Meal Prep Ideas in Four Gorgeous Colorado Kitchens

For those with busy schedules — in other words, all of us — planning ahead is the key to healthy eating. Being able to cook in advance allows for flexibility in our menus and variety in our diets. "Meal prep" generally refers to one of three methods: batch cooking, individually portioned meals, or prepped ingredients. What better place to prep than a gorgeous Shea Homes® kitchen with its enormous island, loads of natural light, and storage galore? All you have to do is choose a recipe! Read on to discover four of our favorite kitchen designs paired with delicious suggestions for make-ahead meals.
 
Crescendo at Stepping Stone™: Plan 2201
The retro feel of contrasted black and white in Plan 2201 at Stepping Stone™ reminds us of our favorite local diners — and breakfast is served! For a zesty start to your weekday mornings, prep a batch of breakfast burritos. First, make a classic salsa verde by broiling tomatillos, onions, and jalapeños — then pulse them in a food processor with lime juice and salt. Beat six large eggs with a tablespoon of water and a dash of salt and cook in a skillet until desired doneness before mixing in cheese until melty. Spread equal parts refried beans and egg mixture on a tortilla and spoon salsa on the top, fold sides over the filling, and roll from the bottom-up. Wrap individually in foil and reheat whenever you'd like!

Harmony at Solstice™: Melody Plan
Wide windows fill the kitchen in the Melody plan at Solstice™ with gorgeous sunlight, and the sizable kitchen island provides plenty of space to prep multiple portions at once. Capture the warmth of the Mediterranean with caprese chicken salad bowls: Start with quinoa prep according to package directions. While it's cooking and cooling, toss chicken breasts with olive oil and balsamic vinegar then bake at 425°F until chicken reaches 165°F (about 25 minutes). Meanwhile, shake up olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for a yummy dressing — best to put this in condiment cups and add to the salad just before eating. Finally, divide chicken, quinoa, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and bocconcini equally into four 2-cup meal prep containers. While the prepped food can last up to four days in the fridge, we doubt you'll be able to resist that long!

Trails Edge at Solstice™: Meadowview Plan
The endless design options for the kitchen in the Meadowview plan at Solstice™ include these lovely azure backsplash tiles. With such a beautiful space, you'll actually look forward to prepping ingredients for a sheet pan salmon niçoise salad. Assemble this satisfying salad for lunch, dinner, or even a post-workout protein punch. Roast small yellow potatoes, six-ounce filets of salmon, and green beans on a sheet pan at 375°F. The traditional niçoise olive-oil-and–lemon-juice vinaigrette achieves its signature flavor with anchovy paste and Dijon mustard. Cut up lettuce, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs then prepare the salads in advance — or simply store each ingredient separately for quick and customizable meals.

Luxe at The Canyons™: Stonehaven Plan
The kitchen in the Stonehaven plan at The Canyons™ has a languid elegance perfect for a weekend afternoon of batch cooking. Pour a glass of wine and enjoy the delicious aromas as you prep and slow cook beef with red wine and carrots! Toss cubes of beef with flour, sear until browned on all sides, and transfer to a Dutch oven or a slow cooker. Use the same sauté pan to gently cook onions and carrots for 10-12 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic, add wine, and bring the mixture to a boil. Pour over the meat before adding beef stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Simmer for two and a half hours until the meat is tender, then serve half for dinner and chill the other half for an Italian cottage pie later in the week!

A large luxurious kitchen means you have everything you need to cook like a pro. With space to chop, measure, mix, sauté, and even set up gadgets like slow cookers or air fryers, Shea Homes® kitchens ensure it’s easy to eat healthily with less stress. Contact us today to find your perfect meal prep place!