The thought of making dinner from scratch every night can feel daunting, especially when there are so many other things to do like work, care for kids and keep up with household duties. Many families rely on convenience foods like frozen dinners, but there are also a number of fresh prepared entrees that can be found in the refrigerated section at most grocery stores. These meals are more healthful than frozen dinners and often more convenient, too.
The only difficulty is knowing which ones are worth buying. To help, we turned to reviews from real customers on Amazon who have purchased and tested these products for themselves. These best-selling items not only have near-perfect ratings, but they also have countless glowing reviews describing why they’re so great.
Read on for fresh prepared entrees that are so good, you’ll be feeling guilty for not making them from scratch.
Our Editor’s Best Fresh Prepared Entrees Reviews
- THE PERFECT MEAL: A special meal for a special day. Our Meatloaf & Mashed Potato follow all the strict dietary rules to be certified as Kosher, then we pack them fresh, and ship them to you so that you can have easy-to-cook homemade meals.
- KOSHER READY TO EAT MEALS: Our meals are quick & easy to prepare and serve while preserving 100% of the taste and nutrition of a real home cooked dish. 3-minute microwaving or 7 – 10 minutes in boiling water are enough to prepare these delicious meals.
- HIGHEST AND FINEST INGREDIENTS: Our fully cooked meals are made with the finest ingredients, they include no preservatives, there are no MSG added, and they’re proudly cooked in the USA.
- LONG SHELF LIFE: Packed and sealed in a microwavable tray, our meals may be stored in a dry, refrigerated, or frozen area and preserve their quality for up to 3 years as long as they’re not damaged in any way.
- GLATT KOSHER: Certified by the Orthodox Union (OU), and the Nirbater Rav. We’re committed to the highest level of kosher, no exceptions. Even the most difficult production demands do not compromise the kashrus standard, ever!
- QUICK & EASY REAL NUTRITION: Our Fillet of Salmon meal is quick & easy to prepare and serve while preserving 100% of the taste and nutrition of a real homecooked dish. 3-minute microwaving or 7 – 10 minutes in boiling water are enough to prepare this delicious meal.
- THE PERFECT MEAL FOR AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE: Perfect for people who like Traveling, Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, or that may need Survival Food storage. With KJ Poultry ready meals, being away from home doesn’t mean giving away a healthy nutrition.
- HIGHEST AND FINEST INGREDIENTS: Our fully cooked tasty Fillet of Salmon meals are made with the finest ingredients, they include no preservatives, there are no MSG added, and they’re proudly cooked in the USA.
- LONG SHELF LIFE: Packed and sealed in a microwavable tray, our meals may be stored in a dry, refrigerated, or frozen area and preserve their quality for up to 3 years as long as they’re not damaged in any way.
- GLATT KOSHER: Certified by the Orthodox Union (OU), and Rabbi Getzel Berkowitz of Kiryas Joel. We’re committed to the highest level of kosher, no exceptions. Even the most difficult production demands do not compromise the kashrus standard, ever!
- THE PERFECT MEAL: A special meal for a special day. Our Suffed Chicken follow all the strict dietary rules to be certified as Kosher, then we pack them fresh, and ship them to you so that you can have easy-to-cook homemade meals.
- KOSHER READY TO EAT MEALS: Our meals are quick & easy to prepare and serve while preserving 100% of the taste and nutrition of a real home cooked dish. 3-minute microwaving or 7 – 10 minutes in boiling water are enough to prepare these delicious meals.
- HIGHEST AND FINEST INGREDIENTS: Our fully cooked meals are made with the finest ingredients, they include no preservatives, there are no MSG added, and they’re proudly cooked in the USA.
- LONG SHELF LIFE: Packed and sealed in a microwavable tray, our meals may be stored in a dry, refrigerated, or frozen area and preserve their quality for up to 3 years as long as they’re not damaged in any way.
- GLATT KOSHER: Certified by the Orthodox Union (OU), and Rabbi Getzel Berkowitz of Kiryas Joel. We’re committed to the highest level of kosher, no exceptions. Even the most difficult production demands do not compromise the kashrus standard, ever!
- DELICIOUS & SATISFYING Weight loss never tasted so good! HMR’s vegetarian ravioli entrée features delicate pasta filled with a blend of cheeses, basil, and Italian spices in a classic tomato sauce. With only 220 calories, you won’t need to sacrifice a mouthwatering meal for a low-cal alternative.
- FILLED WITH PROTEIN With 10 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per entrée, this savory cuisine is tasty and filling. The 8oz serving is portion controlled to help you stay on track while pursuing your weight loss goal.
- NO REFRIGERATION REQUIRED Shelf-stable, individual servings are ideal for home, office, and travel. Maintain a healthy diet while on the go. Heat in the microwave for just one minute and enjoy.
- ADD VARIETY Pair steamed vegetables or a hearty salad to complement this entrée and further supplement its nutritional benefits. Meals shown with added vegetable suggestions. Visit our Amazon Store for more delicious entrée selections.
- ABOUT HMR HMR Plan, LLC is a weight loss/maintenance and lifestyle change program designed to provide nutritionally complete, filling meals, and snacks that are calorie and portion controlled.
