Lazy but Legendary: 10 Meal Prep Hacks for People Who Hate Cooking
So, I’m getting there! I was the running joke in my family and amongst friends for my entiere adult life.
The list would come out of who would be bringing what to the family gatherings and, without fail, “Alison you bring the beverages.”
Let’s be honest—some of us were not born to be culinary geniuses. We see those meal prep influencers stacking colorful, perfectly portioned containers in their fridge like they’re starring in a Netflix food doc, and we think… Yeah, that’s not happening.
So if you were like me, and the thought of meal prepping makes you want to hide under a blanket and order DoorDash (again), don’t worry—I’ve got you. Let’s dive into some super easy meal prep. It’s how I finally broke the curse and started implementing these easy habits into my life.
Game Changer.
Here are 10 meal prep hacks that require minimal effort but still leave you with delicious, healthy(ish) food all week. No five-star chef skills required.
1. Rotisserie Chicken Is Your Meal Prep MVP
Listen, if you’re out here cooking chicken from scratch when there are perfectly good rotisserie chickens at the store… why? Shred that bad boy and boom—you have protein for salads, wraps, tacos, and even soup.
Pro Tip: These high quality MEAT SHREDDER CLAWS make you feel like Wolverine and get the job done in seconds.
2. Frozen Veggies Are Your Best Friend
Fresh veggies are cute until they turn into a science experiment in your fridge. Instead, go for pre-chopped frozen veggies—they’re just as nutritious and require zero effort.
Use them in:
- Stir-fries
- Omelets
- Pasta dishes
- Soups
Grab a bag of frozen veggies, toss them into a hot pan with a little avocado oil, and you’re a meal prep queen (or king) with zero knife skills needed.
3. The One-Pan, No-Mess Sheet Pan Meal
If washing dishes is your least favorite chore (same), sheet pan meals will change your life. Just throw everything on a baking sheet, drizzle with avocado oil, season, and roast.
Easy sheet pan meal idea:
- Chicken thighs
- Baby potatoes (cut in half)
- Brussels sprouts
- Olive oil + salt + pepper + garlic powder
Bake at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, and boom—dinner is done.
Need a BPA Free non-stick, easy-to-clean pan? This Ceramic Non-Toxic Pan makes cleanup a breeze.
4. Mason Jar Salads = No Soggy Sadness
Soggy salad is a crime. The solution? Mason jar salads—just layer your ingredients like this:
- Dressing (first, so it doesn’t make everything soggy)
- Crunchy veggies (like bell peppers or cucumbers)
- Protein (chicken, beans, or tofu)
- Greens (spinach, kale, or romaine—whatever you love)
Shake when you’re ready to eat, and chef’s kiss.
These wide-mouth mason jars are perfect for this!
5. The “Dump & Go” Slow Cooker Method
Effort level: Barely alive. Just toss ingredients into your slow cooker, and in a few hours, you’ll have a full meal with no stirring, flipping, or stressing.
Super easy slow cooker idea:
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 1 jar salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred it up and use for tacos, burrito bowls, or salads.
Need a slow cooker? This TOXIN FREE Programmable Multi-Cooker will save your life.
6. Pre-Cut Everything (Or Just… Buy It Pre-Cut)
Life’s too short to spend 20 minutes dicing onions. If your grocery store sells pre-cut veggies, minced garlic, or even pre-cooked grains, do yourself a favor and grab them.
Bonus Hack: Buy a veggie chopper and let it do the work for you. This one saves me SO much tine!
7. Make a Big Batch of a “Base” Food
Pick a base (like quinoa, rice, or roasted sweet potatoes) I cook a big batch at the start of the week. Then, mix and match it into different meals:
Example:
- Monday: Rice + stir-fried veggies + teriyaki sauce
- Wednesday: Rice + shredded chicken + avocado
- Friday: Rice + black beans + salsa
Want perfect fluffy rice every time? This Instant Pot is a game-changer. Also toxic and chemical free!
8. Wrap It Up: The No-Cook Meal Prep Hack
Not every meal needs a stove. A good wrap or sandwich can save the day. Stock up on:
✔️ Tortillas or lettuce wraps
✔️ Pre-cooked protein (like rotisserie chicken or deli turkey)
✔️ Hummus, avocado, or cheese
Roll it up, slice it, and boom—meal prep with zero cooking.
These high-protein wraps are perfect for this hack. Also a new favorite are egg wraps! You can find them HERE
9. Overnight Oats: The No-Cook Breakfast That Saves You Time
If you’re a breakfast skipper because “Ugh, mornings,” try overnight oats.
Basic Recipe:
- ½ cup oats
- ½ cup milk (or almond milk)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup fruit
Mix it up, let it sit in the fridge overnight, and enjoy it cold in the morning.
These glass meal prep jars make overnight oats even easier.
10. The Freezer is Your Friend: Meal Prep in Bulk
When in doubt, freeze everything. Make a double batch of anything (soups, pasta sauce, shredded chicken) and freeze half for later.
✨ Freezer meal ideas:
- Chili
- Lasagna
- Breakfast burritos
Need freezer-friendly meal containers? These stackable containers are perfect for meal prepping. Again, glass not plastic! Toxin-Free.
Final Thoughts: You Can Meal Prep (Without Hating Your Life)
Meal prepping doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. With these lazy but legendary hacks, you’ll save time, eat better, and maybe even start enjoying the process (okay, let’s not get carried away).
Tell me in the comments: What’s your go-to lazy meal prep hack?
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Shop my favorite meal prep must-haves here:
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