Description
Save time and eat healthy with this easy High Protein Dinner Meal Prep for the Week recipe. Packed with chicken, ground meat, quinoa, and vegetables, it’s a nutritious and delicious way to prepare meals for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 3 large breasts or 6 thighs)
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1.5 cups cooked quinoa (from about 3/4 cup dry)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups chopped bell peppers (any color, about 2 medium peppers)
- 1 large red onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained (optional, adds a touch more sweetness and texture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, Greek yogurt/sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- 1. Cook quinoa according to package directions. Set aside.
- 2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey/beef, cook until browned, drain fat. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano; cook for 1 min. Season. Remove meat and set aside.
- 3. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Add chicken pieces, cook until browned and cooked through (6-8 mins). Season.
- 4. Add bell peppers, red onion, and broccoli to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until tender-crisp (5-7 mins).
- 5. Return ground meat to the skillet. Add rinsed black beans and drained corn (if using). Stir to combine.
- 6. Add cooked quinoa to the skillet. Stir to combine with meat and vegetables. Cook for 2-3 mins, allowing flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 7. Once slightly cooled, divide the mixture evenly among 4-5 meal prep containers.
- 8. Store optional toppings separately.
Notes
Store cooled meal prep containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in microwave or on stovetop until heated through. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 1-2 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450-550 (varies based on meat leanness and toppings)
- Sugar: Approx. 8-12g
- Sodium: Approx. 400-600mg (varies based on seasoning and canned goods)
- Fat: Approx. 15-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-50g
- Fiber: Approx. 8-12g
- Protein: Approx. 35-45g