If you’re anything like me, juggling work, family, and trying to maintain a semblance of a social life, you’ll know that having a few go-to recipes to meal prep for the week ahead can be a lifesaver.
In our first installment, we tackled some delish lunchbox snacks and breakfasts that so many of you loved. Today I’ve got four more recipes that are perfect for the whole family:
These lunchbox filler recipes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare and store, making your meal prepping a breeze.
Mini Meatballs – A Bite-Sized Delight
Who doesn’t love a good meatball? These mini versions are perfect for little hands and make for a versatile addition to any meal. I pop them into the girl’s lunchboxes as is and they love it, but you can also add them to some pasta and pasta sauce for a quick lunch.
If you have time on your hands, you can make up your own meatball mixture but I cheat a little bit and buy ready made meatballs from the shops and then just divide them in half to make them smaller and better for the lunchboxes.
I pop them in to the airfryer for 10min to cook, place in an airtight container in the fridge and that’s it!
Tip: These meatballs can be frozen and reheated, making them an excellent option for quick meals throughout the week.
Airfryer Choc Chip Protein Bowl – A Sweet Treat for Breakfast
This is a duplication of the protein bowls in the last post, but this time I added choc chips. To be honest, you can really add any filling you’d like. Again, I just store this in an airtight container in the fridge and it lasts all week.
If you need a reminder of the recipe, here it is, with the addition of chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
- 60g flour
- 75g Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 150ml milk of choice
- 40g protein powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 2 eggs
- Chocolate chips
Method:
- Combine all the ingredients and mix well.
- Split the batter between 2-3 oven-proof dishes (I use 3 small glass containers)
- Pop into the airfryer on 180C for 15min or the oven on 180C for 25min (or until cooked through).
Oat and Apple Slices – A Wholesome Snack
These Oat and Apple Slices are a wonderful combination of chewy oats and sweet apples, making them a nutritious snack or breakfast option.
Ingredients:
- 180g oats
- 60g sugar
- 1tsp cinnamon
- One grated apple
- 100ml milk of choice
- 2 eggs
- 1tsp baking powder
Method:
- Mix all ingredients together
- Pour into a baking paper lined tray and flatten with a fork, should be about 1cm thick.
- Bake at 180C for 25min or until golden brown.
- Slice and let cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Carrot and Cheese Fritters – A Savory Snack
These Carrot and Cheese Fritters are a tasty way to sneak some veggies into your family’s diet. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 11/2cups flour
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 egg
- Grated carrot
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Mixed herbs
Method:
- Mix ingredients together
- To a greased pan, add spoonfuls and cook each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Tip: These fritters can be served warm or at room temperature and are perfect for lunchboxes or as a side dish.
Meal Prepping Tips
Meal prepping doesn’t have to be overwhelming – a little bit of planning goes a long way. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your time in the kitchen:
- Batch cooking is your best friend: Prepare double batches of these recipes and freeze half for those extra busy weeks.
- Invest in good storage containers: Airtight containers keep food fresher for longer, and using compartmentalized lunchboxes makes packing meals a breeze.
- Get the family involved: Little hands love rolling meatballs or mixing ingredients, and it’s a great way to spend quality time together.
There you have it—four more easy and delicious meal prep recipes to keep your family happy, healthy, and well-fed. Whether you’re packing school lunches, prepping for busy workweeks, or just looking for tasty homemade snacks, these recipes are sure to become household staples.
Have any meal prep hacks or favorite recipes of your own? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working for you! Until next time, happy prepping!
>Meal Prepping Made Easy: Snacks & Breakfasts for Lunchboxes
>Easy peasy oat cakes, full of goodness
These are great! Thanks ????