I Meal Prepped My Breakfasts and Lunches for the Week in 1 Hour

I Meal Prepped My Breakfasts and Lunches for the Week in 1 Hour is a easy American recipe that serves 5. 674 calories per serving. Recipe by Josh Cortis on YouTube.

Prep: 22 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 17 min

Cost: $43.29 total, $8.66 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cup 2% Milk (2% reduced‑fat milk for pancake batter)
  • 1/2 cup Applesauce (Unsweetened applesauce)
  • 2.5 cup Cottage Cheese (Low‑fat cottage cheese)
  • 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (Pure maple syrup)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Pure vanilla extract)
  • 2.25 cup Liquid Egg Whites (Pasteurized liquid egg whites)
  • 6 cup Oat Flour (Ground rolled oats, can be gluten‑free if certified)
  • 1/2 cup Non‑Fat Powdered Milk (Dry milk powder)
  • 1 tsp Salt (Fine sea salt)
  • 4 tsp Baking Powder (Leavening agent)
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda (Leavening agent)
  • as needed Cooking Spray (Oil‑sprayed parchment for sheet pans)
  • 1 bunch Green Onions (Separate whites and greens; whites for cooking, greens for garnish)
  • 2 medium Bell Peppers (One green, one red, seeded and diced)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (For browning beef)
  • 2 lb 93% Lean Ground Beef (Extra lean (93% lean) ground beef)
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder (Mild to medium heat)
  • 2 tsp Paprika (Sweet paprika)
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder (Dried garlic flavor)
  • 2 tsp Cumin (Ground cumin)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder (Dried onion flavor)
  • 1 can (420 g) Crushed Tomatoes (Canned crushed tomatoes)
  • 2 cup Beef Broth (Low‑sodium beef broth)
  • 10 oz Dried Macaroni (Regular or gluten‑free pasta)
  • 1 cup 2% Milk (Added at end to prevent curdling)
  • 3/4 cup per serving Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend, total 420 g for 5 servings)

Instructions

  1. Blend Pancake Liquids

    Place the blender on a kitchen scale, add 2 cups (480 g) 2% milk, 1/2 cup (120 g) applesauce, 2½ cups (600 g) cottage cheese, ¼ cup (60 g) maple syrup, and 1 tsp (4 g) vanilla. Blend until the cottage cheese is completely smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Whisk Egg Whites

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk 2¼ cups (540 g) liquid egg whites with a whisk until frothy and volume has increased noticeably.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 cups (480 g) oat flour, ½ cup (92 g) non‑fat powdered milk, 1 tsp (6 g) salt, 4 tsp (16 g) baking powder, and 1 tsp (4 g) baking soda until no lumps remain.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Fold Wet Mixtures

    Gently pour the blended milk mixture into the frothy egg whites, folding carefully to preserve the air bubbles.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Add Dry to Wet

    Gradually whisk the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter until just combined; avoid over‑mixing.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Prepare Sheet Pans

    Line two half‑sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Divide Batter

    Evenly spread the batter between the two prepared pans, smoothing the top with a spatula.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Bake Pancakes

    Place the pans in a pre‑heated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 375°F

  9. Prep Taco Mac Vegetables

    While the pancakes bake, trim the stems off a bunch of green onions (≈100 g). Separate whites from greens and dice the whites. Dice two medium bell peppers (≈150 g each, one green, one red) to match the onion size.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Brown Ground Beef

    Heat a large pot over medium‑high heat, add 1 tbsp (15 g) oil, then add 2 lb (≈907 g) 93% lean ground beef. Season with salt and pepper and cook, breaking up the meat, until browned.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  11. Cook Vegetables with Beef

    Add the diced onion whites and bell peppers to the pot. Stir and cook for 3‑5 minutes until softened.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  12. Add Spices

    Stir in 2 tbsp (16 g) chili powder, 2 tsp (6 g) paprika, 2 tsp (6 g) garlic powder, 2 tsp (6 g) cumin, and 1 tsp (3 g) onion powder. Cook 1‑2 minutes to bloom the flavors.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  13. Add Liquids and Pasta

    Pour in 1 can (420 g) crushed tomatoes, 2 cups (480 g) beef broth, and 10 oz (283 g) dried macaroni. Stir until the pasta is fully submerged.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  14. Simmer Pasta

    Bring the mixture to a light boil, then cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10‑12 minutes, stirring once around the 8‑minute mark. Check pasta for doneness; it should be al dente.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: low

  15. Finish Sauce with Milk

    Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup (240 g) 2% milk. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

    Time: PT2M

  16. Portion and Garnish

    Divide the taco mac into five equal containers. Top each serving with ¾ cup (≈84 g) shredded cheese and a sprinkle of the reserved green onion greens.

