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Busy weeknights got you down? Fear not, Chef Emma Brookstone is here to save the day with her easy, winter-friendly veggie meal prep bowls! These cozy, one-bowl wonders are the ultimate time-savers, packed with nutritious produce and ready to go whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal. Ditch the takeout and dive into this real-life recipe that’s perfect for busy folks who crave homemade food without the fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls for Busy Weeknights

These meal prep bowls are the ultimate solution for busy weeknights. They’re quick, easy, and packed with seasonal veggies to keep you feeling your best. Plus, the make-ahead nature means you can grab-and-go on even the most hectic of days. Cozy, comforting, and completely stress-free, these bowls are a total game-changer for any busy home cook.

Ingredients (Single-Serve)

This recipe keeps things simple with a short list of wholesome, affordable ingredients. You’ll need roasted winter veggies like brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots, along with quinoa or your favorite grain, a protein source like chicken or chickpeas, and a tasty dressing or sauce. The best part? Everything can be prepped ahead of time for stress-free assembly.

1 cup – Roasted brussels sprouts
1 cup – Roasted sweet potato cubes
1/2 cup – Roasted carrot slices
1/2 cup – Cooked quinoa
4 oz – Grilled chicken breast

Ingredient Substitutions

Veggies: Feel free to swap in whatever seasonal produce you have – roasted beets, parsnips, or even cauliflower would all work beautifully.
Protein: You can also mix up the protein with tofu, shrimp, or even a fried egg. Get creative and make this recipe your own!

How to Make Easy Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls for Busy Weeknights

Let’s get cooking! These meal prep bowls come together in just a few simple steps.

Step 1: Prep Work

Start by roasting your veggies. Toss brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and caramelized. While the veggies are cooking, prepare your grain of choice – quinoa, brown rice, or farro all work well.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

Next, cook your protein. Sauté chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, or simply open a can of chickpeas.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

Finally, it’s time to assemble your meal prep bowls. Layer the roasted veggies, cooked grain, and protein in individual containers. Top with a drizzle of your favorite dressing or sauce, then seal and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

For an extra pop of flavor and nutrition, try adding fresh herbs, nuts, or a sprinkle of feta or parmesan before serving.

Variations & Time-Saver Tips

Make-Ahead Magic: To save even more time, roast extra veggies and cook extra grains on the weekend to have on hand for quick assembly throughout the week.
Flavor Fusion: Feel free to mix up the veggies, proteins, and grains to suit your taste. A Mediterranean-inspired version with roasted eggplant, feta, and tzatziki would be delicious. Or try a Mexican-themed bowl with corn, black beans, and a zesty lime dressing.
Mediterranean Meal Prep: Roast eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini. Cook quinoa and top with grilled chicken, crumbled feta, and a drizzle of homemade tzatziki.
Mexican Fiesta Bowls: Roast corn, black beans, and sweet potatoes. Serve over brown rice with grilled shrimp, sliced avocado, and a spicy lime vinaigrette.

Easy Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls for Busy Weeknights

Serving, Storage & Reheat

Serve with: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of your favorite dressing, or a handful of toasted nuts.

Storage: These meal prep bowls will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Microwave Reheat: For best texture, we recommend reheating the bowls in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the roasted veggies, cooked grains, and proteins in advance, then assemble fresh bowls as needed throughout the week.

Nutrition Info

Each serving of these Easy Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the wholesome produce. They provide a balanced combination of complex carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats to keep you feeling satisfied. Depending on your protein and grain choices, you can expect around 400-500 calories per bowl.

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbs: 50 g
Fat: 15 g
Sodium: 450 mg

FAQs

What’s the best way to reheat the meal prep bowls?

For best texture, we recommend reheating the bowls in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This will gently warm the veggies and proteins without drying them out.

Can I freeze these meal prep bowls?

While the components freeze well individually, we don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled bowls. The textures tend to break down when thawed. Instead, prepare the roasted veggies, cooked grains, and proteins in advance, then assemble fresh bowls as needed.

Do I have to use quinoa, or can I substitute another grain?

Absolutely! Quinoa is just our personal favorite, but brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice would all work wonderfully in these meal prep bowls. Choose whatever grain you and your family enjoy most.

How long will these meal prep bowls stay fresh?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, these meal prep bowls will stay fresh for up to 4 days. They make the perfect grab-and-go lunches or easy dinners all week long.

Do I need to reheat the veggies before assembling the bowls?

Nope! The roasted veggies can be layered right into the bowls straight from the fridge. However, if you prefer them warmer, feel free to give them a quick 30-second zap in the microwave before assembling.

Easy Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls for Busy Weeknights