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31 High Calorie Meal Prep Recipes for Weight Gain

Are you trying to gain weight and increase your calorie intake? You’ll need to fill up on high-calorie foods like these nutritious high-calorie meal prep recipes.

By meal prepping, you ensure your meals are ready to go – and that they’re nutritious too.

All you have to do is go ahead and cook them. And to keep those nutritious meals fresh, store them in these glass food storage containers.

They’re eco-friendly and have an airtight seal.

high calorie meal prep ideas

1. Salmon with VeggiesSalmon with Veggies

Source: allnutritious.com

You’ll enjoy my salmon meal prep recipe with sweet veggies like sweet potatoes and beets. And you’re balancing the sweetness with the savory salmon.

This Honey Mustard vinaigrette would work quite well. It’s sweet and has some kick. This is an absolutely fabulous high-calorie lunch that’s high in protein and good for muscle growth.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 806
  • Fats: 45g
  • Protein: 54g
  • Carbs: 53g
  • Fiber: 13g
  • Sugar: 16g

Recipe

2. Chicken Shawarma Quinoa Bowl

Chicken Shawarma Quinoa Bowl

Source: theforkedspoon.com

You’ll love this Chicken Shawarma Quinoa Bowl.

The chicken breasts, chickpeas, and quinoa contain tons of protein. And as you know, protein is vital for building those muscles.

But nutrition aside, this dish is super yummy. The chicken breasts are marinated in warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 722
  • Fats: 36g
  • Protein: 56g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fiber: 16g
  • Sugar: 8g

Recipe

3. Herb Chicken Couscous

Herb Chicken Couscous

Source: allnutritious.com

The chicken breasts are juicy-tender and full of Mediterranean flavor.

You can use chicken broth for cooking your couscous instead for more depth of flavor and minerals. If you need to stock up on chicken bone broth, you can get some chicken bone broth right here.

For more cheap meal preps, check this list here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 633
  • Fats: 17g
  • Protein: 61g
  • Carbs: 56g
  • Fiber: 7.5g
  • Sugar: 9.7g

Recipe

4. Keto Crockpot Chicken

Keto Crockpot Chicken

Source: savvyhoney.com

This Crockpot Chicken is super addictive. You’re topping your chicken with ranch, cream cheese, and heavy cream.

It’s best to use a programmable slow cooker to make the chicken. This is the programmable slow cooker that I recommend.

This is a perfect high protein lunch for the busy people out there!


Per Serving:

  • Calories: 1094
  • Fats: 88g
  • Protein: 67g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 3g

Recipe

5. Chickpea Salad

Chickpea Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

This vegan meal prep is spicy, tangy, and just plain delicious. And chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, parsley, and cumin add some Mediterranean flavors.

So you may be wondering where most of the calories are coming from. They’re actually coming from the olive oil. Here’s a good quality extra-virgin olive oil you can use.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 790
  • Fats: 35g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Carbs: 97g
  • Fiber: 20g
  • Sugar: 23g

Recipe

6. Keto Pork Pie

Keto Pork Pie

Source: likehotketo.com

This pie is made with a yummy, savory minced pork filling.

Best of all, this Pie is filling yet low in carbs. That’s because you’re using almond flour to make your pie crust. If you don’t have any almond flour handy, you can get some here.
Per Serving:

  • Calories: 603
  • Fats: 46.3g
  • Protein: 40.4g
  • Carbs: 3g

Recipe

7. Vegan Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich

Vegan Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich

Source: happykitchen.rocks

Craving a Pulled Pork Sandwich – without the meat?

You’re using pulled Jackfruit as your pork. Pulled Jackfruit has a nice meaty texture and looks just like pulled pork.

Now making your vegan BBQ sauce is actually quite easy. Just place your BBQ sauce ingredients in a bowl, and mix until smooth.

This vegan sandwich is great for school meal prep.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 604
  • Fats: 15g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbs: 84g
  • Fiber: 8g

Recipe

8. Chicken Legs Chickpeas and Quinoa

Chicken Legs Chickpeas and Quinoa

Source: allnutritious.com

These Chicken Legs Chickpeas and Quinoa are full of aromatic spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and coriander. So it tastes good and makes your kitchen smell good too.

And you’re serving these with chickpeas and quinoa. So you’re getting lots of plant-based protein too.