    Time: PT5M

  17. Cool and Store

    Allow both the pancakes and taco mac to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate. Pancakes can be flash‑frozen on a tray before bagging for longer storage.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
674
Protein
54 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: High‑protein, Low‑fat (beef), Can be made gluten‑free, Can be made dairy‑free with substitutions

Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Dairy, Gluten (if using regular oat flour or pasta)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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I Meal Prepped My Breakfasts and Lunches for the Week in 1 Hour

Recipe by Josh Cortis

A high‑protein meal‑prep combo featuring fluffy sheet‑pan protein pancakes for breakfast (about 32 g protein per three pancakes) and a hearty taco‑style macaroni for lunch (about 54 g protein per serving). Both dishes are made in under an hour, store well for up to five days, and are perfect for busy weeks.

EasyAmericanServes 5

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

Source Video
24m
Prep
51m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 25m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$43.29
Total cost
$8.66
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Blend Pancake Liquids
  • Whisk Egg Whites
  • Fold Wet Mixtures
  • Bake Pancakes
  • Brown Ground Beef
  • Simmer Pasta

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking sheets with oven mitts to avoid burns
  • Be careful when lifting the pot; steam can cause scalds
  • Do not overcook gluten‑free pasta as it can become mushy

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sheet pan protein pancakes in American meal‑prep culture?

A

Sheet pan protein pancakes have become a staple in modern American meal‑prep because they allow batch cooking of high‑protein breakfast with minimal hands‑on time, fitting busy lifestyles and fitness‑focused diets.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of pancake breakfasts exist in American cuisine compared to this protein pancake version?

A

Traditional American breakfasts feature buttermilk pancakes, blueberry pancakes, or cornmeal grits, whereas this protein pancake version swaps flour for oat flour and adds cottage cheese and egg whites for extra protein, reflecting a health‑focused adaptation.

cultural
Q

How is taco mac traditionally served in Southwestern United States cuisine?

A

In the Southwest, taco‑style macaroni is often served hot topped with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and sometimes a dollop of sour cream, reflecting the blend of Mexican flavors with classic American comfort food.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is taco mac traditionally associated with in American comfort‑food culture?

A

Taco mac is popular at casual gatherings such as family game nights, potlucks, and sports‑watching parties because it’s quick, hearty, and easy to serve in large batches.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for taco mac versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic taco mac relies on ground beef, chili powder, cumin, and crushed tomatoes; substitutes like ground turkey or chicken work but change the flavor profile, while gluten‑free pasta can replace regular macaroni without affecting the sauce.

cultural
Q

What other American high‑protein meal‑prep dishes pair well with sheet pan protein pancakes and taco mac?

A

Pairs nicely with Greek yogurt parfaits, overnight oats, or a side of roasted vegetables for lunch; these complement the protein focus while adding variety to the weekly menu.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sheet pan protein pancakes?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which deflates the egg‑white foam, and under‑baking, which leaves a soggy center. Ensure the oven is fully pre‑heated and bake until golden.

technical
Q

Why does this taco mac recipe use beef broth instead of water?

A

Beef broth adds depth and umami to the sauce, enhancing the richness of the ground beef and tomato base, whereas water would result in a flatter flavor profile.

technical
Q

Can I make the sheet pan protein pancakes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, bake the pancakes, let them cool, then flash‑freeze on a tray before transferring to freezer bags. Store in the freezer for up to two months and reheat in the microwave or air fryer.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the pancake batter is ready?

A

The batter should be smooth with a few small lumps, light and airy from the folded egg‑white foam. It should pour easily but hold its shape when spread on the pan.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Josh Cortis specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Josh Cortis specializes in practical meal‑prep tutorials, high‑protein recipes, and cooking hacks aimed at busy home cooks looking to optimize nutrition and time efficiency.

channel
Q

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

A

Josh Cortis focuses on ultra‑efficient, batch‑cooking methods using minimal equipment, emphasizes macro‑tracking, and often integrates his own recipe‑management app, setting his content apart from more traditional recipe‑only channels.

channel

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