10 crockpot meal prep recipes for family

Aug 20, 2025

Introduction High-protein meals are the foundation of a balanced diet, supporting muscle growth, metabolism, and satiety. This fresh set of recipes offers variety in both flavors and protein sources—lean meats, seafood, eggs, legumes, and plant-based options—so you can keep your weekly meal prep exciting while meeting your nutrition goals.

1. Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Description: A classic takeout favorite, made healthier for meal prep.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced

  • 3 cups broccoli florets

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions:

  1. Toss beef in cornstarch.

  2. Stir-fry beef until browned, remove from pan.

  3. Add broccoli and garlic, stir-fry 3 mins.

  4. Return beef to pan, add sauces, toss to coat.

Meal Prep Tip: Serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice.

2. Shrimp & Chickpea Salad

Description: Light, refreshing, and protein-rich.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 5 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained

  • 1 cucumber, diced

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • Lemon juice, salt, pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté shrimp until pink.

  2. Toss shrimp, chickpeas, cucumber, oil, and lemon juice.

Meal Prep Tip: Store dressing separately to keep salad fresh.

3. Egg & Veggie Breakfast Burritos

Description: A freezer-friendly, protein-packed breakfast.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 8 eggs, scrambled

  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced

  • 1 cup black beans

  • 6 whole-wheat tortillas

  • Salsa (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook peppers until soft, add eggs and beans.

  2. Divide filling among tortillas, roll up.

Meal Prep Tip: Wrap in foil, freeze, and reheat in microwave.

4. Grilled Salmon & Quinoa Salad

Description: Omega-3 rich and filling.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets

  • 1 cup quinoa

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cup spinach

  • Olive oil, lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Cook quinoa, fluff with fork.

  2. Grill salmon until done.

  3. Toss quinoa with tomatoes, spinach, oil, and lemon.

Meal Prep Tip: Store salmon separately to reheat easily.

5. Chicken & White Bean Soup

Description: Hearty, high-protein comfort food.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, shredded

  • 2 cans white beans

  • 6 cups chicken broth

  • Carrots, celery, onion

  • Garlic, thyme

Instructions:

  1. Sauté veggies and garlic.

  2. Add broth, beans, chicken, and thyme; simmer until flavors blend.

Meal Prep Tip: Freeze in single portions for easy lunches.

6. Tofu & Edamame Stir-Fry

Description: A plant-based protein bomb.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 14 oz firm tofu, cubed

  • 1 cup shelled edamame

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. Stir-fry tofu until golden.

  2. Add vegetables and edamame; toss with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Meal Prep Tip: Keeps well for 4 days in the fridge.

7. Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Description: Low-carb and full of flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce

  • Butter lettuce leaves

Instructions:

  1. Cook beef and onion until browned.

  2. Stir in hoisin sauce.

  3. Spoon into lettuce leaves.

Meal Prep Tip: Store filling separately from lettuce for freshness.

8. Baked Cod with Lentils

Description: A light but protein-packed meal.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 cod fillets

  • 1 cup cooked lentils

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes

  • Olive oil, herbs

Instructions:

  1. Bake cod at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 mins.

  2. Serve over a bed of lentils and tomatoes tossed in olive oil.

Meal Prep Tip: Keep fish separate to avoid soggy lentils.

9. Cottage Cheese & Egg Savory Bake

Description: A crustless quiche packed with protein.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 8 eggs

  • 1 cup cottage cheese

  • 1 cup spinach, chopped

  • 1/2 cup diced peppers

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients, pour into greased dish.

  2. Bake at 375°F for 25 mins.

Meal Prep Tip: Slice and store in fridge for grab-and-go meals.

10. Lentil & Black Bean Burgers

Description: A hearty vegetarian protein option.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked lentils

  • 1 cup black beans, mashed

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

  • Garlic powder, paprika

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients, form patties.

  2. Cook in skillet until crispy.

Meal Prep Tip: Freeze patties individually, reheat in oven.

Conclusion

Crockpot meal prep makes family dinners stress-free, healthy, and delicious. These recipes cover a variety of flavors—from classic comfort foods to international favorites—ensuring there’s something for everyone at the table. With just a little prep, you’ll have warm, nourishing meals ready whenever your family needs them.\