Meal prepping saves money by reducing the temptation to order takeout during the week. Here is how to cook five meals in about an hour.
The Menu
- One-Pot Chicken Rice (6 servings - $1.47/serving)
- Lentil Soup (8 servings - $0.54/serving)
- Pasta e Fagioli (6 servings - $0.78/serving)
- Overnight Oats (5 servings - $0.52/serving)
- Egg Fried Rice (4 servings - $0.62/serving)
Total cost: roughly $24 for 29 servings. That is about $0.83 per serving average.
The Timeline
0:00 - Start Everything
Put the lentil soup on one burner (it simmers for 30 minutes mostly unattended). Start the chicken rice on another burner. While both simmer, prepare overnight oats in jars - no cooking needed.
0:20 - Round Two
The chicken rice is almost done. Start the pasta e fagioli pot. Chop vegetables for the egg fried rice while the pasta cooks.
0:40 - Final Push
The lentil soup and chicken rice are done. Move them to containers. Cook the egg fried rice in the freed-up pot - it only takes 15 minutes.
0:55 - Pack and Store
Portion everything into meal prep containers. Label with the date. Refrigerate what you will eat within 4 days, freeze the rest.
Storage Tips
- Soups and stews last 4-5 days refrigerated, 3 months frozen
- Rice dishes are best eaten within 3 days
- Overnight oats last 5 days in the fridge