Meal Prep Made Easy

Health and Well-Being Educator, Laurel Parins, joined Up North at 4 to share tips for prepping meals for the week.

Three Quick Meal Prep Hacks

Batch Cooking: Cook staples in bulk (e.g., grilled chicken, quinoa, roasted veggies) to mix and match throughout the week.

Sheet Pan & Crockpot Meals: Toss everything onto one sheet pan or into a slow cooker in the morning – no extra dishes!

Grab-and-Go Snacks & Meals: Prep energy bites, overnight oats, or smoothie packs for quick, nutritious options.

CHALLENGE: Prep one meal this week and see how it transforms your routine!

Meal Prep Recipes

Sheet-Pan Maple Dijon Sausage & Veggies

Skillet full of cooked sausage and vegetables with a wooden spoon on the side.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz. smoked turkey sausage, sliced into 1/3-inch thick slices
  • 16 oz. sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 16 oz. Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 1/2 medium red onion, roughly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon parmesan shavings, for serving

The Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup Dijon mustard

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a large sheet pan with cooking spray.

Spread sweet potatoes and Brussel sprouts apart on the sheet pan, with Brussel sprouts cut side facing down.

Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with seasoning, and add salt and pepper for taste.

Roast for 15 minutes.

For the sauce: combine maple syrup and Dijon mustard in a mason jar and shake well.

When vegetables are finished roasting – remove sheet pan from oven and add sausage, garlic, and red onion to the pan.

Drizzle half of the sauce over and toss well. Arrange everything into one-layer.

Roast for 15 minutes.

Drizzle remaining sauce over the sausage and veggies when cooking has finished, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with parsley and parmesan before serving.

ENJOY!

Healthy Egg Muffin Cups

Egg bites resting on a plate.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 dozen eggs
  • Choose from any of the following:
    • kale, chopped
    • baby spinach, chopped
    • tomatoes, diced
    • onions, finely chopped
    • red bell peppers, finely chopped
    • green bell peppers, finely chopped
    • mushrooms, finely chopped
    • mozzarella cheese, shredded
    • salt, pepper and seasonings

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spray a nonstick muffin tin with cooking spray. Set aside.

Whisk the eggs in a bowl. Place 2-3 items from the list above into each of the muffin tins.

You can customize however you would like!

Pour the egg mixture on top, leaving 1/4″ from the top.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean for each frittata.

Remove from oven.

Use a knife to go around the edges and pop out the egg cups.

To reheat, simply place one egg muffin in the microwave for 35-45 seconds on High or until warm.

WHY MEAL PREP:

  • It saves time during the week.
  • Reduces food waste and saves money.
  • Helps you to eat healthier without last-minute stress.
  • Encourages kids to be involved in meal choices.

 

To Learn More Contact:

Photo of Health & Well-Being educator Laurel Parins.

Laurel Parins

Health and Well Being Educator

UW-Madison Extension, Oneida County

Phone: 715-365-2750

Email: lparins@wisc.edu

 

Support Extension