High Calorie Meal Prep for Bulking

High Calorie Meal Prep for Bulking is a medium American recipe that serves 5. 1019 calories per serving. Recipe by Josh Cortis on YouTube.

Prep: 24 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 34 min

Cost: $15.45 total, $3.09 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups Long Grain Rice (dry; any white or brown rice works)
  • 5 medium Russet Potatoes (about 1000 g total, cut into wedges)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for tossing potato wedges)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1 medium Red Onion (about 200 g, thinly sliced)
  • 5 ounces Fresh Spinach (washed, stems removed)
  • 2 pounds Ground Beef (90/10) (lean ground beef)
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 0.33 cup Oat Flour (acts as breadcrumbs; can substitute regular breadcrumbs)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Salt (for meatball mixture)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (for meatball mixture)
  • 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
  • 4 tablespoons Barbecue Sauce (2 tbsp in mixture, 2 tbsp for finishing glaze)
  • 1 can (15.5 oz) Pinto Beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for sautéing rice mixture)
  • 2 tablespoons Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons Ketchup (optional, tossed with potatoes per serving)

Instructions

  1. Measure and Rinse Rice

    Measure 1.5 cups (270 g) dry rice, rinse under cold water until water runs clear, then set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prep Potato Wedges

    Cut 5 medium russet potatoes (≈1000 g) into wedges, toss with 2 Tbsp oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Roast Potato Wedges

    Spread wedges in a single layer on a lightly oiled sheet pan (flat side down). Roast at 400°F (204°C) for 20‑25 minutes, turning halfway.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: 400°F

  4. Slice Onion and Prep Spinach

    Thinly slice 1 medium red onion (≈200 g). Remove any tough stems from 5 oz fresh spinach, then roughly tear the leaves.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Mix Meatball Batter

    In a large bowl combine 2 lb (908 g) 90/10 ground beef, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup oat flour, 1.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, and 2 Tbsp barbecue sauce. Mix with hands until homogeneous, breaking up any large meat chunks.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Form Meatballs

    Using a 1‑oz cookie scoop, portion the mixture onto a lightly oiled sheet pan, leaving space between each ball. Lightly oil hands or use water to smooth the balls.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Bake Meatballs

    Place meatballs in the oven (same 400°F/204°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway for even color.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 400°F

  8. Sauté Rice Base

    While meatballs bake, heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add sliced red onion and sauté 3 minutes until softened. Add spinach and stir until wilted, then add drained pinto beans and cooked rice. Season with 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp paprika, 2 tsp dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry 5 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Glaze Meatballs

    When meatballs are done, remove from oven and drizzle with the remaining 2 Tbsp barbecue sauce, tossing to coat evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Portion and Store

    Divide rice‑bean mixture, potato wedges, and meatballs equally into five meal‑prep containers. Garnish each with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Let cool slightly, then seal lids.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Cool and Refrigerate

    Place containers in the refrigerator. Meals keep up to 5 days.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
1019
Protein
55.5 g
Carbohydrates
80 g
Fat
40 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: High protein, High calorie, Gluten‑free if using certified oat flour, Dairy‑free

Allergens: Eggs, Gluten (if oat flour is not certified gluten‑free)

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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High Calorie Meal Prep for Bulking

Recipe by Josh Cortis

High‑calorie, protein‑packed meal‑prep featuring Texas‑style barbecue beef meatballs, crispy potato wedges, and a hearty rice‑and‑bean side. Makes five servings perfect for muscle‑gain or big‑lunch meals.

MediumAmericanServes 5

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
42m
Prep
1h
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 54m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.45
Total cost
$3.09
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Roasting potato wedges at high heat for crispness
  • Ensuring meatball mixture is evenly mixed but not over‑worked
  • Baking meatballs without overcrowding for proper browning
  • Sautéing rice base quickly to keep grains separate

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw ground beef with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Cook meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Use oven mitts when handling hot sheet pans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Big Boy Barbecue Beef Meatballs in American cuisine?

A

These meatballs are a modern, high‑calorie twist on classic Texas‑style barbecue flavors, reflecting the American love for hearty, protein‑rich comfort food often enjoyed at tailgate parties and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of barbecue meatballs in the United States?

A

In the South, barbecue meatballs may use pork or a mix of pork and beef with a sweet‑tomato glaze, while in the Midwest they often feature a tangy mustard‑based sauce. The Texas version, like this recipe, emphasizes smoky BBQ sauce and a lean beef base.

cultural
Q

How is Big Boy Barbecue Beef Meatballs traditionally served in Texas gatherings?

A

They are typically served hot as a finger food alongside sides such as potato wedges, coleslaw, or beans, often accompanied by extra barbecue sauce for dipping.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Big Boy Barbecue Beef Meatballs associated with in American culture?

A

These meatballs are popular for game‑day parties, backyard barbecues, and meal‑prep for athletes or anyone needing a calorie‑dense, protein‑rich meal.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for authentic Texas‑style barbecue meatballs versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include 90/10 lean ground beef, a smoky barbecue sauce, and simple seasonings like onion and garlic powder. Substitutes can be ground turkey for a leaner option or regular breadcrumbs instead of oat flour.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Big Boy Barbecue Beef Meatballs?

A

They pair nicely with classic sides such as mac and cheese, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Big Boy Barbecue Beef Meatballs at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑mixing the meatball batter, overcrowding the sheet pan which prevents browning, and under‑seasoning the potato wedges. Following the recommended oven temperature and turning the wedges halfway ensures crispness.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use oat flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs for the meatballs?

A

Oat flour provides a gluten‑free binding option and absorbs moisture without making the meatballs dense, resulting in a lighter texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.

technical
Q

Can I make Big Boy Barbecue Beef Meatballs ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can form the meatballs, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time, and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the meatballs are done?

A

The meatballs should be a deep brown on the outside, slightly caramelized from the barbecue sauce, and firm to the touch. An internal temperature of 160°F confirms they are fully cooked.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Josh Cortis specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Josh Cortis focuses on high‑calorie, muscle‑building meal‑prep recipes, practical cooking hacks, and straightforward, no‑nonsense cooking tutorials for busy fitness enthusiasts.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Josh Cortis's approach to American high‑calorie meal prep differ from other cooking channels?

A

Josh Cortis emphasizes calorie density and protein content, often incorporating simple, bulk‑friendly ingredients and clear portioning for meal‑prep, whereas many other channels prioritize low‑calorie or gourmet techniques.

channel

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