Taco night is a fun and interactive meal prep idea that allows family members to customize their dinners. Preparing a taco bar means you can batch-cook meats and toppings in advance, making it easy to assemble delicious tacos on busy nights. Cook a large batch of seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or roasted vegetables over the weekend, and store them in the fridge.
On taco night, simply reheat the protein and set up a taco bar with all the fixings: tortillas, shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and guacamole. Each family member can build their own tacos just the way they like them! This encourages creativity and gives everyone a chance to personalize their meal.
Notes: For a healthier option, consider using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. You can also incorporate beans and grains for more variety.
Casseroles are fantastic for meal prepping because they can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for later. This is especially useful for families with busy schedules. Choose a recipe that your family enjoys, such as a chicken and broccoli casserole or a cheesy vegetarian lasagna. Prepare the casserole, then divide it into portions and freeze what you won’t eat right away.
When you’re ready to eat, simply transfer a portion to the fridge the night before to thaw. On dinner night, pop it into the oven, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time. Casseroles are also great for using up leftover ingredients, reducing food waste while providing a comforting meal.
Notes: Try to use freezer-safe containers or aluminum pans for easy storage. Label and date them so you can keep track of what you have on hand.