Meal prepping is an excellent way to ensure that you have healthy meals ready to go at a moment's notice. It saves time, reduces stress, and can help maintain a healthy balanced diet. I’m sharing with you 10 of our favorite meals and snacks!
Whether you’re preparing for the arrival of a new baby or for a busy season of life, meal prep will be your new best friend! Now that the holiday season is over, we’re getting back to our normal routines of work, homeschooling, and extracurricular activities.
The next couple of months will be pretty busy for us. We are diving into cookie season and new adventures with our Girl Scout troop, trying to complete gardening and yard projects at home, and assisting in the daily care of a loved one. Having a few prepped meals on hand will be extremely helpful!
Meal prepping doesn’t have to be done all in one day. Sometimes I'll do that if I have the time, energy, and all of the supplies on hand. But most of the time, I just make a double batch of a recipe that I’m already making. There’s really not that big of a difference in time and effort in making a larger batch for us to have a ready-to-eat meal later.
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Benefits of Meal Prepping
Meal prepping offers numerous advantages, especially during hectic times:
● Time-saving: Having meals or ingredients prepared in advance reduces daily cooking time, allowing you more time to focus on other important tasks.
● Budget-friendly: Planning and preparing meals in advance helps you avoid the temptation of expensive takeout or dining out.
● Healthier eating: Controlling ingredients ensures that meals are nutritious and align with dietary goals.
● Less stress: Knowing that dinner is already planned or partially ready takes the
guesswork out of meal times
Meal Prepping Shelf-Stable Items
Shelf-stable items are a cornerstone of my meal prep. They provide flexibility and ease in meal preparation. Here are some ideas for what I like to keep on hand:
● Homecanned Proteins: Having homecanned ground beef and chicken means you can quickly whip up a variety of dishes, from tacos to casseroles.
● Homecanned Meals: Prepare and can meals like chili and soups for easy reheating on busy nights.
● Freeze-Dried Foods: Freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, potatoes, and rice can be rehydrated quickly and used in a multitude of recipes, adding nutrients and flavor to meals.
Meal Prepping Shelf-Stable Food
Check out our review of the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer and Food Preservation tips and recipes!
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10 Freezer-Friendly Meals for Any Busy Season
My take on the traditional lasagna recipe this dish is packed with five flavorful cheeses, delicious Italian sausage, and affordable pantry staples.
This hearty chili is the ultimate comfort food on a cold evening. This chili is so easy to revamp into a completely different meal like chili mac, chili dogs, or loaded chili tater tots!
Homemade pizza dough and homemade pizza sauce are the delicious base for these family-favorite pizza pinwheels! Layers of pepperoni, mozzarella, and parmesan are wrapped into a delicious pinwheel shape to create an easy and delicious appetizer, snack, or quick dinner that’s fun to eat!
Want More of Our Freezer-Friendly Meals? Check out 10 of our BREAKFAST favorites!
These Baked Chicken Taquitos are tortillas filled with seasoned chicken, a creamy mix of sharp cheddar cheese and sour cream, and zesty Salsa Verde and baked until crispy.
Experience the comforting and hearty flavors of the South with this authentic Louisiana red beans and rice recipe. Infused with Cajun seasoning and delicious andouille sausage, this dish will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans!
These Homemade BBQ Meatballs are nice and crispy on the outside, and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside coated with a delicious, savory homemade BBQ sauce!
Everyone will be asking for seconds of this traditional family favorite! Perfectly seasoned ground beef topped with a zesty tomato glaze.
Spicy. Southern. Classic. Affordable. Two New Orleans favorites, dirty rice, and jambalaya, are combined into a delicious one-pot dinner. If a budget-friendly powerhouse of a meal is what you are looking for, this is it!
These Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers are packed full of a delicious mixture of spicy Italian sausage, marinara sauce, rice, and savory spices topped with sharp cheddar cheese.
These quick bites are sure to be a hit at your next potluck, party, or game-day gathering. Filled with sweet honey ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and a sauce that sings, they will have you coming back for more!
If you enjoy easy recipes like this check out these quick family favorites!
Meal prepping doesn't have to be overwhelming or expensive. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the benefits of having ready-to-eat meals without stretching your budget.
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