15 Energizing Back-To-Work Lunches To Help You Get Out Of Holiday Burnout

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Getting back to work after the holidays is tough when your routine is off and energy is low. These simple and make-ahead friendly lunches are easy, filling without being heavy, and taste great even when reheated. They help you skip takeout, avoid the afternoon slump, and feel more on track during busy workdays.

Lettuce Wraps with Turmeric Infused Ground Beef

Lettuce wraps with turmeric-infused ground beef make an easy, fresh lunch that feels lighter than a sandwich but is still filling. The spiced beef, creamy toppings, plus crisp lettuce leaves give you a mix of textures that wakes you up instead of putting you to sleep. Pack a few into a lunch box for a midday meal that feels fresh yet still keeps you focused.
Get the Recipe: Lettuce Wraps with Turmeric Infused Ground Beef

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp in the oven is perfect for days when you need a fast, high-energy lunch between meetings. Juicy shrimp bake in garlicky butter with almost no effort from you, then slide right over rice, salad, or zucchini noodles. Serve over quick rice or greens for a lunch that feels light but keeps you going through the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp

Steak Bites

Steak bites in the air fryer are ideal when you want a power lunch without a long break. Little cubes of steak turn golden at the edges, stay juicy inside, then soak up garlicky butter with just a few minutes of cook time. Toss a portion over salad, cauliflower rice, or simple veggies for a protein-heavy lunch that actually wakes you up.
Get the Recipe: Steak Bites

Canned Salmon Burgers

Canned salmon burgers are a smart way to turn pantry staples into something fresh enough for your lunch break. The patties come together quickly, crisp up in a pan, then hold up well in the fridge for a few days. Wrap one in flatbread with crunchy veg for an easy desk lunch that feels pulled together.
Get the Recipe: Canned Salmon Burgers

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground beef and cabbage stir fry is a great option when you want a hot lunch that still feels light enough to keep working afterward. Beef, cabbage, garlic, plus a quick sauce, cook in one skillet so you get plenty of protein with built-in veggies. Pack it with a wedge of lime or chili sauce for a lunch that feels bold without heavy effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl

Ground beef egg roll in a bowl brings takeout flavor to a one-pan meal that reheats like a dream. Savory beef cooks with cabbage, carrots, scallions, plus a punchy sauce, so you get that egg roll vibe without any frying. Spoon it into meal prep containers so workday lunches stay quick, hot, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl

Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Cheesy ground beef taco skillet gives you all the taco flavors you crave in a simple, packable form. The beef simmers with spices, tomatoes, and peppers, then gets topped with cheese so you can scoop it into bowls or lettuce wraps. Portion leftovers into containers so lunch is sorted before the workday even starts.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Smash Burger Taco

Smash burger tacos turn your lunch break into a little mashup moment without much effort. Thin patties press right into tortillas in the pan so you get crispy edges, melted cheese, plus fresh toppings in every bite. Make a batch at night, then reheat for a playful lunch that makes the office microwave smell amazing.
Get the Recipe: Smash Burger Taco

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ground beef and broccoli stir fry bring together simple ingredients for a fast, energizing midday meal. The beef browns with garlic and ginger while broccoli stays just crisp enough, all coated in an easy pan sauce. Slide leftovers into a container so tomorrow’s noon break brings real food instead of random snacks.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry is what you make when you want a quick, homemade lunch that still feels a little like takeout. A handful of veggies join seasoned beef in one pan, so you get plenty of color without much chopping. Pair with cauliflower rice or simple sauteed greens for a fast lunch that fits right into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Korean Ground Beef

Korean ground beef is a quick way to bring big flavor to your lunch without a long cooking session. Ground beef simmers with garlic, ginger, soy, and a touch of sweetness so it lands somewhere between comfort food and meal prep hero. Serve it over rice, lettuce cups, or quick veggies for a lunch that keeps you full without an afternoon crash.
Get the Recipe: Korean Ground Beef

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet

Ground beef Philly cheesesteak skillet brings all that melty, savory flavor into a quick stovetop lunch. Peppers, onions, beef, plus cheese cook together in one pan so you get a hearty meal without a long list of dishes. Reheat a scoop at your desk for a cozy lunch that beats another sad drive-thru run.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet

Easy Cheeseburger Pie

Easy cheeseburger pie turns familiar flavors into a sliceable lunch that travels well. The filling bakes with beef, cheese, eggs, plus a few pantry staples into a dish that reheats beautifully in the office microwave. Tuck a slice into your lunchbox so midday hunger meets something cozy instead of vending machine options.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheeseburger Pie

Blackened Pork Chops

Blackened pork chops give you a flavorful protein you can cook once and slice for a couple of lunches. The spice rub creates a deep crust while the meat stays juicy, whether you use a skillet or the grill. Slice a chop over mixed greens for a work lunch that tastes like a treat yet still feels on track.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Pork Chops

Quesabirria Tacos

Quesabirria tacos make lunch feel more like a treat than a chore on busy back-to-work days. Crispy tortillas, rich beef, melted cheese, plus that dunkable consomme pack a big flavor punch while still bringing in plenty of protein. Pack a couple for lunch on a day when you need something fun enough to jolt you out of a midday slump.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos