Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

10 Easy High-Protein Meal Prep Recipes | Healthy Family Meals! Homemade Dinner Ideas!

Login to Save
46K views👍 2.9K
THE WADS
THE WADS
18 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow THE WADS to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipes in this Video

15 recipes

Ingredients

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Wash and pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork.
  2. 2Place the sweet potatoes in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
  3. 3In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, carefully slice them open lengthwise.
  5. 5Scoop out a small portion of the sweet potato flesh to make room for the filling.
  6. 6Fill each sweet potato with the BBQ chicken mixture.
  7. 7Top each stuffed sweet potato with shredded cheddar cheese and diced red onion.
  8. 8Cover the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  9. 9Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Equipment

crockpotmixing bowlknifefork
veganvegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Quinoa salad is a versatile dish that originated in the Andean region of South America, where quinoa has been cultivated for thousands of years. It has gained popularity worldwide due to its nutritional benefits and adaptability in various cuisines. Often served as a side dish or light meal, it is commonly enjoyed in Mediterranean-style preparations, featuring fresh vegetables and herbs. This dish is particularly favored for its health benefits and is a staple in many vegetarian and health-conscious diets.

Ingredients

  • quinoa
  • cucumber
  • cherry tomatoes
  • red onion
  • bell pepper
  • parsley
  • lemon juice
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse quinoa under cold water.
  2. 2Boil water in a pot and add quinoa.
  3. 3Cook quinoa until fluffy, about 15 minutes.
  4. 4Drain and let quinoa cool.
  5. 5Chop cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper.
  6. 6In a bowl, combine cooled quinoa with chopped vegetables and parsley.
  7. 7Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
  8. 8Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. 9Toss to combine all ingredients well.
  10. 10Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredient Alternatives

quinoa

Healthier: farro

Cheaper: rice

Farro is more nutritious, while rice is often cheaper.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier, while canola oil is budget-friendly.

Techniques

boilingmixing

Equipment

potstrainerbowlknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Quinoa Salad BowlMediterranean Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

  • 200g ramen noodles
  • 100g pancetta, diced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 50g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 4In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  5. 5Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic, tossing to combine.
  6. 6Remove the skillet from heat and quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the noodles, stirring rapidly to create a creamy sauce. The residual heat will cook the eggs.
  7. 7Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. 8Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.

Equipment

Large potSkilletMixing bowlWhiskColander

Turkey meatballs have become a staple in American cuisine, often enjoyed for their versatility and ease of preparation. They can be served in various ways, such as with pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own with sauce. This dish reflects a broader trend toward healthier eating, as ground turkey is a leaner alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs. Today, turkey meatballs are embraced globally, with variations incorporating diverse spices and ingredients from different cultures.

Ingredients

  • ground turkey
  • bread crumbs
  • egg
  • parmesan cheese
  • garlic
  • onion
  • parsley
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • olive oil
  • tomato sauce
  • Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, egg, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 3Mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  4. 4Form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
  5. 5Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. 6Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs.
  7. 7Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
  8. 8While the meatballs are baking, heat tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
  9. 9Add Italian seasoning to the sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  10. 10Once the meatballs are done, add them to the sauce and stir gently to coat.
  11. 11Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated mozzarella

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

bread crumbs

Healthier: oats

Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats provide fiber and are often less expensive.

ground turkey

Healthier: ground chicken

Cheaper: ground beef

Ground chicken is lower in fat, while ground beef may be more accessible.

egg

Healthier: flaxseed meal

Cheaper: applesauce

Flaxseed meal serves as a binder with added nutrients.

Techniques

mixingbakingsimmering

Equipment

baking sheetmixing bowlsaucepanmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyegg

Also Known As

Turkey BallsGround Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1In a bowl, mix honey, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. 2Add the diced chicken breast to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
  3. 3In a skillet over medium heat, cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked and golden brown, about 7-10 minutes.
  4. 4In serving bowls, layer the cooked brown rice as the base.
  5. 5Top the rice with the cooked chicken, corn, black beans, avocado slices, and cherry tomatoes.
  6. 6Garnish with fresh cilantro on top.
  7. 7Serve immediately and enjoy your Honey Lime Chicken Bowls!

