Meal prepping is a time-saver, but when you’re prepping multiple meals at once, it requires a bit more strategy. Advanced meal prepping can feel a bit overwhelming! Here’s how I approach cooking several meals in one go to make the process efficient and stress-free. Plus, get the Step-by-Step Guide down at the bottom of this post.
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1. I Make a Game Plan
Before diving in, I always start with a clear plan. I list out all the meals I’m prepping and break them down into their core components—proteins, starches, veggies, and any sauces or garnishes. This helps me figure out what needs to be cooked first and what can be multitasked. Having this roadmap means fewer surprises mid-prep and makes the process smoother overall.
2. I Look at What Proteins Need to Be Cooked
Proteins typically take the longest, so I prioritize them. Whether it’s chicken, beef, fish, or plant-based proteins, I get them going first. If I’m roasting, grilling, or using the slow cooker, I can let them cook while I work on other components. I always ensure my proteins are properly seasoned, marinated (if needed), and cooked at the correct temperature.
3. What Starches Need to Be Cooked
Starches like rice, quinoa, potatoes, or pasta are next on the list. These often require boiling or baking, which allows them to cook without constant attention. If I have different starches for multiple meals, I start with the ones that take the longest to cook, so they’re done by the time I finish with other tasks. For grains like rice or quinoa, I use a rice cooker or Instant Pot to free up stove space.
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4. Veggies in Between
Veggies are the final piece of the puzzle. Some might need to be roasted, sautéed, or steamed, while others (like salads or raw veggies) can be prepared last. Depending on the dishes I’m making, I roast vegetables in bulk on one sheet pan, or stir-fry them in a large pan to keep things simple. I aim to use minimal pans and batch cook the veggies that complement multiple meals. (We’ve written a bit about prepping veggies for meals.)
5. Prepping the Ingredients: Chop Everything Before or As Needed?
Advanced meal prepping benefits from a bit of foresight with ingredient prep. Sometimes I chop all the vegetables and prep the ingredients at the beginning of the process to save time, especially if I’m working on a larger meal prep session. Other times, I’ll chop as needed to avoid overwhelming myself with too much prep at once. It’s all about balancing efficiency and maintaining focus.

6. I Try to Use the Same Pan for Similar Dishes
To minimize clean-up, I often cook similar dishes in the same pan. For example, after cooking a stir-fry, I might use the same pan for roasting or sautéing another dish by quickly wiping it down. This way, I can keep my workflow moving without pausing for a major clean-up. Using one-pan dinners is really helpful and totally streamlines the process.
7. I Use Mise en Place Plates for Chopping
Before starting the cooking process, I set up a few mise en place plates or bowls for my chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices. This keeps everything organized and easy to grab when it’s time to add ingredients to the dish. It also makes it easier to focus on cooking when everything is prepped and within reach.
8. I Use Little Dishes for Sauces and Seasonings
I measure out sauces and seasonings ahead of time into small dishes. This keeps me organized and ensures I don’t accidentally forget any key ingredients. Plus, it makes the cooking process feel more like following a streamlined, professional kitchen setup. This is such a small thing but it makes advanced meal prepping so much easier.
9. I Always Sharpen My Knives Before Prep
Sharp knives are essential for efficient meal prepping. I always make sure to sharpen my knives before I start chopping anything. This speeds up the process and reduces the risk of injury. It also makes prepping large batches of ingredients less tiring.
10. Chopping Skills: Efficiency Is Key
Having good chopping skills saves a lot of time in meal prep. I focus on consistent cuts to ensure even cooking, and I make sure to keep my chopping movements steady and efficient. Learning a few basic knife skills, like how to dice onions or julienne carrots, can drastically cut down prep time.
11. I Do the Hardest Recipe First, Then Save the Easier Ones for the End
I always tackle the most time-consuming or complex recipe first while I have the most energy. Once that’s done, I move on to the simpler recipes, which usually involve assembling already-cooked components or tossing ingredients together. This makes the end of the meal prep session less stressful and more manageable.
By sticking to this routine, I’m able to prep multiple meals at once efficiently without feeling overwhelmed. This system helps save time during the week and ensures that my meals are balanced, flavorful, and ready to go when I need them.
