15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (2024)

    Freezer-friendly chicken marinades, tasty bistro boxes, and a nourishing pasta sauce you'll want to put on everything.

    by Emily ShwakeBuzzFeed Staff
    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (2)

    BuzzFeed

    1. Roasted Squash Pasta Sauce

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (3)

    healthyforkful.com

    Roast the squash, puree it with veggie stock and dried sage, and you've got a creamy sauce that adds a bunch of flavor and vegetables to your pasta. Get the recipe here.

    2. Couscous Salad with Spring Vegetables and Agrodolce

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (4)

    alittleandalot.com

    Even if you're eating straight out of the Tupperware, agrodolce — a sweet and sour Italian condiment — can make any meal feel decadent. It'll pair nicely with whatever vegetables you choose to mix into your couscous. Get the recipe here.

    3. Mushroom and Tofu Stuffed Peppers

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (5)

    earthofmaria.com

    Stuffed peppers are a meal prep staple. From rice and beans to meat and cheese, there are basically no limits to the variations you can make with this classic. Mushroom and tofu, however, is a high-protein vegan option that couldn't be easier to put together. Get the recipe here.

    4. Lentil Falafel

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (6)

    inside-sprout.com

    Make and freeze a bunch of these lentil falafel balls so you always have a protein to throw into a salad or pair with whatever sides you've got planned for the week. Get the recipe here.

    5. Turkey Meatballs

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (7)

    astraykitchen.com

    If lentil balls don't take your fancy, try rolling up, baking, and freezing a sheet of turkey meatballs. They'll go with anything from a bowl of roasted veggies to a bed of pasta (maybe with the squash sauce?!). Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard make these meatballs incredibly flavorful. Get the recipe here.

    6. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (8)

    saltandlavender.com

    These teriyaki bowls are super simple to throw together on one of those Sundays where you don't have the energy for a full-fledged recipe. Just boil some rice, steam some broccoli, and sauté some chicken covered in cornstarch and teriyaki sauce. Get the recipe here.

    7. Sheet Pan Roasted Rainbow Vegetables

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (9)

    adashofmegnut.com

    Choose vegetables in the colors of the rainbow to turn your ordinary sheet pan roast into something festive. You'll get a better variety of nutrients than if you, say, solely eat green beans every day for a month (guilty). Get the recipe here.

    8. Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

    themodernproper.com

    There's no need to pay extra for guac. Store all the ingredients separately, and fill your bowl like you're working the Chipotle counter when it's time to leave the house in the morning. Get the recipe here.

    9. Bacon Cheddar Chive Egg Muffin

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (11)

    wholesomerecipebox.com

    These are an essential element of your prep if you have trouble getting yourself to eat breakfast every morning. Freeze a bunch so you can pop them in the toaster oven while you're getting dressed. Get the recipe here.

    10. Healthy Bistro Boxes

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (12)

    platingsandpairings.com

    If you're more of a grazer (me), use some cupcake liners to separate your hummus, nut butter, cheese, fruit, and veggies. Get the recipes here.

    11. Easy Chicken Marinades

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (13)

    carmyy.com

    Chicken breasts can get a little boring if you don't mix up the flavors every once in a while. In the mood for something light and herby this week? Try out this rosemary citrus chicken. Want something a little more tangy? Grill up the Vietnamese chicken, and pair it with pickled carrots or rice and broccoli. Get the recipes here.

    12. Summer Quinoa Salad Jars

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (14)

    pinchofyum.com

    With stacks of quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a lemony dressing, this salad is lovely any time of year. Pack your protein (grilled shrimp, chicken, chickpeas — you name it) separately and mix it in when you're ready to eat! Get the recipe here.

    thissavoryvegan.com

    This is a more involved recipe than the others, but the payoff is totally worth it. Cauliflower rice sautéed with hummus, vegan parmesan, baby spinach, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning makes the perfect filling for these eggplant rollups. Get the recipe here.

    14. Easy Thai Red Curry

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (15)

    damndelicious.net

    Curry is a surprisingly simple meal to throw together, and it makes such good leftovers. Just mix chicken, curry paste, broccolini, and coconut milk in a stock pot and you'll have a delicious dinner ready in 15 minutes! Get the recipe here.

    jessicainthekitchen.com

    Whether you want a simple breakfast, a light snack, or a sweet treat at the end of a meal, these brownie bites are wonderful. Just grind up some nuts, dates, cocoa powder, and coconut flakes, and mold them into balls. They'll last for up to three weeks! Get the recipe here.

    Read more:

    * 14 Days Of Healthy Meals That Actually Taste Good

    The Very Chill, Super Manageable Meal Prep Plan I Swear By, And You Will, Too

    12 Delicious And Nourishing Weeknight Recipes Food Bloggers Swear By

    Get more from Goodful on Instagram and Youtube.

    15 Make-Ahead Recipes That'll Keep You Full When You're Busy (2024)

    FAQs

    What foods can be prepared ahead of time? ›

    18 Make-Ahead Main Courses
    • 01 of 18. Short Rib Chili. ...
    • 02 of 18. Kale-Artichoke Stuffed Shells. ...
    • 03 of 18. Garlic-Butter Rib Roast. ...
    • 04 of 18. Spinach Lasagna. ...
    • 05 of 18. Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Salad. ...
    • 06 of 18. Seafood Gumbo. ...
    • 07 of 18. Miso-Red Bean Patties. ...
    • 08 of 18. Hanetsuki Gyoza (Dumplings with “Wings”)
    Apr 12, 2024

    What food can I cook that will last a week? ›

    With that said, here are eight batch cooking recipes that'll help you eat well all week.
    • Sheet-pan ratatouille. ...
    • Creamy lemon and herb pot-roasted chicken. ...
    • Slow cooker Moroccan chickpea stew. ...
    • Fish stew. ...
    • Slow cooker bolognese. ...
    • Whole roasted cauliflower. ...
    • Sausage casserole. ...
    • Sheet-pan stir fry.
    Jan 30, 2024

    What food will not be cooked or reheated before serving? ›

    Ready-to-eat food is food that will not be cooked or reheated before serving. This includes salads, cooked meats, smoked fish, desserts, sandwiches, cheese and food that you have cooked in advance to serve cold.