Check out more chicken meal prep ideas here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 932
  • Fats: 46g
  • Protein: 54g
  • Carbs: 64g
  • Fiber: 14g
  • Sugar: 19g

Recipe

9. Mushroom Carnitas Bowl

Mushroom Carnitas Bowl

Source: mealpreponfleek.com

These Mushroom Carnitas are pretty flavorful. And you’re serving them with roasted corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocados, olive, and vegan pepper jack cheese.

You’ll definitely want to haul out your grill for this Mexican feast and if you don’t have a grill, simply use a grill pan like this.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 647
  • Fats: 3
  • Protein: 19.6
  • Carbs: 44.7
  • Fiber: 13.2

Recipe

10. Red Kidney Bean Burger Bowl

Red Kidney Bean Burger Bowl

Source: allnutritious.com

These Red Kidney Bean Burgers are full of flavor from the cumin and chili. So they have some kick, but too much.

Pulsing your ingredients in a food processor is key here to get the right texture. This food processor will do the job easily.

Cook your patties in a skillet or on the grill. Enjoy!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 646
  • Fats: 25g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 86g
  • Fiber: 34g
  • Sugar: 20g

Recipe

11. Carrot Cake Overnight Oatmeal

Carrot Cake Overnight Oatmeal

Source: summeryule.com

Tired of eating eggs and bacon in the morning? Change things up with this Carrot Cake Overnight Oatmeal with a few simple ingredients.

It has all the delicious flavors of Carrot Cake. Besides being delicious, this Overnight Oatmeal is quite nutritious. It’s rich in calcium, Vitamin A, protein, and fiber.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 732
  • Fats: 31.5g
  • Protein: 27.2g
  • Carbs: 90.3g
  • Fiber: 9.8g
  • Sugar:

Recipe

12. Chicken Farro Salad

Chicken Farro Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

During the summer, you want to enjoy something light, like a salad. But when you’re on a high calorie diet, you don’t want your salad too light.

This dish is light, refreshing, and bursting with sweetness. The sweet and savory chicken breasts add a nice boost of protein.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 715
  • Fats: 27g
  • Protein: 55g
  • Carbs: 55g
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Sugar: 17g

Recipe

13. Vegan Protein Salad

Vegan Protein Salad

Source: runningonrealfood.com

With this Vegan Protein Salad, you don’t have to worry about protein. That’s because one bowl of this salad provides 40 grams of protein.

You’re also adding lightly steamed cauliflower, cucumbers, fresh arugula, and avocadoes. Topped with creamy tahini dressing.

This salad may just become one of your favorites.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 619
  • Fats: 33g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Carbs: 49g
  • Fiber: 24g
  • Sugar: 6g

Recipe

14. Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Feel like hitting the buffet line at your favorite Chinese restaurant? This Honey Garlic Chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings.

And you can’t have Chinese food without some rice. So we’re serving up some brown rice too. You can also steam some veg for a complete meal using this steamer basket.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 879
  • Fats: 26g
  • Protein: 65g
  • Carbs: 97g
  • Fiber: 3.8g
  • Sugar: 18g

Recipe

15. Salmon and Leek Risotto

Salmon and Leek Risotto

Source: alwaysusebutter.com

Health authorities recommend eating fish twice a week. That’s because it’s a good source of vitamins and minerals.

And oily fish like salmon are pretty rich in omega-3s. Salmon also contains more fats than white fish. This dish is not only good for your heart but your taste buds too. There’s flaky-tender salmon.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 1249
  • Fats: 52g
  • Protein: 81g
  • Carbs: 92g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 3g

Recipe

16. Instant Pot Spicy Chicken

Instant Pot Spicy Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

This chicken dish is nicely seasoned with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder.

Like it spicier? Kick things up a notch or two with this Salsa From Hell – yes, that’s the actual name of the salsa.

Don’t have an Instant Pot handy? This is a great one to put on your wish list.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 767
  • Fats: 11g
  • Protein: 65g
  • Carbs: 74g
  • Fiber: 30g
  • Sugar: 12g

Recipe

17. Chicken Avocado Salad

Chicken Avocado Salad

Source: livinglou.com

This dish is a refreshing spin on Classic Chicken Salad.

Instead of the mayo, you’re using avocado and yogurt. So you’re getting all the creaminess, but with lots of nutrients.