- DELICIOUS & SATISFYING Weight loss never tasted so good! Enjoy five of HMR’s most popular entrées with this Top 5 variety pack. Set includes 1 each of Chicken Pasta Parmesan, Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Enchiladas, Lasagna with Meat Sauce, and Turkey Chili. With only 200 - 250 calories per entrée, you won’t need to sacrifice a mouthwatering meal for a low-cal alternative.
- FILLED WITH PROTEIN With 11 - 20 grams of protein and 1 - 6 grams of fiber per entrée, these savory cuisines are tasty and filling. The 8oz servings are portion controlled to help you stay on track while pursuing your weight loss goal.
- NO REFRIGERATION REQUIRED Shelf-stable, individual servings are ideal for home, office, and travel. Maintain a healthy diet while on the go. Heat in the microwave for just one minute and enjoy.
- ADD VARIETY Pair steamed vegetables or a hearty salad to complement these entrées and further supplement their nutritional benefits. Meals shown with added vegetable suggestions. Visit our Amazon Store for more delicious entrée selections.
- ABOUT HMR HMR Plan, LLC is a weight loss/maintenance and lifestyle change program designed to provide nutritionally complete, filling meals, and snacks that are calorie and portion controlled.
- DELICIOUS & SATISFYING Weight loss never tasted so good! HMR’s chicken pasta parmesan entrée features a scrumptious combination of white meat chicken and shells in a classic Italian sauce with parmesan and romano cheese. With only 200 calories, you won’t need to sacrifice a mouthwatering meal for a low-cal alternative.
- FILLED WITH PROTEIN With 17 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per entrée, this savory cuisine is tasty and filling. The 8oz serving is portion controlled to help you stay on track while pursuing your weight loss goal.
- NO REFRIGERATION REQUIRED Shelf-stable, individual servings are ideal for home, office, and travel. Maintain a healthy diet while on the go. Heat in the microwave for just one minute and enjoy.
- ADD VARIETY Pair steamed vegetables or a hearty salad to complement this entrée and further supplement its nutritional benefits. Meals shown with added vegetable suggestions. Visit our Amazon Store for more delicious entrée selections.
- ABOUT HMR HMR Plan, LLC is a weight loss/maintenance and lifestyle change program designed to provide nutritionally complete, filling meals, and snacks that are calorie and portion controlled.
- DELICIOUS & SATISFYING Weight loss never tasted so good! HMR’s entrée features penne pasta cooked al dente, with mini Italian-style meatballs in an aromatic tomato sauce. With only 240 calories, you won’t need to sacrifice a mouthwatering meal for a low-cal alternative.
- FILLED WITH PROTEIN With 12 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per entrée, this savory cuisine is tasty and filling. The 8oz serving is portion controlled to help you stay on track while pursuing your weight loss goal.
- NO REFRIGERATION REQUIRED Shelf-stable, individual servings are ideal for home, office, and travel. Maintain a healthy diet while on the go. Heat in the microwave for just one minute and enjoy.
- ADD VARIETY Pair steamed vegetables or a hearty salad to complement this entrée and further supplement its nutritional benefits. Meals shown with added vegetable suggestions. Visit our Amazon Store for more delicious entrée selections.
- ABOUT HMR HMR Plan, LLC is a weight loss/maintenance and lifestyle change program designed to provide nutritionally complete, filling meals, and snacks that are calorie and portion controlled.
- 6-PACK of HMR’s delicious and satisfying pasta entrees include a variety of delicious Italian–inspired meals to help with your weight-loss goals.
- CLASSIC ITALIAN FLAVORS feature lower-calorie versions of favorite restaurant dishes, HMR Pasta Classics Entree Bundle includes one each of Penne Pasta with Meatballs in Sauce, Rotini Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna w/Meat Sauce, Cheese and Basil Ravioli w/Tomato Sauce, Chicken Pasta Parmesan, Pasta Fagioli, each 200-240 calories, with 10g-17g protein.
- NO REFRIGERATION needed, making them ideal for work or travel.
- READY IN JUST A MINUTE, HMR meals are quick and convenient options to help you cut calories and manage your weight at lunch or dinner.
- TASTES GREAT plain, or add your favorite vegetables for a delicious and custom meal. Meals shown with added vegetable suggestions.
- Vegan Mediterranean Plant Protein Bowl: Chickpea and bean medley with couscous, carrots and red bell pepper with a tasty citrus basil vinaigrette and 14g Plant Protein
- No Prep, No Mess, Authentic Indian Cuisine in 90 Seconds: Add a little spice to your office lunch or family dinner; Delicious, pre cooked and ready to serve entrees and side dishes using all natural, plant-based ingredients
- All Natural, Vegan, Nothing Artificial: We use the best all natural ingredients in our RTE meals; Pre-cooked, Vegan entrée with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives; Ready to eat Indian Cuisine
- Authentic, Awesome, Indian Food: Take your taste buds on a journey to India with our homestyle, tasty and healthy microwaveable meals and side dishes; Full of flavor with Indian spices and sauces
- Every Tasty Bite Tells A Story: For over 25 years, Tasty Bite has made quick, flavorful and all natural Indian and other ethnic foods from the finest ingredients, including entrées, rice dishes and meal inspirations
- THE PERFECT MEAL: A special meal for a special day. Our Turkey Shawarma follow all the strict dietary rules to be certified as Kosher, then we pack them fresh, and ship them to you so that you can have easy-to-cook homemade meals.
