Ingredient Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a healthy, comforting meal in minutes. This no-fuss recipe is a real-life lifesaver, with simple, wholesome ingredients and a microwave-friendly cooking method that’ll have you enjoying a satisfying dinner with minimal effort. If you’ve got five minutes, you’ve got dinner – thanks to the power of the microwave (shh, I won’t tell anyone).
Why You’ll Love This Ingredient Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls
Grab-and-go convenience, make-ahead ease, and a cozy, comforting flavor profile come together in this easy-to-prepare meal prep recipe. With just a few basic ingredients and a quick microwave session, you can have a stress-free, weeknight-friendly dinner that’s packed with nourishing veggies and satisfying plant-based protein. Plus, the leftovers make for the perfect calming, busy-day lunch. Less mess, more yum – that’s my kind of cooking!
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
The key to this recipe is keeping it simple with just a handful of wholesome, budget-friendly ingredients. Microwave magic, baby!
- 1 cup – Frozen mixed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
- 1⁄2 cup – Cooked quinoa
- 2 tablespoons – Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon – Olive oil
- 1⁄4 teaspoon – Dried Italian seasoning
Ingredient Substitutions
- Frozen Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite frozen veggie medley – green beans, Brussels sprouts, and spinach all work great.
- Chickpeas: For a protein boost, sub in lentils, black beans, or tofu instead.
How to Make Ingredient Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls
This recipe is as easy as 1-2-3 (and 4!). In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a wholesome, comforting dinner ready to enjoy – no fancy culinary skills required. Microwave magic, baby!
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Measure out the frozen veggies, cooked quinoa, and drained chickpeas, and have the olive oil and Italian seasoning ready to go.
Step 2: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the frozen veggies, quinoa, and chickpeas evenly between two microwave-safe meal prep containers or bowls. Drizzle each portion with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Microwave and Enjoy
Pop the bowls in the microwave and cook on high for 2-3 minutes, until the veggies are heated through. Carefully remove the bowls (they’ll be hot!), give everything a good stir, and dig in. Microwave = magic, my friends.
Step 4: Finish with Flair
For an extra burst of flavor, try topping your Ingredient Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a dollop of pesto, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Customize it to your taste!
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini dressing for a luxuriously creamy texture.
- Mix it Up: Switch up the grains by using cooked brown rice, farro, or barley instead of quinoa.
- Customize the Veggies: Swap in your favorite seasonal produce, like roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or sautéed kale.
- Add a Crunch: Top your bowl with toasted nuts, seeds, or crispy roasted chickpeas for a satisfying texture contrast.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: A slice of crusty whole-grain bread, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a side salad for a complete, nourishing meal.
Storage: Portion the Ingredient Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls into single servings and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick, grab-and-go meal anytime.
Microwave Reheat: When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the bowls in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until piping hot. Microwave magic, baby!
Make-Ahead: Prepare the Ingredient Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls in advance and stash them in the fridge or freezer for easy, no-mess dinners all week long. Meal prepping has never been easier (or more delicious).
Nutrition Info
These Ingredient Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein to keep you feeling satisfied and energized. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs.
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
FAQs
Can I use fresh veggies instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have the time, feel free to use fresh, seasonal veggies. Just chop them up and roast or sauté them before adding to the bowls. Keep in mind that using fresh veggies will increase the overall prep time.
How long will these meal prep bowls last in the fridge?
The Ingredient Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply swap out the chickpeas for your favorite plant-based protein, like tofu, tempeh, or lentils. You can also omit the cheese topping or use a dairy-free alternative.
Do I have to use the microwave?
Nope! While the microwave is the ultimate time-saver for this recipe, you can also reheat the bowls in a skillet or the oven if you prefer. Just be mindful of the cooking time and temperature to ensure the veggies stay tender and the grains stay fluffy.
What other meal prep recipes do you recommend?
If you loved these Ingredient Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls, be sure to check out my other quick and easy meal prep favorites, like the Savory Lentil Veggie Meal Prep Jars and the entire collection of Meal Prep Recipes on BusyCookLife.com. Microwave magic for the win!
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Print
Wholesome Ingredient Winter Veggie Meal Prep Bowls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Meal Prep Recipes
- Method: Roasting and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and nutritious winter veggie meal prep bowl packed with seasonal vegetables, grains, and a delicious dressing.
Ingredients
2 cups quinoa
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced sweet potatoes
1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
1 cup chopped kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and combine it with vegetable broth in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. While the quinoa cooks, toss the carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender.
5. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set aside.
6. In meal prep containers, layer the quinoa, roasted vegetables, and fresh kale.
7. Drizzle with your favorite dressing before serving.
Notes
This meal can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg