Reheating your meal prep the right way makes all the difference in taste and texture. Quick answer: for most meals, pierce the film a few times and microwave for about 2 minutes, then in 30-second intervals until the center reaches 165°F. If you have a little more time, the oven, stovetop, or air fryer can bring meals back even closer to just-cooked. Here's how to heat up meal prep with every method.

1. The Microwave: Fastest Way to Heat Up Meal Prep

The microwave is the quickest option and works well for most bowls, rice dishes, and saucy meals.

1. Remove any sleeve or label from the container.
2. Pierce the plastic film several times so steam can escape.
3. Microwave for about 2 minutes.
4. Stir if you can, then heat in 30-second intervals until the center reaches 165°F.
5. Let it rest a minute before eating so the heat evens out.

Tip: Set a small cup of water in the microwave next to your meal to keep it from drying out. For Mother of Macros meals, see our meal heating instructions.

Best for: Bowls, rice and pasta dishes, saucy meals, and busy workdays.

2. The Oven: Best for Even Heating

If you want your meal to taste like it was just made, the oven is your best bet. This method is ideal for baked dishes, roasted meats, and casseroles.

1. Preheat your oven to 300–350°F.
2. Place your oven-safe meal on the middle rack and pierce the plastic film with a fork a few times to create a steamed environment inside the tray.
3. Heat for 20–30 minutes or until warmed through.
4. For extra crispiness, remove the film for the last 5 minutes.

Best for: Baked pasta dishes, casseroles, roasted meats, and veggies.

3. The Stovetop: Best for Stir-Fries & Meats

The stovetop is a great option for stir-fries, rice dishes, and meats since it lets you add moisture and keep textures intact.

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth (for moisture) or a small amount of oil.
2. Add your meal and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Cook for 5–10 minutes until evenly heated.

Best for: Stir-fries, grain bowls, taco meat, shredded chicken, and sautéed vegetables.

4. The Air Fryer: Best for Keeping Things Crispy

If you love crispy textures, the air fryer is your best friend. It heats food quickly without making it soggy.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 325–350°F.
2. Move your meal into an air-fryer-safe container in a single layer. Do not put the original pulp container in the air fryer.
3. Heat for 5–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Best for: Chicken tenders, roasted veggies, breakfast potatoes, and pasta dishes with a crispy top layer.

5. Steaming: Best for Keeping Moisture

For delicate proteins and rice-based dishes, steaming is a great way to reheat without drying out.

1. Bring a small pot of water to a simmer and place a steaming basket on top.
2. Add your meal (in a heatproof dish) and cover with a lid.
3. Steam for 5–10 minutes until heated through.

Best for: Rice dishes, seafood, dumplings, and tender proteins.

6. The Slow Cooker: Best for Bulk Reheating

If you're reheating multiple meals or a large portion, a slow cooker keeps food warm for hours without overcooking.

1. Add your meal to the slow cooker with a splash of liquid (broth or water).
2. Set to low and heat for 1–2 hours until warm.

Best for: Stews, soups, pulled meats, and bulk meal prep.

Final Tips for the Best Reheating Experience

• ✅ Always check the center. Make sure meals reach 165°F internally for safe eating — a food thermometer makes this easy.
• ✅ Add a little moisture. A splash of water, broth, or a covered container keeps rice and proteins from drying out.
• ✅ Reheat gradually. Slow, steady heating keeps texture and flavor better than blasting it on high.

Use these reheating tips and your meal prep will taste just as good as the day it was made. Ready for this week's meals? Check out our weekly menu at Mother of Macros Meal Prep.