Whether cooking full meals ahead of time or simply washing and chopping fruits and vegetables for quick snacks later, the up-front time invested in meal prep pays off in a number of ways.
Meal prep supports healthy eating by allowing for meal planning that incorporates healthier ingredients and more variety into weekly menus, while also allowing for control over exactly what goes into a dish.
Black bean sweet potato enchiladas make for a hearty vegetarian dish that supplies five servings in just 20 minutes of prep time. The enchilada sauce calls for salsa verde, which can be made at home or bought pre-made at the store.
Baked ziti allows for a lot of personalization: You can choose your preferred meat (Italian sausage, ground beef or pork, or a vegan alternative), your favorite store-bought pasta sauce (or make your own), and pasta shape.
Quick and easy to make in bulk, and very freezer-friendly, this vegetarian chili is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein thanks to the beans and quinoa. Cumin and chili powder are key to the flavor of this recipe.
With just a few inexpensive ingredients, slow cooker sesame beef is simple and budget-friendly. All you need to start this delicious dish is a 3-quart or larger slow cooker and 15 minutes of prep time.