Avocadoes provide lots of heart-healthy fats and fiber. Meanwhile, yogurt offers lots of calcium. Yay!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 1447
  • Fats: 113g
  • Protein: 75g
  • Carbs: 48g
  • Sugar: 6g

Recipe

18. Piri Piri Chicken

Piri Piri Chicken

Source: runningtothekitchen.com

Time for some Piri Piri Chicken! Piri Piri Chicken is chicken made with – drumroll please – sauce made from Piri Piri peppers.

So it’s definitely spicy! But spiciness aside, this dish is quite easy to make.

That’s because you’re cooking a whole chicken on a sheet pan. You’re also adding sweet potatoes and green beans.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 817
  • Fats: 46g
  • Protein: 85g
  • Carbs: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g

Recipe

19. Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Salad

Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Salad

Source: ramonascuisine.com

You’re pan-frying these chicken thighs with garlic, kosher salt, and white wine. So your chicken is moist and super flavorful.

The salad here is packed with broccoli, mung beans, red split lentil sprouts, spring onions, avocado, radishes, pumpkin seeds, and fresh herbs.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 716
  • Fats: 49g
  • Protein: 44g
  • Carbs: 23g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Sugar: 6g

Recipe

20. One Pot Cream Mushroom Chicken Pasta

One Pot Cream Mushroom Chicken Pasta

Source: carmyy.com

Do you love One Pot Pasta dishes? Me too! You get all the yumminess of an entire pasta dish – minus all the dirty pots and pans.

This pasta dish is as good as they come. That’s because you’re sauteing your onions, garlic, and mushrooms in chicken grease.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 709
  • Fats: 27g
  • Protein: 46g
  • Carbs: 76g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g

Recipe

21. Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Source: thecozycook.com

Did someone mention Sloppy Joe Casserole? You’re smothering browned ground beef and farfalle pasta with Manwich sauce, chicken broth, corn, and diced tomatoes.

And you’re adding Velveeta cheese and cheddar cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, and out comes … casserole perfection.

You’ll definitely want seconds.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 663
  • Fats: 30g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Carbs: 61g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 11g

Recipe

22. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Source: supergoldenbakes.com

Are you up for more pasta? This Chicken Alfredo Pasta does double duty. You can have it for a healthy meal prep or a fancy date night.

The pasta is bathed in a rich, creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. Best of all, this meal prep takes just 20 minutes to make.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 949
  • Fats: 34g
  • Protein: 44g
  • Carbs: 61g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g

Recipe

23. Beef Ragu

Beef Ragu

Source: spoonforkbacon.com

Is it getting chilly where you are? Warm up with this Beef Ragu.

It’s hearty, comforting, and off-the-walls delicious. The beef is nice and tender, and it’s simmered in a tomato sauce along with carrots, celery, and onions.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 756
  • Fats: 42g
  • Protein: 50g
  • Carbs: 47g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 9g

Recipe

24. Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff

Source: supergoldenbakes.com

This Beef Stroganoff is a clear winner. It’s creamy, and the beef just melts in your mouth. Yum!

What’s remarkable is how inexpensive this Beef Stroganoff is. Traditional Beef Stroganoff is made with thinly sliced sirloin steak, which is quite pricey.

However, this Beef Stroganoff is made with chuck steak, which is cheaper.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 695
  • Fats: 15g
  • Protein: 48g
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g

Recipe

25. Crockpot Pork Chops

Crockpot Pork Chops

Source: theroastedroot.net

You can’t get more comforting than this dish. You have juicy pork chops bathed in a creamy, dreamy mushroom sauce packed with garlic and caramelized onions.

They’re also tender mini gold potatoes.

Are you making these Crockpot Pork Chops today? I’m coming over to your house! These are definitely macro-friendly!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 760
  • Fats: 42g
  • Protein: 51g
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 5g

Recipe

26. Baked Chicken and Rice

Baked Chicken and Rice

Source: beyondthechickencoop.com

This Baked Chicken and Rice will give you warm fuzzies. You’re using chicken broth, onions, carrots, and celery for baking your rice. And you’re nestling chicken thighs around your rice.

Besides making a great meal prep, this dish is perfect for family get-togethers. Now that’s a winning dinner.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 607
  • Fats: 30g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Carbs: 54g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g

Recipe

27. Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Source: bellyfull.net

This Chicken Alfredo Bake is sure to be gobbled up quite quickly.