- KOSHER READY TO EAT MEALS: Our meals are quick & easy to prepare and serve while preserving 100% of the taste and nutrition of a real home cooked dish. 3-minute microwaving or 7 – 10 minutes in boiling water are enough to prepare these delicious meals.
- HIGHEST AND FINEST INGREDIENTS: Our fully cooked meals are made with the finest ingredients, they include no preservatives, there are no MSG added, and they’re proudly cooked in the USA.
- LONG SHELF LIFE: Packed and sealed in a microwavable tray, our meals may be stored in a dry, refrigerated, or frozen area and preserve their quality for up to 3 years as long as they’re not damaged in any way.
- GLATT KOSHER: Certified by the Orthodox Union (OU), and Rabbi Getzel Berkowitz of Kiryas Joel. We’re committed to the highest level of kosher, no exceptions. Even the most difficult production demands do not compromise the kashrus standard, ever!
Best Fresh Prepared Entrees Buying Guide
Before choosing the best fresh prepared entrees you should consider following options:
1. Protein Source: The main ingredient in your protein source determines the overall quality of your meal. Options like beef, salmon, chicken, and eggs are high in protein but also high in saturated fat.
Be sure to check the labels and try to find sources of protein that are higher in omega-3 fats and leaner overall.
2. Sodium: Salt is a flavor enhancer, so it is impossible to have a meal without it.
However, too much salt can cause water retention, high blood pressure, and increase your risk of heart disease. One of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of salt in your diet is to cook with broth instead of water.
3. Carbohydrate Source: When shopping for carbs, keep in mind that not all carbs are created equally.
Pasta and bread are high in calories but are slowly digested by the body. As a result, they are often referred to as “bad” carbs.
On the other hand, foods like beans and sweet potatoes are often considered “good” carbs because they are lower in calories and digested quickly, making you feel full for a longer period of time.
4. Organic: You may have heard the word “organic” thrown around a lot, often with little explanation of what it means.
What it boils down to is that the food was grown without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides.
5. Fresh or Frozen: Frozen meals are convenient and cost less than fresh, but they often have more sodium, and the quality is not as high.
Fresh meals are more expensive and may require additional time to prepare, but they are generally higher in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
6. Cost: The price tag of a frozen meal plays a large role in your decision. The price of fresh meals varies depending on the ingredients in your meal.
For example, a fresh salmon dish may be more expensive than a frozen chicken dish.
However, the overall protein content is higher in the fresh salmon dish, and the omega-3 fat content may be higher as well.
7. Portion Size: Portion size is important to keep in mind when shopping for fresh meals. Frozen meals are already portioned, but with fresh meals, you are responsible for the size.
If you are eating at home, consider keeping the leftovers for lunch the next day.
If you are eating the meal at work, keep a small Tupperware in your desk drawer to store your leftovers.
8. Meal Prep: When preparing your meal, make sure to read the label to determine the overall nutrition of the meal.
Choose meals that are high in protein and low in carbs. Frozen meals are often higher in carbs and lower in protein, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
9. Quality of Ingredients: If you have the option, try to purchase meals with ingredients you recognize, instead of buying something that has a long list of unrecognizable ingredients.
This is especially important with fresh meals, since you are responsible for the preparation. Try to stick to fresh meals with simple ingredients, so you can be sure the quality is high.
10. Taste: Taste is subjective, but it doesn’t hurt to try a few different options before making your final decision.
The best way to do this is to purchase a small or single-serving size. This way, you can try a few different options and make
What else you should know about fresh prepared entrees
1. What are some of the most popular fresh prepared entrees?
Some of the most popular fresh prepared entrees include salmon, grilled chicken, steak, and vegetables.
2. What are the benefits of eating fresh prepared entrees?
Some benefits of eating fresh prepared entrees are that they can be healthier than fast food or processed foods, they can save time because you don’t have to cook them yourself, and they can be more convenient than cooking at home.
3. What are some tips for preparing fresh prepared entrees?
Some tips for preparing fresh prepared entrees include:
-Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any food.
-Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before cutting or eating them.
-Use clean utensils, cutting boards, and cooking surfaces when preparing food.
-Cook food thoroughly to the recommended internal temperature.
-Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, and seafood away from other food.
-Refrigerate or freeze perishable food promptly.
4. How can I make my fresh prepared entrees more nutritious?
You can make your fresh prepared entrees more nutritious by adding more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. You can also add more lean protein, such as chicken, fish, tofu, or beans.
5. What are some common mistakes people make when preparing fresh prepared entrees?
Some common mistakes people make when preparing fresh prepared entrees are not cooking the food long enough, not using fresh ingredients, and not following the recipe.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best fresh prepared entrees. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best fresh prepared entrees will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.