Imagine dishes so delicious they’ll have you doing a happy dance in your kitchen.
They’re also jam-packed with nutrients to keep you powered through playdates, errands, and those late-night lullabies.
These high-protein meal prep ideas are made with love, with busy moms like us in mind. They’re designed not just to fuel our bodies but also to bring a little joy to our taste buds.
So, let’s get into these awesome meal prep ideas to get your family set!
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Key Takeaways
- Mix it up and include lean meats, lentils, tofu, eggs, and Greek yogurt in your meal preps to keep you full and help crush those fitness goals.
- Rise and energize! Start your mornings right with delicious, high-protein breakfasts, such as egg muffin cups, country breakfast bowls, or everything bagel casseroles.
- Enjoy a variety of protein-rich meals such as chicken stir fry, cheesy cauliflower rice, beef-stuffed peppers, or seafood treats like shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles.
High-Protein Meal Prep Ideas
When it comes to feeding your family and yourself, you want a nutritious and delicious meal that is also easy to prepare- because, let’s face it, time is a luxury!
These ideas are more than just meals; they’re little acts of love, carefully chosen nutritious ingredients blended to create a well-rounded meal that hugs you from the inside.
Breakfast Meal Ideas
1. Egg Muffin Cups
Meet my new favorite high-protein meal prep idea: Egg Muffin Cups! These mini omelets are about to take your morning routine by storm.
Not only are they protein-rich to keep you energized (hello, high protein meal prep idea!), but it’s also incredibly easy recipes to make!
2. Country Breakfast Bowls
What I absolutely love about this recipe, in addition to how delicious it is, is how easily you can change it up!
You can swap out the sausage for a leaner turkey option or even a plant-based protein and change up the toppings and sauce so everyone at the table gets to dig into a bowl that they’ll love.
3. Everything Bagel Casserole
Let me tell you, this Everything Bagel Casserole recipe has been a game-changer for chaotic mornings at our house, and I just had to share it with you.
It’s one of those meal prep recipes that takes the rush out of rush hour and lets you breathe a little easier (and maybe even finish that cup of coffee while it’s still warm!).
Chicken Meal Prep Ideas
4. Cheesy Chicken And Cauliflower Rice
What I absolutely love about this meal (besides its mouth-watering taste) is how it sneaks in that low-carb goodness of cauliflower without sacrificing the comfort-food vibe we all crave.
Cheesey chicken is one of my favorite high-protein meals. It not only keeps you full and satisfied but also beautifully meets a busy mom’s need for quick, nutritious meal prep recipes.
5. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Finding nutritious meals that please both the kids and the adults can be a challenge. That’s why I love this Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry!
Its sweet and savory sauce, crafted from soy sauce and honey, adds a delightful flavor to tender chicken.
Packed with a variety of veggies and sprinkled with sesame seeds, it’s a wholesome dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
6. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
What spells comfort better than a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup? This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s a hearty soup packed with love and nourishment.
It’s one of the protein meal prep recipes you can store in the fridge for those “grab and go” days or frozen for a future “no time to cook” evening.
Beef Meal Prep Ideas
7. Ground Beef & Broccoli Skillet
Trust me, this dish is more than just a meal; it’s a tiny miracle in a pan. A single skillet creates a flavor-packed dinner that leaves everyone at the table asking for seconds.
And here’s the part I love– it goes great with a side of cauliflower or brown rice for a filling, nourishing meal that didn’t take hours to make or a mountain of dishes to clean.
8. Beef & Cauliflower Rice-Stuffed Peppers
All you need to make this recipe is ground beef, cauliflower rice, tomato sauce, and spices. Top it off with shredded cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
What I love most about this recipe is that it is high-protein and low-carb, making it perfect for us mamas who want to keep things balanced.
9. Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Transform your ordinary evening into a cozy family feast with these Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes; what a tasty twist for taco night!
Packed with all the good stuff, it’ll keep your loved ones happy and energized. And it’s ready in less than 20 minutes!
Turkey Meal Prep Ideas
10. Turkey Chili with Hidden Veggies
Once you try this Turkey Chili with Hidden Veggies, it’ll quickly become a family favorite. It’s the perfect solution for busy days, offering both convenience and nutrition in one hearty dish.
Who knew a simple meal could be so empowering? Cheers to simplifying mom’s life and making mealtime more enjoyable for everyone with this easy recipe.
11. One Pan Asian Turkey Meatballs
It’s so easy to make these Asian Turkey Meatballs on hectic evenings when time isn’t on our side.
I love pairing these savory meatballs with crisp pea pods or green beans and fluffy white rice. And the best part, this dish is perfect for meal prepping.
12. Turkey Zucchini Lasagna
What I love about this Turkey Zucchini Lasagna is that it opts for a leaner choice, using ground turkey and zucchini to get the flavor of lasagna without the carbs and calories.