The combination of creamy pasta, ooey-gooey cheese, tender chicken, and veggies is irresistible.

This Chicken Alfredo Bake is great on its own. But if you like, you can serve it with a side Caesar Salad. Yum!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 613
  • Fats: 29g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Carbs: 50g
  • Fiber: 16g
  • Sugar: 3g

Recipe

28. Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Source: thecozycook.com

You’re combining your sauce with juicy chicken, broccoli, and cream of mushroom soup. These give additional layers of meatiness, umami, and freshness.

Now the sodium is on the higher side. But you can reduce the sodium by using this low sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 667
  • Fats: 45g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Carbs: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g

Recipe

29. Croissant Breakfast Sandwich

Croissant Breakfast Sandwich

Source: theforkedspoon.com

You have scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, and ham sandwiched between a buttery croissant. All you’ll want to say is Yum.

And the best part is that they are freezer-friendly too. So place a whole stash in the freezer and take one out whenever the cravings hit. Yay!

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 783
  • Fats: 56g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbs: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 9g

Recipe

30. Vegan Pesto Pasta

Vegan Pesto Pasta

Source: jessicainthekitchen.com

This Vegan Pesto Pasta is bright and full of fresh Italian flavors, from the cherry tomatoes and the homemade vegan basil pesto.

Place your pesto ingredients in a food processor or a high powdered blender like this. Blend until smooth.

For more pasta meal prep ideas, check out this article here.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 609
  • Fats: 40g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Carbs: 52g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 5g

Recipe

31. Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Source: runningtothekitchen.com

Craving some Mexican food? These Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls are sure to satisfy your cravings.

These Bowls are packed with so much yumminess. There’s tender taco-seasoned shredded beef, cilantro rice, creamy black beans, sweet fried plantains, and crunchy red and green bell peppers.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 931
  • Fats: 46g
  • Protein: 76g
  • Carbs: 49g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Sugar: 10g

Recipe

high calorie meal prep

31 High Calorie Meal Prep Recipes for Weight Gain

Yield: 2-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

If you need to gain weight but struggling to have nourishing meals, these High-Calorie Meal Preps will be extra useful! Healthy, delicious, and not too hard to make.

Ingredients

  • 1. Salmon with Veggies
  • 2. Chicken Shawarma Quinoa Bowl
  • 3. Herb Chicken Couscous
  • 4. Keto Crockpot Chicken
  • 5. Chickpea Salad
  • 6. Keto Pork Pie
  • 7. Vegan Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich
  • 8. Chicken Legs Chickpeas and Quinoa
  • 9. Mushroom Carnitas Bowl
  • 10. Red Kidney Bean Burger Bowl
  • 11. Carrot Cake Overnight Oatmeal
  • 12. Chicken Farro Salad
  • 13. Vegan Protein Salad
  • 14. Honey Garlic Chicken
  • 15. Salmon and Leek Risotto
  • 16. Instant Pot Spicy Chicken
  • 17. Chicken Avocado Salad
  • 18. Piri Piri Chicken
  • 19. Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Salad
  • 20. One Pot Cream Mushroom Chicken Pasta
  • 21. Sloppy Joe Casserole
  • 22. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
  • 23. Beef Ragu
  • 24. Beef Stroganoff
  • 25. Crockpot Pork Chops
  • 26. Baked Chicken and Rice
  • 27. Chicken Alfredo Bake
  • 28. Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole
  • 29. Croissant Breakfast Sandwich
  • 30. Vegan Pesto Pasta
  • 31. Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Instructions

  1. Scroll up to get a bunch of easy, yummy, and delicious meal preps. Don't be afraid to get creative with the ingredients, you might discover a flavor you didn't know you liked.
  2. Get your shopping list going and make sure you've got all the ingredients.
  3. Get cooking and make your next High-Calorie Meal Prep Ideas!

Notes

Which one of these recipes was your favorite? Let me know in the comment section or on Pinterest!

How much did you LOVE this recipe?

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Thomas

Thursday 13th of July 2023

This has to be one of the better resources I've found, all in one place too. Love it.

Geng

Monday 22nd of May 2023

A meal plan for my breakfast, lunch snacks and dinner

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