Equipment

mixing bowlskilletmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsserving bowls
veganvegetarianplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Lentil soup is a staple in Italian cuisine, often enjoyed during colder months. It is a hearty dish that reflects the agricultural traditions of Italy, where lentils are cultivated. This soup is not only nutritious but also symbolizes prosperity and good luck, especially when served on New Year's Day. Variations exist across regions, showcasing local ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

  • lentils
  • carrots
  • celery
  • onion
  • garlic
  • vegetable broth
  • olive oil
  • bay leaves
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
  2. 2In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. 3Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
  4. 4Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  5. 5Add the lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  6. 6Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender.
  7. 7Remove bay leaves before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

lentils

Healthier: green lentils

Cheaper: split peas

Split peas are often less expensive and cook faster.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is a budget-friendly alternative.

Techniques

sautéingboiling

Equipment

large potcutting boardknifemeasuring cups
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Zuppa di Lenticchie

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
  3. 3In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
  6. 6Add the corn and black beans to the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  7. 7Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, remove them from the oven and set aside.
  8. 8To assemble the bowls, divide the roasted sweet potatoes among serving bowls. Top with the beef mixture, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
  9. 9Drizzle with lime juice before serving.

Equipment

baking sheetlarge skilletspatulaknifecutting board

Egg muffins, originating from the American breakfast scene, are a convenient and nutritious way to enjoy eggs on the go. They reflect the trend of meal prepping and healthy eating, allowing for customization with various ingredients. Today, they are popular in brunch menus and among health-conscious individuals worldwide, often enjoyed as a quick breakfast option.

Ingredients

  • eggs
  • bell peppers
  • spinach
  • cheddar cheese
  • onion
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • cooked bacon or sausage
  • milk
  • herbs

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
  3. 3In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
  4. 4Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, onion, and cooked bacon or sausage to the egg mixture.
  5. 5Stir in shredded cheese and season with salt and black pepper.
  6. 6Pour the egg mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
  7. 7Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
  8. 8Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the egg muffins are set and lightly golden.
  9. 9Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin.
  10. 10Serve warm or store in the refrigerator for later.

Ingredient Alternatives

cheddar cheese

Healthier: feta cheese

Cheaper: processed cheese

Feta adds flavor with fewer calories, while processed cheese is often less expensive.

cooked bacon or sausage

Healthier: turkey bacon or chicken sausage

Cheaper: vegetarian sausage

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while vegetarian options can be more affordable.

milk

Healthier: unsweetened almond milk

Cheaper: water

Almond milk reduces calories, while water is a budget-friendly option.

bell peppers

Healthier: zucchini

Cheaper: carrots

Zucchini is lower in calories, and carrots are often less expensive.

Techniques

mixingbaking

Equipment

muffin tinmixing bowlwhiskmeasuring cups
🌶️🌶️🌶️Loweggsdairy

Also Known As

Egg CupsSavory Egg Bites

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. 2Add the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper on top of the chicken.
  3. 3Pour the chicken broth over the mixture in the slow cooker.
  4. 4Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. 5Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
  6. 6Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  7. 7Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  8. 8Add the penne pasta to the slow cooker, stirring to combine with the sauce.
  9. 9Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
  10. 10Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Equipment

slow cookermeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonscutting boardknifeforks for shredding

Banana bread is a popular quick bread that originated in the United States during the Great Depression. It became a staple in American households due to its simplicity and the ability to use overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. Today, it is enjoyed as a snack or dessert and can be found in various adaptations, including nut and chocolate chip variations.

Ingredients

  • ripe bananas
  • all-purpose flour
  • sugar
  • eggs
  • butter
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Grease a loaf pan.
  3. 3In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
  4. 4In another bowl, mix the melted butter with sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  5. 5Combine the banana mixture with the wet ingredients.
  6. 6In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  7. 7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  8. 8Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  9. 9Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  10. 10Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  11. 11Slice and serve.

Ingredient Alternatives

all-purpose flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

More nutritious option.

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Lower in saturated fat.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: brown sugar

Natural sweetener.

