What meals can be prepped in one hour for 2 days?

Question

What meals can be prepped in just one hour for the next two days? Get a super-efficient plan for a quick mid-week prep session.

Answer 1

Several meals can be prepped in one hour for two days, including sheet pan dinners, pasta salads, stir-fries, and large batches of soup or chili. Focus on recipes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking methods.

Detailed Explanation:

To efficiently prep meals for two days in just one hour, prioritize recipes that are quick to assemble and cook. Here's a breakdown of some suitable options:

1. Sheet Pan Dinners: Toss chopped vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, onions) and protein (chicken sausage, tofu, shrimp) with olive oil and seasonings. Spread on a baking sheet and roast. This requires minimal hands-on time and cleanup.

2. Pasta Salads: Cook pasta and while it cools, chop vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, olives) and prepare a simple vinaigrette. Combine everything and add protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken. Pasta salads are great cold and can be easily stored.

3. Stir-Fries: Slice vegetables (carrots, snap peas, bok choy) and protein (chicken, beef, tofu) ahead of time. Prepare a simple sauce (soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey). When ready to cook, stir-fry everything in a wok or large pan. Serve over rice or noodles.

4. Soups and Chili: These are excellent for batch cooking. Chop vegetables (onions, carrots, celery) and brown ground meat (if using). Add canned beans, diced tomatoes, broth, and spices. Simmer until flavors meld. Soups and chili often taste better the next day.

5. Salads with Grilled Chicken or Fish: Grill chicken or fish and prepare a large salad with mixed greens, vegetables, and a vinaigrette. Store the grilled protein separately and add it to the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

When planning, choose recipes that share ingredients to minimize prep time. For example, if you're making a pasta salad and a sheet pan dinner, you can chop vegetables for both at the same time.

Pro Tip:

Invest in pre-chopped vegetables or pre-cooked proteins to significantly reduce prep time. While they may be slightly more expensive, the time saved can be worth it, especially on busy weeks.