11 Weekend Prep Recipes for Smoother School Weeks Back to School

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Overnight Oats for Busy Mornings

Overnight oats are a simple and nutritious breakfast option that can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy school mornings. These make-ahead oats are not only easy to customize with your favorite flavors and toppings, but they also save you time in the morning. Just grab a jar from the fridge, and you’re ready to enjoy a filling and delicious breakfast that fuels your day.

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
3. Stir in the fresh or dried fruit and any optional nuts or seeds.
4. Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
5. In the morning, give the oats a stir and add additional toppings if desired before enjoying.

Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Burritos

Freezer-friendly breakfast burritos are a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings. They are packed with protein and can be filled with your favorite ingredients, making them a versatile choice that can cater to different tastes. Once assembled, these burritos can be frozen and easily reheated, providing a quick and satisfying breakfast on hectic school days.

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened.
2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper, then pour them into the skillet with the veggies. Scramble until fully cooked.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked black beans, spinach, and shredded cheese until the spinach wilts.
4. Lay a tortilla flat and spoon a portion of the egg mixture onto the center. Wrap the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you roll.
5. Repeat for all tortillas, then wrap each burrito in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze until ready to use.
6. To reheat, remove the wrapping and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy!

Make-Ahead Pancakes and Waffles

Make-Ahead Pancakes and Waffles are perfect for busy school mornings, providing a delicious and filling breakfast option that can be prepared in advance and frozen for convenience. These fluffy pancakes and crispy waffles can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings, allowing your family to customize their breakfast just the way they like it.

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or waffle iron, and pour ladles of batter onto the skillet or the recommended amount for the waffle iron.
5. Cook pancakes until bubbles form on the surface; flip and cook until golden brown. For waffles, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Allow cooked pancakes and waffles to cool completely before arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
7. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or microwave until warmed through. Serve with syrup, fruit, or yogurt as desired. Enjoy!

Wholesome Veggie Omelette Muffins

Wholesome Veggie Omelette Muffins are a fantastic breakfast option that is not only nutritious but also highly customizable. These egg-based muffins are packed with veggies, making them a great way to sneak in essential nutrients for kids before they head off to school. They can be prepared in advance, stored in the refrigerator or freezer, and reheated quickly for a speedy breakfast option.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in the diced bell pepper, chopped spinach, diced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are set and lightly golden.
6. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
7. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Chili for Hearty Dinners

Slow Cooker Chili for Hearty Dinners is a filling and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy school weeks. Packed with protein and fiber from the beans and ground meat, this chili is not only nutritious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let them simmer throughout the day for a comforting dinner that the whole family will love.

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the ground beef (or turkey) until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
3. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker.
4. Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir until incorporated.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve warm, and enjoy leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner during the week!

One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables

One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables is a simple yet delicious dish that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a colorful assortment of vegetables, all cooked on a single sheet pan. It not only minimizes cleanup but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for busy school nights.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Spread the mixture in a single layer on a greased baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, and enjoy!

Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to any pasta dish. This simple recipe utilizes fresh ingredients to create a rich and aromatic sauce that can be prepared in just under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for batch cooking and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the busy school week.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken.
6. Adjust seasoning as desired, garnish with fresh basil if using, and serve over pasta!

Flavor-Packed Quinoa Salad

Flavor-Packed Quinoa Salad is a nutritious and delightful dish that blends vibrant vegetables with protein-rich quinoa, making it an ideal meal prep option for busy school weeks. This invigorating salad is not only filling but also customizable, allowing you to use whatever seasonal vegetables or herbs you have on hand. Perfect for lunchboxes or as a side dish, it keeps well in the refrigerator for several days.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then combine it with water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; drizzle over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Adjust seasoning as desired and serve immediately or store in the fridge for meal prep!

Savory Stuffed Peppers

Savory Stuffed Peppers are an excellent meal prep option that delivers a satisfying combination of flavors and nutrition. These colorful peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of grains, vegetables, and spices, making them a hearty choice for lunch or dinner. They can be prepared in advance and enjoyed throughout the week, ensuring you have a quick and nutritious meal ready to go for busy school days.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in the baking dish.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; stir until heated through.
5. Stuff the mixture into the prepared bell peppers and top with shredded cheese if desired.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender.
7. Allow to cool before storing in the refrigerator for easy meal prep throughout the week. Enjoy!

Batch-Cooked Rice and Beans

Batch-Cooked Rice and Beans are a convenient meal prep staple that can serve as a base for a variety of dishes throughout the week. Packed with protein and fiber, this simple combination is not only nutritious but also versatile, allowing you to create different flavors and textures by adding sauces, vegetables, or spices. Preparing a large batch at once guarantees you have ready-to-use ingredients for quick lunches or dinners during busy school days.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the rice, vegetable broth or water, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Once cooked, stir in the black beans and heat through for another 5 minutes.
6. Allow to cool before portioning into meal prep containers for easy access throughout the week. Enjoy!

No-Bake Energy Bites for Snacks

No-Bake Energy Bites are a perfect snack option for busy school days, providing a quick and nutritious boost of energy without the need for baking. These bite-sized treats are packed with wholesome ingredients such as oats, nut butter, and seeds, making them an easy and healthy choice for kids and adults alike. They can be stored in the refrigerator for several days and are ideal for on-the-go snacking or adding to lunchboxes.

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir until well mixed.
2. Use your hands to form small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Place the energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Enjoy!