Meal prep is supposed to make your week easier—but for many home cooks, it quickly becomes a routine of dry leftovers, forgotten produce, or meals no one’s excited to eat by midweek.
We’re here to help you prep affordable, flexible meals that keep things interesting—without spending your whole Sunday in the kitchen.
Start with Ingredients That Stretch
Building a week of meals on a budget starts with knowing which staples give you flexibility:
- Grains like rice, oats, and pasta
- Affordable proteins like chicken thighs, eggs, canned tuna, or beans
- Frozen and seasonal produce to save money and reduce waste
- Flavor builders like tomato paste, coconut milk, plain yogurt, garlic, and citrus
Quick Sauce Idea: Budget Chorizo Crema
A little extra flavor can make all the difference during the week. Try this simple, versatile sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp Shawhan Farms Traditional Chorizo Seasoning
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Optional: a pinch of salt or honey to balance
Whisk it together and use as a dip, bowl topping, or wrap spread. It’s a 2-minute upgrade that makes even basic staples feel intentional.
A Smart Way to Add Flavor Without Overspending
Batch cooking works best when the flavors stay interesting.
Start with something simple like ground turkey, beans, and rice. Mix in the Chorizo Seasoning above to create a bold, savory base. From there, it can be repurposed into:
- Burrito bowls
- Stuffed peppers
- Quesadillas
- Breakfast scrambles
Cook Once, Use It Twice
You don’t need a dozen different recipes—you just need smart ways to remix what you’ve got:
- A tray of roasted vegetables can become bowls, omelets, or wrap fillings
- A pot of cooked grains can be served warm one day, then chilled as salad the next
- Portions can be frozen for later, not just eaten on repeat
This roasted veggie batch by @goodeatsbyrose is a great example—she paired it with Shawhan Farms Parmesan seasoning for bowls and tacos all week long.
By planning how to reuse ingredients in small, intentional ways, meal prep becomes more sustainable—and far less boring.
Keep It Simple with Storage
You don’t need expensive gear to prep well. Many home cooks are turning to affordable storage options from stores like Aldi or Dollar Tree that stack easily and hold up in the fridge and freezer.
Here’s a guide from Simply Recipes on how to make budget containers work for longer-term freshness and less food waste.
Bonus Time-Saver: Prep Your Protein in Advance
If you're short on time during the week, try portioning and freezing your protein already seasoned. Just divide it up, add your rub or marinade, and freeze it flat. Later, you can cook it straight from the freezer or defrost it overnight. It’s a small step that helps you stay out of the “what’s for dinner” spiral.
Try Our Recipe of the Week
Looking for more affordable, low-effort dinner ideas?
Explore our Recipe of the Week series
Shawhan Farms:
Grounded in Quality.