Techniques

mixingbaking

Equipment

loaf panmixing bowlswhiskforktoothpick
glutendairyeggs

Also Known As

Banana Loaf

Beef and broccoli is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, often found in takeout menus across the United States. It combines tender beef with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce, reflecting the adaptation of traditional Chinese flavors to American tastes. The dish is commonly enjoyed for its balance of protein and vegetables, making it a favorite for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • beef
  • broccoli
  • soy sauce
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • cornstarch
  • vegetable oil
  • sesame oil

Instructions

  1. 1Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
  2. 2Marinate the beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little water for 15 minutes.
  3. 3Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
  4. 4Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned, then remove from the pan.
  5. 5In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, stir-frying briefly until fragrant.
  6. 6Add broccoli and a splash of water; cover to steam for a few minutes until tender-crisp.
  7. 7Return the beef to the pan, add soy sauce, and stir to combine everything well.
  8. 8Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

beef

Healthier: lean beef

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Lean beef is lower in fat; chicken thighs are often more affordable.

soy sauce

Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Lower sodium option for a healthier profile.

Techniques

stir-fried

Equipment

wokknifecutting boardspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoy

Also Known As

Beef with BroccoliBroccoli Beef

Protein balls originated from the health and fitness community, designed as a convenient snack for those seeking to increase their protein intake. They are often made with wholesome ingredients and are popular among athletes and busy individuals. Today, variations abound, with different nut butters, sweeteners, and add-ins to cater to various dietary preferences and tastes.

Ingredients

  • oats
  • peanut butter
  • honey
  • protein powder
  • chocolate chips
  • chia seeds
  • vanilla extract
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Combine oats, peanut butter, honey, protein powder, chocolate chips, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. 2Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. 3Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to firm up.
  4. 4Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture.
  5. 5Roll each portion into a ball using your hands.
  6. 6Place the protein balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. 7Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set.
  8. 8Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Ingredient Alternatives

peanut butter

Healthier: almond butter

Cheaper: sunflower seed butter

Almond butter is lower in calories and offers a different flavor.

honey

Healthier: maple syrup

Cheaper: agave syrup

Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness with a different flavor profile.

chocolate chips

Healthier: dark chocolate chips

Cheaper: cocoa nibs

Cocoa nibs reduce sugar while adding a chocolate flavor.

protein powder

Healthier: plant-based protein powder

Cheaper: powdered milk

Powdered milk is often less expensive and adds protein.

Techniques

mixingrolling

Equipment

large bowlbaking sheetparchment paperspoon
peanuts

Also Known As

Energy BitesProtein Bites

Stuffed peppers are a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Spain and Italy. They are often filled with a mixture of meat, rice, and vegetables, making them a hearty and versatile meal. This dish can be adapted to include various fillings based on regional ingredients and personal preferences, showcasing the adaptability of traditional recipes.

Ingredients

  • bell peppers
  • rice
  • ground meat
  • onion
  • tomato sauce
  • cheese
  • spices

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
  3. 3In a pan, sauté chopped onion until translucent.
  4. 4Add ground meat and cook until browned.
  5. 5Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, and spices; mix well.
  6. 6Stuff the mixture into the hollowed peppers.
  7. 7Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  8. 8Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  9. 9Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  10. 10Serve hot.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground meat

Healthier: lean turkey

Cheaper: ground chicken

Lower in fat and calories, or more budget-friendly.

cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: processed cheese

More nutritious or a cheaper alternative.

Techniques

sautéingbaking

Equipment

baking dishpanknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumdairy

Also Known As

Stuffed Bell PeppersFilled Peppers

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (for topping)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. 2In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
  3. 3Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. 4In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
  5. 5Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. 6Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
  7. 7Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  8. 8Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. 9Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
  10. 10Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle mini marshmallows on top of the brownies.
  11. 11Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the marshmallows slightly.
  12. 12Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Equipment

9x13 inch baking panmixing bowlswhiskspatulatoothpick

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup hot honey
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and hot honey, mixing well to coat the chicken evenly.
  2. 2Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the honey-coated chicken and sauté for about 5 minutes until heated through.
  3. 3While the chicken is heating, prepare the tortillas by laying them flat on a clean surface.
  4. 4Once the chicken is ready, place an equal amount of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
  5. 5Top the chicken with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheese.
  6. 6If desired, drizzle ranch dressing over the toppings for added flavor.
  7. 7Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top to form a wrap.
  8. 8Repeat the process for all tortillas until the filling is used up.
  9. 9Cut each wrap in half diagonally and serve immediately, or wrap in foil for later consumption.

Equipment

large bowlskilletcutting boardknifespatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Other Takes on Chicken

(24 videos)

Similar American Videos

(20 videos)

Similar Dishes From Other Cuisines

(21 videos)