Keto Meal Prep: 5 Recipes to Prepare for the Week Ahead
Introduction
Meal prepping is an essential part of staying on track with any diet, and it’s especially helpful when following a keto lifestyle. Preparing your meals ahead of time can save you time during the week and help you avoid temptations. In this article, we’ll show you five keto-friendly recipes that you can prep in advance to ensure you have healthy and delicious meals throughout the week.
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Keto Egg Muffins
Egg muffins are an excellent choice for a quick and easy breakfast that you can make in bulk and store in the fridge. These bite-sized snacks are packed with protein and healthy fats, making them the perfect way to start your day while keeping you in ketosis.
Ingredients:
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6 large eggs
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup spinach, chopped
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1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
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1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
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In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
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Stir in the spinach, bell pepper, and cheese.
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Pour the egg mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 of the way.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the egg muffins are set and slightly golden on top.
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Allow to cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge.
These egg muffins are perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick breakfast on the go, and they store well in the fridge for up to a week.
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Keto Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be eaten as a main meal or as a side. It’s also easy to make in bulk, so you can have several servings ready to go for the week. This keto chicken salad is creamy, flavorful, and filled with healthy fats, making it a perfect addition to your meal prep.
Ingredients:
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3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
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1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado oil-based)
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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1/4 cup celery, diced
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1/4 cup red onion, diced
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, onion, and parsley.
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Mix until everything is well combined.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
This chicken salad is easy to prepare in advance and can be served in a variety of ways—on top of a salad, in lettuce wraps, or even as a dip for keto crackers.
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Keto Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
A beef and vegetable stir-fry is a fantastic meal prep recipe because it’s quick to prepare, full of nutrients, and easy to reheat. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, but we recommend using low-carb options like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Ingredients:
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1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1/2 bell pepper, sliced
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1 small zucchini, sliced
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2 tablespoons coconut aminos or soy sauce
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the sliced beef and cook until browned on all sides.
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Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini, and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
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Add the coconut aminos and sesame oil, stirring to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This stir-fry is not only delicious but also a great way to get a variety of low-carb vegetables into your diet. Plus, it’s easy to reheat for a quick meal during the week.
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Keto Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Zucchini noodles (zoodles) are an excellent low-carb alternative to pasta. When paired with a flavorful pesto sauce, they make a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for keto meal prep. This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners.
Ingredients:
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4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
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1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions:
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Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer or julienne peeler.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 3-4 minutes until just tender.
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Remove from heat and toss with pesto until well coated.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
These zucchini noodles with pesto are a light and flavorful keto meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. They can also be paired with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
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Keto Meatballs
Meatballs are a fantastic meal prep option because they’re easy to make in bulk and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you eat them on their own, with zoodles, or in a keto-friendly sauce, these meatballs are sure to become a staple in your weekly meal prep.
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef or turkey
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1/4 cup almond flour
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
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Allow to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
These keto meatballs are perfect for meal prepping because they can be served with a variety of sides, like cauliflower mash or a simple salad, and they’re easy to reheat when needed.
Conclusion
Meal prepping for the week can help you stay on track with your keto diet while saving time and effort throughout the busy days. These five keto-friendly meal prep recipes—egg muffins, chicken salad, beef and vegetable stir-fry, zucchini noodles with pesto, and meatballs—are delicious, easy to prepare, and perfect for keeping your meals healthy and low-carb. By preparing these dishes in advance, you’ll have a variety of tasty and satisfying options ready to enjoy all week long.