It’s a great way to sneak in those greens for the kiddos (and maybe even the picky eaters in the family!).
Seafood Meal Prep Ideas
13. Pan-Seared Halibut with Creamed Corn & Tomatoes
Here’s the secret, lovelies, about this pan-seared halibut with creamed corn and tomatoes recipe. It’s surprisingly simple and oh-so-satisfying, a high-protein meal for a stellar weeknight meal.
Plus, it’s packed with high-protein goodness to keep us going through our supermom duties.
14. Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Carbonara
What I love most about Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Carbonara is how it combines all the creamy flavors of a traditional carbonara without weighing you down with fat and carbs.
Instead, it’s loaded with succulent shrimp and creamy spaghetti squash, making each bite a little moment of “me-time” in your busy day.
15. Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
Between playdates and pickups, who has the time to whip up elaborate meals? And yes, we’ve all had those days when just the thought of making dinner feels like climbing a mountain.
That’s why I adore this dish! It swaps pasta for zucchini noodles but keeps the parts that make shrimp scampi comfort food- the garlic, lemon, Parmesan, and, yes, butter.
Veggie Meal Prep Ideas
16. Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
Need a simple yet hearty dinner solution? This hash has your back!
Sweet Potato Hash is a complete meal at any time of day with soft, tender sweet potatoes, your favorite sausage (or hey, why not some crispy bacon?), and bell peppers.
17. Noodle Soup Jars
These noodle soup jars can make your life a tad easier without cutting corners on the love and care you pour into your families.
All you need to do is pour hot water into these treasure jars, give it a little mix-a-roo to bring the broth to life and soften the veggies.
18. Chickpea and Lentil Taco Salad
Packed with high-protein goodies and a plant-based protein punch from chickpeas and lentils, it’s not just filling but oh-so-nourishing.
And because I know how crazy your days can get, these bowls come with a little magic trick – they are perfect for meal-prepping!
Dessert Meal Prep Ideas
19. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars are a quick, no-bake treat. But the biggest win? They’re packed with protein, making them the energy-boosting hero every mama needs.
I love whipping up a huge batch and keeping them chilled for a quick grab-and-go snack.
20. Banana Pudding Parfaits
Banana Pudding Parfaits are seriously perfect for when you want to whip up something quick, nutritious, and utterly delicious.
What I love most about this treat is how it brings those warm, fuzzy feelings of traditional banana pudding but packs a punch with the high protein of Greek yogurt.
21. Protein Cookie Dough
I have to share with you this protein cookie dough recipe, which is about to become your new go-to, not just for the kiddos’ snack time but also for us mamas!
What I love is that it’s an edible dough (no eggs) that’s satisfying and nutritious and only takes five minutes to whip up.
FAQs
How many ounces of chicken for meal prep?
Aim for about 3-4 ounces of chicken breast per serving. If we break it down, a pound of chicken (that’s 16 ounces) is about 4 servings.
A little tip from one mama to another: don’t forget about the cooking shrinkage– pesky but true! Expect a 25% reduction in the chicken breast weight once cooked.
What are some high-protein breakfast meal prep ideas?
I’m all for making life a bit easier, and meal prep is my secret weapon. Here are my top 3 breakfast picks:
- Egg Muffin Cups: Packed with protein and veggies, these are quick to grab and eat, perfect for busy mornings.
- Country Breakfast Bowls: These bowls are filled with eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat or veggies, and they are a hearty way to start the day.
- Everything Bagel Casserole: This casserole combines the flavors of your favorite bagel with the convenience of making breakfast ahead.
Can I incorporate high-protein meals into my dessert meal prep?
Absolutely you can definitely incorporate high-protein meals into your dessert meal prep.
Some delicious options to consider are chocolate peanut butter pretzel bars, banana pudding parfaits, and protein cookie dough.
Are there high-protein meal prep options for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, you can prepare high-protein, plant-based vegetarian and vegan meals like sweet potato hash, noodle soup jars, and chickpea and lentil taco salad.
Can I prepare high-protein meals in advance?
Yes, mama, prepping big batch, protein-packed meals in advance is definitely doable using sheet pan meals or a slow cooker!
I’m a huge fan of using the slow cooker for easy meals, so check out my tips for slow cooking.
Think high-protein meals with chicken thighs, ground chicken, ground turkey, pork roast, or lean ground beef – all ready to grab and go.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to try these delicious meals? There’s truly something for anyone incorporating high-protein meals into their diet with an easy meal plan.
Whether you’re setting a crock pot to simmer, arranging a light dinner on a sheet pan for easy clean-up, or adding protein powder, you’re all set with over 20 meal options every day!
And don’t forget, meal prep with healthy fats and lean protein makes for delicious, high-protein meals.
