🥦 Healthy Meal Prepping Made Simple: Sheet Pan & Crockpot Recipes to Save Time and Stay Nourished

Between teaching, volunteering, and preparing for the next big event, it can be easy to let healthy eating fall to the bottom of your to-do list. That’s where meal prepping comes in!

As part of my Community Service Initiative, Leading a Lifetime of Life Skills, I love sharing practical ways people can make small, sustainable changes that strengthen everyday life — and learning to prep nutritious meals is one of the simplest, most powerful life skills you can master. By dedicating just a little time each week, you can set yourself up for success, save money, reduce stress, and feel your best.

Below are two of my favorite go-to recipes: one for the oven and one for the crockpot. Both are packed with vegetables, protein, and flavor — and they reheat beautifully throughout the week!

🥕 Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage & Veggies

Perfect for: Quick weeknight dinners or easy lunch prep.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken sausage links (any flavor you love — Italian, roasted red pepper, or apple work great)

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds

• 1 yellow squash, sliced

• 1 small red onion, sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Optional: drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle of feta cheese before serving

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Slice the chicken sausages into rounds and spread them evenly on the sheet pan with all the vegetables.

3. Drizzle olive oil over everything, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

4. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

5. Let cool slightly before portioning into containers for the week.

💡 FCS Tip: Switch up the veggies each week based on what’s in season — Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or asparagus all roast beautifully!

🍲 Crockpot Chuck Roast with Root Veggies

Perfect for: Cozy dinners or hearty meal prep that feels homemade — even on your busiest days.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 lb chuck roast

• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 3 potatoes, chopped (Yukon gold or red work best)

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1 tsp rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place the vegetables in the bottom of the crockpot.

2. Season the roast generously with salt, pepper, and herbs, then set it on top of the vegetables.

3. Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.

4. Cover and cook on Low for 8–9 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the roast is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.

5. Remove the roast, shred it, and serve with the vegetables and a bit of broth.

💡 FCS Tip: For a lighter twist, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or add extra carrots and celery for more fiber!

🍽️ Meal Prep Storage & Serving Tips

• Store prepped meals in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

• For longer storage, freeze individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches.

• Pair your meals with whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or farro to stay full and balanced.

💡 Life Skill in Action: Nutrition & Time Management

Meal prepping is more than a healthy habit — it’s a life skill that teaches planning, budgeting, and self-care. Whether you’re a busy student, professional, or parent, cooking at home helps you take control of your nutrition, build confidence in the kitchen, and save both time and money.

That’s what Leading a Lifetime of Life Skills is all about — empowering people to make small, sustainable choices that add up to lifelong success.

Remember: Meal prepping isn’t about perfection; it’s about preparation. Setting yourself up with nourishing options helps you live healthier, feel stronger, and lead a lifetime of life skills — one meal at a time.