10 Make-Ahead Meal Prep Hacks That Will Make You Feel Really Good Later

#MealPrep is all the rage on Instagram and with good reason: who wouldn't love a fridge and freezer full of meals they can simply whip out and reheat on the fly? We've gathered our favorite meal prep ideas from eggy muffins to chicken freezer packs. Suddenly cooking at home doesn't seem like such a laborious chore.

Breakfast: Egg Muffins
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Breakfast: Egg Muffins

If homemade omelets are out of the question, rely on cheesy egg muffins, which are packed with veggies and can be reheated in the microwave in seconds.

Breakfast: Oatmeal
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Breakfast: Oatmeal

Steel-cut oatmeal can take an hour on the stovetop before it softens up, so it's no wonder people often reach for the instant stuff. However, this technique freezes pre-cooked oatmeal in a muffin tin so you can make a big batch on Sunday and can reheat individual-sized portions throughout the week.

Breakfast: Smoothie Packs
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Breakfast: Smoothie Packs

Plan out your breakfast in advance by creating freezable smoothie packs that include everything but the liquid ingredients (and optional protein powder).

Anytime: Fruit Cups
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Anytime: Fruit Cups

The best way to avoid your fruit from turning into pulp at the bottom of your fridge drawers is by prepping and storing it in mini Weck or mason jars. How easy and convenient!

Anytime: Frozen Burritos
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Iizuka

Anytime: Frozen Burritos

Store-bought frozen burritos can be really expensive, but the good news is you can make them homemade with all of your favorite fixings.

Lunch: Slow-Cooker Beans and Quinoa
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Lunch: Slow-Cooker Beans and Quinoa

A big batch of slow-cooker beans and steamed quinoa can go a long way for lunch. Dressed up with scallions, hot sauce, and cheddar, this lunch idea won't tire out your tastebuds. Promise.

Lunch: Mason Jar Salads
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Lunch: Mason Jar Salads

Arguably the most Instagrammed #MealPrep item, rainbow-layered mason jar salads are as enticing to the eye as they are to the palate. Just remember to layer the ingredients properly.

Anytime: Microwaveable Meals
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Anytime: Microwaveable Meals

Prep and pack microwaveable meals in tupperware or mason jars, and either cook in the container or transfer to a mug first.

Dinner: Spiralized Noodles
Inspiralized

Dinner: Spiralized Noodles

Get in on the veggie noodle trend without dirtying up your kitchen each day by prepping them all in advance. Spiralized sweet potato and butternut squash freeze really well, while zucchini and cucumber noodles fare better when refrigerated.

Dinner: Freezer Chicken Bags
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Dinner: Freezer Chicken Bags

Make these easy chicken breast freezer bags now, then bake, grill, or sauté later.