After a long day of tedious classes, work shifts and meetings, mind-numbing assignments, and basic everyday responsibilities, the last thing any of us wants to think about is what’s for dinner.
It’s the dreaded final battle of the day: either you run out of time, or you have the wrong ingredients, or maybe the only thing you can think of is to reach for another box of Mac and cheese (which I’m guilty of myself). But with the right planning, it can actually become something to look forward to! That’s why I’m taking you through my favorite weekly meals and snacks that I make on repeat.
Chicken Teriyaki
I’m a big fan of the protein + carb + veggie formula, so this is the dish I make the most! This is my favorite recipe from Salt & Lavender, and it’s never steered me wrong. In addition, it’s extremely simple for anyone newer to the kitchen. The chicken is cooked with a homemade teriyaki sauce and served over rice, and for a vegetable, I’ll usually roast some broccoli in the oven. This one’s my go-to option, and it never gets old.
Burger Bowls
A burger might just be better in bowl form than as a sandwich. For these, you’ll cook ground beef right on the stove, bake or air fry some potatoes, and lay them all on top of lettuce, tomato, or any vegetables of your choice. The best part about the bowl is that it’s easily customizable! Add your favorite sauces and other burger toppings to your bowl without the risk of a mess.
Turkey Meatballs & Sweet Potatoes
This is probably the easiest recipe on this list, since the oven does all the work for you! All you need is some ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and a couple of eggs to make the meatballs, and I like to drop them in a pan with some broccoli to bake. With a drizzle of teriyaki sauce and a baked sweet potato (or sweet potato fries—whichever form you prefer!) on the side, these are another dinnertime staple of mine.
Nacho Bowls
Another simple bowl to make is a nacho bowl! Prep some more ground beef, this time with bell peppers, beans, rice, and any other add-ins you’d like, and serve with cheese and tortilla chips. This is a cozy, classic comfort meal that’s highly delicious and easy to make.
Banana Bread Balls
Of course, no meal is complete without a sweet treat. If you’ve never heard of the TikTok-famous Elle Gibson banana bread balls, allow me to introduce you! These are a healthier banana-bread-inspired dessert made with oat flour, nut butter, maple syrup, and half a ripe banana, coated in chocolate. These are in stock in my fridge at all times, and they’re the best easy treat to make in advance for the week.
No more worrying about what to eat every single day—meal prepping has you covered. Any of these meal recipes can be made at the start of the week and typically last 3 to 4 days in the fridge, which means you’ll only have to cook dinner from scratch around twice every week. Keeping pre-made meals stored up will simplify your day-to-day schedule, allowing you flexibility in the evenings with the assurance of a delicious dinner just a microwave zap away. Happy cooking!