkey and sausage mixed in with grated Parm, fresh parsley and your favourite store-bought marinara. Tender, moist and perfect on their own or with pasta, this dish will become an instant family favourite. Make extra and store in your freezer for easy re-heatable meals on busy weeknights.
Salmon Sheet Pan Supper with Horseradish Sauce
Sheet pan suppers are a meal prep hack that’s here to stay. In this recipe, Molly Yeh roasts salmon fillets with fingerling potatoes and broccolini, and serves it with a creamy, Greek yogurt-based horseradish sauce.
Herbalicious Breakfast Casserole
Ree’s casserole is ideal for those who prefer their meals plant-based, though there is cream cheese and mozzarella for that melty goodness.
Healthy Farro Fried "Rice"
For the uninitiated, farro is an Italian variety of wheat typically added to soups and risotto dishes. That being said, it’s also a perfect substitute for rice (or cauliflower rice) in this easy-peasy stir-fry recipe that you’ll have on the table in no time.
Triple-Flavour Sheet Pan Cheesecake
Throw together a cheesecake fit to feed a crowd with this tasty dessert recipe. Use early-bearing fruits such as raspberries and strawberries to enjoy early spring harvests.
Lemon Bars
Zippy lemon bars freeze like a treat and defrost rapidly, so you don’t have to wait too long to dig in. After defrosting, apply a thin dusting of fresh icing sugar to the tops, which can dissolve in the freezer.