10 EASY Meal Prep Recipes for Busy Weeks! Healthy, Family-Friendly, & SO Good! Cook With Me
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Recipes in this Video
9 recipes
Ingredients
- ●1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ●1/2 cup sour cream
- ●1/2 cup mayonnaise
- ●1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- ●1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- ●1 tsp garlic powder
- ●1 tsp onion powder
- ●1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- ●1/2 tsp black pepper
- ●1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- 1In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- 2Add the finely chopped dill pickles and fresh dill to the mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.
- 3Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to incorporate all the spices.
- 4Taste the dip and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or cayenne for extra heat if desired.
- 5Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- 6Serve chilled with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Equipment
mixing bowlspatulaplastic wrap
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low
Ingredients
- ●8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- ●1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- ●2 tbsp olive oil
- ●3 cloves garlic, minced
- ●1 lemon, zested and juiced
- ●1/2 cup vegetable broth
- ●1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ●Salt and pepper to taste
- ●Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- 3Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4Stir in the artichoke hearts and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- 5Add the lemon zest and juice, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- 6Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 7Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- 8If using, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well until melted and combined.
- 9Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 10Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Equipment
large potskilletcolandermeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsknifecutting board
Ingredients
- ●1 cup all-purpose flour
- ●1/2 tsp baking powder
- ●1/4 tsp salt
- ●1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ●1/2 cup granulated sugar
- ●1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- ●1 large egg
- ●1 tsp vanilla extract
- ●1/2 cup fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, kiwi)
- ●1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- 3In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- 4Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- 5Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- 6Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- 7Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- 8Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 9Once cooled, top each cookie with a slice of fresh fruit.
- 10Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Equipment
mixing bowlwhiskbaking sheetparchment paperwire rackscooper
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting American dish that has been a staple in family kitchens for decades. Often associated with potlucks and weeknight dinners, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a hearty meal that appeals to both kids and adults. Variations abound, with some adding vegetables or different cheeses, making it a versatile dish loved across the country.
Ingredients
- ●chicken breast
- ●rice
- ●cream of chicken soup
- ●cheddar cheese
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●broccoli
- ●milk
- ●butter
- ●black pepper
- ●salt
- ●parsley
- ●breadcrumbs
Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 350°F.
- 2Cook rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- 3In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- 4Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 5Add diced chicken to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- 6Stir in cream of chicken soup, milk, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
- 7Mix in cooked rice and broccoli, then stir in half of the cheddar cheese.
- 8Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- 9Top with remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- 10Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- 11Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- 12Garnish with parsley before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
cream of chicken soup
Healthier: homemade chicken broth
Cheaper: canned vegetable soup
Homemade broth reduces sodium and enhances flavor.
cheddar cheese
Healthier: low-fat cheese
Cheaper: processed cheese
Low-fat cheese maintains creaminess with fewer calories.
broccoli
Healthier: spinach
Cheaper: frozen mixed vegetables
Frozen veggies are cost-effective and nutritious.
chicken breast
Healthier: skinless chicken thighs
Cheaper: canned chicken
Canned chicken is convenient and budget-friendly.
Techniques
sautéingbaking
Equipment
large skilletbaking dishpotmixing spoon
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkwheat
Also Known As
Chicken and Rice BakeCheesy Chicken Casserole
vegandairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free
Ingredients
- ●2 cups almond milk
- ●1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- ●1 banana
- ●1 tbsp almond butter
- ●1 tbsp honey (optional)
- ●1/2 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- 1In a blender, combine almond milk, chocolate protein powder, banana, almond butter, and honey (if using).
- 2Add the ice cubes to the blender.
- 3Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
- 4Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more honey.
- 5Pour the drink into glasses and serve immediately.
Equipment
blendermeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsglasses
Protein pudding is a modern American dessert that caters to health-conscious individuals and fitness enthusiasts. It combines high-protein ingredients like protein powder and Greek yogurt to create a satisfying and nutritious snack or dessert. This dish has gained popularity for its versatility and the ability to customize flavors, making it a favorite among those looking to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- ●protein powder
- ●milk
- ●Greek yogurt
- ●vanilla extract
- ●sweetener
- ●cocoa powder
- ●peanut butter
- ●chocolate chips
- ●salt
Instructions
- 1Combine protein powder and cocoa powder in a bowl.
- 2Add milk and Greek yogurt to the dry ingredients.
- 3Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- 4Stir in vanilla extract and sweetener to taste.
- 5Fold in peanut butter until well incorporated.
- 6Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- 7If desired, mix in chocolate chips or other toppings.
- 8Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to thicken.
- 9Serve chilled, garnished with additional toppings if desired.
Ingredient Alternatives
Greek yogurt
Healthier: silken tofu
Cheaper: regular yogurt
Silken tofu provides a creamy texture with fewer calories.
peanut butter
Healthier: almond butter
Cheaper: sunflower seed butter
Sunflower seed butter is nut-free and often less expensive.
milk
Healthier: almond milk
Cheaper: oat milk
Oat milk is often cheaper and provides a similar texture.
chocolate chips
Healthier: dark chocolate
Cheaper: cacao nibs
Cacao nibs are less sweet and lower in sugar.
Techniques
mixingchilling
Equipment
mixing bowlwhiskspoonmeasuring cups
milkpeanuts
Also Known As
High-Protein PuddingProtein Dessert
Ingredients
- ●1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ●1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- ●1 red bell pepper, chopped
- ●1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ●1 medium red onion, chopped
- ●3 tbsp olive oil
- ●2 tbsp soy sauce
- ●1 tbsp honey
- ●1 tsp garlic powder
- ●1 tsp ginger powder
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/2 tsp black pepper
- ●1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and red onion.
- 3In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- 4Pour the marinade over the chicken and vegetables, and toss to coat evenly.
- 5Spread the mixture in a single layer on a large sheet pan.
- 6Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- 7Stir halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.
- 8Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- 9Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Equipment
large bowlsheet panwhiskmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
Ingredients
- ●1 cup rolled oats
- ●1/2 cup peanut butter
- ●1/4 cup honey
- ●1/2 cup chocolate chips
- ●1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- ●1/4 cup dried fruit (optional)
- ●1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- ●1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- 1In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract.
- 2Mix the ingredients together until well combined and a sticky mixture forms.
- 3If using, fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and dried fruit until evenly distributed.
- 4Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 5Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- 6Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to set.
- 7Once set, remove from the dish using the parchment paper and cut into bars.
- 8Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Equipment
mixing bowlspatulabaking dishparchment paper
Ingredients
- ●1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ●1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
- ●1/2 cup powdered sugar
- ●1/4 cup chocolate chips
- ●1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
- ●1 tsp vanilla extract
- ●Graham crackers or fruit for dipping
Instructions
- 1In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and vanilla yogurt until smooth.
- 2Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- 3Fold in the chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles gently.
- 4Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and smooth the top with a spatula.
- 5Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 6Serve with graham crackers or fresh fruit for dipping.
Equipment
mixing bowlspatulaserving bowl