As a mom, especially with two under two, meal prep can feel like an impossible task. I know how overwhelming it can be to think about cooking when you’ve got so many other things on your plate (pun intended!). But with a few simple tricks, you can save time, reduce stress, and still get meals on the table. Here are my top 5 tips for quick meal prep:
1. Double Up on Recipes
When you’re already cooking, make double! It takes the same amount of time, and you’ll have extra for the next day. I love doing this with this Greek chicken recipe, because it makes a great lunch the next day! You can eat it as lunch, leftovers, or freeze half for later in the week when you’re short on time.
Bonus Tip: Invest in some good freezer containers so you can easily store and reheat meals without a hassle!
2. Use Pre-Chopped Veggies or Frozen Options
If chopping vegetables feels like a time suck, skip the prep and buy pre-chopped or frozen veggies. I love that they offer so many pre-chopped options at Walmart! They’re just as nutritious, and you’ll cut down on so much cooking time. Frozen veggies like spinach, peas, or mixed stir-fry blends are perfect for quick meals.
Bonus Tip: Throw frozen veggies into soups, stir-fries, or pastas for an instant nutrient boost!
3. Cook a Protein for the Week
Pick a versatile protein—like grilled chicken, ground turkey, or tofu—and cook it in bulk at the beginning of the week. You can then add it to salads, wraps, bowls, or even tacos as the week goes on. I absolutely love seasoning mine with Weber Kickin Chicken seasoning. Cooking for the week makes assembling meals super fast because your main ingredient is already ready to go!
Bonus Tip: Season the protein differently each day to switch things up and avoid food boredom. (Highly recommend Weber Kickin Chicken!)
4. Use One-Pot or Sheet Pan Recipes
Dishes are my least favorite chore, so the fewer dishes, the better! One-pot meals and sheet pan dinners are lifesavers because everything cooks together. You just toss everything in and let it bake or simmer while you do other things—like wrangling the kids. Less time cooking and less time cleaning!
Bonus Tip: Line your sheet pans with foil or parchment paper for even faster cleanup!
5. Prep Snacks and Breakfast in Advance
Instead of scrambling in the morning or between meals, set aside time to prep snacks and breakfast the night before. I love making overnight oats, yogurt parfaits, or pre-packaging fruit and veggies into individual portions. Having grab-and-go options keeps everyone happy and fed with minimal effort. My favorite overnight oats recipe is this Almond Joy inspired one, here!
Bonus Tip: Get the kids involved by letting them choose their own snacks for the week. It’s a fun way to teach them about making choices and saves you some time.
Meal prepping doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and these quick tips, you can cut down on kitchen time and make sure your family still eats well.
xo, Beth.
What’s your go-to meal prep trick? Let me know in the comments below!
