Our 12 Favorite High-Protein Meal Preps
We've realized that the secret to not raiding the snack drawer at 3:00 PM is actually pretty simple: eat more protein at lunch.
But we're also not about to spend every single evening hovering over a stove. That’s where these recipes come in (hello, too busy driving kids to all the things).
These recipes are the ones we make in big batches on the weekend so that we can just grab a container and go. They’re filling, they reheat beautifully, and most importantly, they actually taste like a real meal, not “diet food.”
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
You can prep the chicken and veggies in one go, and it stays evenly juicy even after reheating it in the microwave. Prep a batch of rice or quinoa to go with it!
View Recipe Cowboy Stew
If you need a meal that can help you survive a rough winter (or just a busy week), this is it. It’s packed with meat and beans, making the protein count impressive, and the flavor only gets better as it sits in the fridge.
View Recipe Greek Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers can sometimes be…well, boring. These are loaded with feta and spinach to keep them incredibly moist. We like to prep a big batch of the patties and eat them over a salad or in a wrap throughout the week. They’re a lean protein powerhouse that actually has flavor.
View Recipe Lighter Ground Turkey Tacos
We like to make a massive batch of this taco meat on Sunday to use in taco salads all week long. The flavor of the. meat is way better than when you use a store-bought seasoning packet. Taco meat is a staple for a reason—everyone likes it, and it never fails.
View Recipe Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken
Sheet pan meals were practically invented for meal prep, and this pesto version is a total winner. You get your protein and your veggies all on one tray, and the pesto keeps the chicken from drying out when you reheat it. It’s fresh, green, and feels much fancier than a “leftover” has any right to be.
View Recipe Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
The chicken, bell peppers, and onions all simmer together in the slow cooker in that signature sweet and tangy sauce. It’s the kind of high-protein, all-in-one container meal that makes you the envy of the office break room.
View Recipe Vegan Casserole with Barley and Vegetables
For the plant-based prep days, this casserole is a lifesaver. These “sturdy” grains hold up way better than rice over several days, and they provide a surprising amount of protein and fiber. It’s a dense, hearty dish that proves you don’t always need meat to hit your protein goals.
View Recipe Ground Turkey Soup with Beans & Spinach
This soup is light but deceptive; between the lean turkey and the white beans, the protein count is actually quite high. It’s the reliable “reset” meal for when you want something lighter but substantial. Plus, the soup freezes beautifully, so we usually keep a few jars stashed for “emergencies.” lunches.
View Recipe Crockpot Salsa Chicken
This is the most versatile taco meat you’ll ever meet. It’s basically a blank canvas for tacos, burrito bowls, or even for topping a baked potato. It’s high-protein efficiency at its finest.
View Recipe Beef Chili With Beans
We know there is debate about beans vs. no beans in chili, but using beans gives you bonus protein, plus fiber! It’s one of those rare meals that actually tastes
better on Wednesday than it did on Sunday.
View Recipe Air Fryer Meatballs
These meatballs are like little protein nuggets that you can pop into any meal. Using the air fryer gives them a great texture without the mess of stovetop frying. We often prep a double batch and freeze half of the meatballs uncooked. You can air fry them straight from frozen.
View Recipe BBQ Chicken Bowl
This is the holy grail of meal prepping. It has everything you want in one container: smoky BBQ chicken, hearty beans, and corn. It’s a colorful, flavor-packed bowl that makes everyone at the office jealous when they smell it.
View Recipe