6 Family-Friendly Meal Prep Ideas Everyone Will Love

Juggling work, school, and extracurriculars can make dinnertime a challenge. But with a little planning and these family-friendly meal prep ideas, you can have delicious and nutritious meals ready to go throughout the week, even with the pickiest eaters in mind!

1. Turkey Meatball Sliders

These mini sliders are a fun and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. They’re packed with protein and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 slider buns
• Marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Shape the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs.
4. Bake the meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Assemble the sliders: Place a meatball on each slider bun. Top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Toast the sliders (optional): Place the assembled sliders back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Meal Prep Tip: Bake the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the sliders just before serving or pack them individually for lunches.

2. Chicken Fajita Bowls

These vibrant bowls are a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for the whole family. They’re customizable and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 packet fajita seasoning
• Cooked rice or quinoa
• Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken and vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add bell pepper and onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fajita seasoning and toss to coat.
2. Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice or quinoa among meal prep containers. Top with chicken, peppers, and onions.
3. Add toppings: Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.

Meal Prep Tip: Cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls just before serving or pack them individually for lunches.

3. Mac and Cheese Muffins

These cheesy muffins are a fun and portable twist on a classic comfort food. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked macaroni
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, Greek yogurt, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined
3. Fill the muffin tin: Divide the mixture evenly among the greased muffin cups
4. Bake the muffins: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and set

Meal Prep Tip: These muffins are great for freezing. Bake a batch and let them cool completely. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat in the microwave.

4. Breakfast Egg Muffins

These protein-packed muffins are a great way to start the day. They’re customizable and perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Ingredients

• 10 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (any kind you like)
• 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, onions, etc.)
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin.
2. Whisk the eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the fillings: Stir in cheese, vegetables, and bacon or sausage (if using)
4. Fill the muffin tin: Divide the mixture evenly among the greased muffin cups.
5. Bake the muffins: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until set.

Meal Prep Tip: Store the cooked egg muffins in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy them cold.

5. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

These tender and flavorful pulled pork sandwiches are a family favorite. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can come home to a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 boneless pork shoulder roast (about 3-4 pounds)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns or slider rolls

Instructions

1. Season the pork: Season the pork shoulder roast with salt and pepper
2. Layer in the slow cooker: Place the sliced onion in the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the pork roast on top of the onions.
3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
4. Pour the sauce: Pour the sauce over the pork roast
5. Cook on low: Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is very tender and shreds easily
6. Shred the pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks
7. Serve on buns: Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns or slider rolls

Meal Prep Tip: Shred the cooked pork and store it in the refrigerator with the cooking liquid. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve.

6. DIY Pizza Night

Pizza night is always a hit with families. Set out a variety of toppings and let everyone create their own personalized pizzas.

Ingredients

• Pre-made pizza dough or flatbreads
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of choice: pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, pineapple, etc

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat oven according to the pizza dough or flatbread instructions
2. Assemble the pizzas: Spread pizza sauce on the dough or flatbreads. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add desired toppings
3. Bake the pizzas: Bake according to the dough or flatbread instructions or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown

Meal Prep Tip: Set up a pizza bar with all the ingredients and let everyone assemble their own pizzas. This is a fun and interactive way to get the whole family involved in meal prep.

Final Thoughts

Meal prepping for your family doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and these family-friendly recipes, you can have delicious and nutritious meals ready to go throughout the week. So, gather your loved ones, fire up the oven, and enjoy the deliciousness of home-cooked meals, even on the busiest of days.