    What foods last long for meal prep? ›

    What Foods Are Good for Meal Prep Storage? Most types of food are good for meal prep storage. These include prepped soups, stews, meat, side dishes, and salads.

    What is the cheapest long lasting food? ›

    10 Cheap (and Healthy) Foods that Last a Long Time
    • Dried Beans and Lentils. Average Price: Under $2 for a 1-pound bag. ...
    • Brown Rice and Other Whole Grains. Average Price: About $2 (depending on where you purchase) for a 1-pound bag. ...
    • Frozen Vegetables. ...
    • Peanut Butter. ...
    • Canned Tuna. ...
    • Eggs. ...
    • Whey Protein. ...
    • Apples.

    How can I make $20 last a week for food? ›

    $20 Meal Plan for One Week
    1. $1.99 Alfredo sauce (half jar) so $1.
    2. $2.79 for marinara sauce (whole jar)
    3. ~$1.49 ground beef (fraction of the cost of the ground beef from Costco)
    4. $0.24 ½ bag of Pasta *bag of pasta was on special sale for $0.48.
    5. $1 1 cup cheese.
    6. Salt, Pepper, Italian seasoning.
    Jul 19, 2023

    What is the cheapest food to feed a crowd? ›

    Pasta is one of the cheapest and most filling pantry staples you can buy, and that's exactly why it's the perfect food to feed to a crowd! Plus, everyone loves a good pasta dish. Grab yourself a buffet server warming tray so you can pop your cooked pasta inside and keep it warm all evening long!

    How can I feed 50 guests cheaply? ›

    Feed the masses without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly dishes.
    1. Mexican Lasagne. A spicy lasagne for those of us who love Mexican and Italian food. ...
    2. Cheese Cob Dip. ...
    3. The Best Burger in Oz. ...
    4. Kangaroo Casserole. ...
    5. Sausage Casserole. ...
    6. Nanna's golden sausage casserole. ...
    7. Quiche Lorraine. ...
    8. Turkey and Pumpkin Lasagne.

    What to cook that will last all week? ›

    20 Meal Prep Recipes That'll Actually Stay Good in Your Fridge...
    • Turkey Taco Meal Prep Bowl.
    • Mediterranean Bean Salad.
    • Balsamic Tempeh & Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowls.
    • Homemade Toaster Waffles.
    • Marinated Tomato Feta Orzo Salad Jars.
    • Breakfast Sandwich.
    • Greek Vegetables with Feta.
    • Lentil Salad.
    Apr 8, 2024

    What foods get better with age? ›

    It's not only wine and cheese that get better with age, some other foods taste better with a little bit of time.
    • 1Tiramisu. Prepare tiramisu a day in advance. ...
    • 2Lasagne. ...
    • 3Syrup cake. ...
    • 4Curry. ...
    • 5Brownies. ...
    • 6Sour cream banana cake. ...
    • 7Moussaka. ...
    • 8Pulled pork.

    What foods can I prep for the week? ›

    Meal prep ideas
    • Meal prep: pasta. A star rating of 3.9 out of 5. ...
    • Big-batch bolognese. ...
    • Family meals: Easy fish cakes. ...
    • Orange & oregano pulled pork. ...
    • Aubergine, tomato & halloumi pie. ...
    • Quinoa salad with shredded greens & raisins. ...
    • Fajita chicken rice bowl with burnt lime. ...
    • Roast chicken for weeknight leftovers.

    What party food can you cook the night before? ›

    33 Make Ahead Meals for Family Dinners and Parties
    • 01 of 33. Oven-Baked Fish Sticks. ...
    • 02 of 33. Decadent Mac and Cheese. ...
    • 03 of 33. Chicken Noodle Soup. ...
    • 04 of 33. Sweet Potato and Bean Burritos With Corn Salsa. ...
    • 05 of 33. Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs. ...
    • 06 of 33. Sweet Potato and Gruyère Turnovers. ...
    • 07 of 33. Cottage Pie. ...
    • 08 of 33.
    Jun 26, 2023

    How far in advance can you prepare food? ›

    One important note though: as long as you cook meals properly, food will be perfectly safe to eat within seven days. However, by day five, it might not be as tasty. If there's one number to remember from this cheat sheet, it's four. Most meals are good (safe AND tasty) in the fridge for up to four days.

    What is the best food to stockpile? ›

    • Meats & Beans. Canned meat, chicken, turkey, seafood. and other protein-rich foods, such as. ...
    • Vegetables. Canned vegetables and vegetable juices. ...
    • Fruits. Canned fruits and fruit juices. ...
    • Milk. Canned, boxed or dried milk and shelf- ...
    • Grains. Ready-to-eat cereal, crackers, pretzels, ...
    • Water. Enough for 1 gallon per day.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6806

    Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

    Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

    Birthday: 1999-11-18

    Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

    Phone: +50616620367928

    Job: Real-Estate Liaison

    Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

    Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.