17+ Easy Dinners for Meal Prep

Ever find yourself staring blankly at your fridge, wondering what to whip up for dinner? These easy meal prep ideas promise to transform your dinnertime routine into a delicious and stress-free event.

Stir-Fry Chicken and Broccoli

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe from Natasha's Kitchen

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 30 min.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7. Total Time: 35 min.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry from Iowa Girl Eats

Rating: 5. Total Time: 30 min.

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Imagine juicy chicken pieces mingling with fresh, crunchy broccoli, all coated in a savory sauce that’s both tangy and sweet. This dish is a staple for those who crave a quick and satisfying Asian-inspired meal.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and speed. You only need basic ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to create a delicious sauce that coats every bite. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables, and you can easily swap in your favorites.

What makes this dish special is how customizable it is. Whether you prefer more heat with some added chili flakes or a touch of sweetness with honey, the dish adapts beautifully. Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice or noodles, making it a versatile addition to your meal prep routine.

Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

The best spaghetti bolognese recipe

The best spaghetti bolognese recipe from BBC Good Food

Rating: 5. Total Time: 2 h 15 min.

Authentic Spaghetti Bolognese – Classic and Hearty

Authentic Spaghetti Bolognese – Classic and Hearty from Stoneline DE

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 1 h 50 min.

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This Italian classic never goes out of style, with its rich, hearty sauce simmering gently until perfection. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug.

It’s the slow simmering that makes this Bolognese so special. As the sauce bubbles away, the flavors meld together, creating a depth that’s hard to beat. Adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of nutmeg can take the sauce to new levels.

Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

Quinoa and Black Bean Chili from Goya Foods

Rating: 4.5.

Black Bean Quinoa Chili

Black Bean Quinoa Chili from Peas and Crayons

Rating: 5. Total Time: 40 min.

Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

Quinoa and Black Bean Chili from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.6. Total Time: 1 hr.

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For those who love a plant-based meal with a kick, this chili is a must-try. It’s packed with protein-rich quinoa and hearty black beans, all simmered in a spicy tomato sauce that’s sure to warm you up.

This dish is perfect for meal prep because it tastes even better the next day. As it sits, the flavors deepen, making each bite more delicious than the last. Plus, it’s incredibly filling without being too heavy, thanks to the quinoa.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

Meal Prep Ideas: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Meal Prep Ideas: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad from Love and Lemons

Rating: 4.6. Total Time: 2 hr 20 min.

Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep

Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep from Healthy Fitness Meals

Rating: 5. Total Time: 30 min.

Burrito Bowl Meal Prep

Burrito Bowl Meal Prep from Budget Bytes

Rating: 4.7. Total Time: 30 min.

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Sweet and savory, these shrimp are coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s utterly addictive. With a hint of lemon, this dish feels fresh and vibrant, perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

What makes this recipe stand out is how fast it comes together. In just about 20 minutes, you have a restaurant-quality dish that impresses. The shrimp cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully, making them juicy and flavorful.

Pair these shrimp with steamed rice or a fresh green salad. The contrast between the sweet shrimp and the crisp greens or fluffy rice is just delightful. It’s a meal that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something nice.

Vegetable and Chickpea Curry

Vegetables & Chickpea Coconut Curry

Vegetables & Chickpea Coconut Curry from Cook With Manali

Rating: 4.8.

Vegetable Chickpea Curry

Vegetable Chickpea Curry from Living Lou

Rating: 4.

One Pot Vegetable Chickpea Curry

One Pot Vegetable Chickpea Curry from Simply Quinoa

Rating: 5.

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This curry is a symphony of flavors and colors, with an array of vegetables and chickpeas simmering in a creamy coconut milk sauce. It’s a comforting dish with a gentle spice that can be adjusted to your liking.

The magic of this curry lies in its adaptability. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce food waste. The spices are the heart of the dish, with cumin, coriander, and turmeric creating a warm, fragrant base.

Teriyaki Salmon

Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Teriyaki Salmon Recipe from Natasha's Kitchen

Rating: 5. Total Time: 40 min.

Easy Teriyaki Salmon

Easy Teriyaki Salmon from Chef Savvy

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 20 min.

Baked Teriyaki Salmon

Baked Teriyaki Salmon from Eat With Clarity

Rating: 5. Total Time: 25 min.

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Succulent salmon fillets glazed in a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s both sweet and savory make for a delightful dinner option. This dish feels indulgent yet remains light and healthy.

The secret to this recipe’s popularity is the homemade sauce. It’s incredibly easy to make but tastes like something from a high-end restaurant. The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sugar creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the salmon.

This dish is perfect for meal prep because it holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. Pair it with steamed vegetables or brown rice for a balanced meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Dinner Prep

Meal Prep Ideas: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Meal Prep Ideas: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad from Love and Lemons

Rating: 4.6. Total Time: 2 hr 20 min.

Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep

Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep from Healthy Fitness Meals

Rating: 5. Total Time: 30 min.

Burrito Bowl Meal Prep

Burrito Bowl Meal Prep from Budget Bytes

Rating: 4.7. Total Time: 30 min.

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Prep Ingredients in Advance

Before you start cooking, chop and measure all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother and faster, allowing you to focus on creating delicious meals.

Batch Cook for Efficiency

When possible, double your recipes. This way, you have dinner ready for another night without any extra effort, and it’s a great way to save time during the week.

Invest in Quality Containers

Sturdy, airtight containers keep your meals fresh and make transporting lunches a breeze. Consider using glass containers, as they are microwave safe and help you avoid plastic.