Beverage Zone
Make-ahead dinners are a lifesaver, aren’t they? I mean, imagine coming home after a crazy long day – you’re tired, maybe a little hangry, and the last thing you wanna do is start chopping veggies. That’s where the magic of make-ahead meals comes in! This collection features our 23 most popular dinners you can make ahead, ranging from those ultra-comforting casseroles to soups bursting with flavor, and, well, pretty much everything in between. Get ready to reclaim your evenings, seriously! Let’s dive in!
Casserole Creations: Make-Ahead Comfort Food
Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole
Who doesn’t love a good chicken and rice casserole? It’s like a warm hug in a dish! This one’s a classic for a reason: it’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-comforting. We’re talking tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce that’s pure perfection. The best part? You can totally assemble it the night before (or even a few days before!) and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. I usually prep mine on Sunday afternoons. Why is it so popular? Well, it’s pure comfort food, easy to customize (add veggies!), and freezes beautifully. What’s not to love?
Cheesy Broccoli and Ham Casserole
Okay, hear me out. Broccoli sometimes gets a bad rap, right? But trust me on this one. When you combine it with salty ham and a generous amount of cheese in a creamy casserole, it’s transformed. This cheesy broccoli and ham casserole is surprisingly delicious. You can prepare it in advance and bake it when you need a quick and easy dinner. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some veggies into the kids (or, ahem, yourself). I’m not a huge broccoli fan, but even I like this casserole. Maybe it’s the cheese… who knows?
Vegetarian Delight: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
Vegetarians, rejoice! This spinach and ricotta lasagna is a total winner. Layers of pasta, creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and flavorful marinara sauce… what could be better? It’s surprisingly easy to assemble, and you can definitely make it ahead of time. Just layer everything in a baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This one is always a crowd-pleaser, even with meat-eaters. Make sure you use good quality ricotta – it makes all the difference!
Soup’s On: Flavorful Make-Ahead Soups and Stews
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Is there anything better than coming home to the smell of beef stew simmering in the slow cooker? I think not! This slow cooker beef stew is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a chilly evening. You can toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning before you leave for work, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a delicious and comforting meal waiting for you. Talk about a win-win! The beauty of this one is how versatile it is – chuck in whatever veggies you have lurking in the fridge. Seriously.
Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Tomato soup is already pretty amazing, but creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons? Now we’re talking! This recipe takes classic tomato soup to a whole new level. The grilled cheese croutons add a fun and unexpected twist. You can make the soup ahead of time and just add the croutons right before serving. It’s the perfect comfort food for a rainy day. Plus, who can resist dipping grilled cheese into tomato soup? I know I can’t!
Lentil Soup with Sausage
Looking for a healthy and hearty soup that’s also easy to make ahead? Look no further than lentil soup with sausage. This soup is packed with protein and fiber, and the sausage adds a ton of flavor. It’s a great way to use up leftover sausage, too. You can make a big batch of this soup on the weekend and enjoy it all week long. It gets even better as it sits, as the flavors meld together. Pro-tip: add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to brighten it up.
Pasta Power: Make-Ahead Pasta Dishes
Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food pasta dish. It’s cheesy, saucy, and totally satisfying. This recipe features a rich meat sauce and plenty of mozzarella cheese. The best part is that you can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. I usually make a double batch and freeze one for later. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Okay, who can resist a creamy chicken alfredo? This chicken alfredo pasta bake takes that classic dish and turns it into a make-ahead masterpiece. It’s loaded with tender chicken, creamy alfredo sauce, and plenty of cheese. You can assemble it in advance and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s the perfect weeknight meal. If you’re feeling fancy, add some broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
Stuffed Shells with Marinara
Stuffed shells are always a crowd-pleaser. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture and topped with marinara sauce. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and you can definitely make them ahead of time. Just stuff the shells, arrange them in a baking dish, cover them with sauce, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This one is a bit more hands-on, but totally worth it!
One-Pan Wonders: Easy Make-Ahead Sheet Pan Dinners
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet pan dinners are all the rage these days, and for good reason! They’re easy, convenient, and require minimal cleanup. These sheet pan chicken fajitas are no exception. Just toss sliced chicken and veggies with fajita seasoning, spread them on a sheet pan, and bake. You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and just throw them on the pan when you’re ready to cook. Serve with tortillas, salsa, and all your favorite fajita toppings. So easy, even I can’t mess it up!
Sheet Pan Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
Looking for a healthy and delicious make-ahead dinner? Try this sheet pan salmon with roasted vegetables. Just toss salmon fillets and your favorite veggies (like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes) with olive oil and seasonings, spread them on a sheet pan, and bake. You can prep the veggies ahead of time and just add the salmon right before cooking. It’s a quick and easy way to get a healthy meal on the table. Plus, minimal dishes! Always a bonus.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers
Sheet pan sausage and peppers is a classic for a reason! It’s simple, flavorful, and always a hit. Just toss sliced sausage and bell peppers with olive oil and seasonings, spread them on a sheet pan, and bake. You can prep the veggies ahead of time and just add the sausage right before cooking. Serve on hoagie rolls for a quick and easy sandwich, or enjoy it as is. I like to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Freezer-Friendly Favorites: Make-Ahead Meals to Stock Your Freezer
Individual Chicken Pot Pies
Individual chicken pot pies are the ultimate comfort food. They’re warm, cozy, and packed with flavor. These individual pot pies are perfect for freezing and enjoying later. Just assemble the pot pies, bake them until golden brown, let them cool completely, and then wrap them tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven. They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. I usually make a big batch on the weekend and freeze them for busy weeknights.
Burrito Bowls
Burrito bowls are a healthy and customizable make-ahead meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Start with a base of rice, add your favorite toppings (like beans, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream), and then top it with your choice of protein (like chicken, beef, or tofu). You can assemble the bowls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. They’re also great for meal prepping. Pro-tip: pack the toppings separately to prevent them from getting soggy.
Chili
Chili is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for making ahead. It’s hearty, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. You can make a big batch of chili on the weekend and enjoy it all week long. It’s also great for freezing. Just let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. I like to top mine with shredded cheese, sour cream, and a dollop of guacamole.
Global Flavors: Make-Ahead International Inspired Dinners
Chicken Tikka Masala
Craving some Indian food? This chicken tikka masala is surprisingly easy to make at home, and you can definitely make it ahead of time. The key is to marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least a few hours (or even overnight). Then, cook the chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Serve with rice and naan bread for a complete meal. It might seem intimidating, but trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a Mexican classic that’s perfect for making ahead. Just fill tortillas with your favorite filling (like chicken, beef, or cheese), roll them up, and then cover them with enchilada sauce and cheese. You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to eat. Serve with rice and beans for a complete meal. Red or green sauce? The eternal question!
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cold winter night. It’s made with a layer of ground meat and vegetables, topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. You can assemble the shepherd’s pie ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s also great for freezing. Just let the shepherd’s pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. I like to add a sprinkle of cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.
Healthy & Light: Make-Ahead Balanced Dinners
Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
Looking for a healthy and light make-ahead dinner? Try this quinoa salad with roasted vegetables. Just roast your favorite vegetables (like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers), then toss them with cooked quinoa, a simple vinaigrette, and some fresh herbs. You can roast the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Then, just toss everything together when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great way to get a healthy and delicious meal on the table. So vibrant and colorful, too!
Lemony Chicken and Orzo
This lemony chicken and orzo is a light and refreshing make-ahead dinner that’s perfect for spring or summer. Just cook orzo pasta, then toss it with grilled or baked chicken, lemon juice, olive oil, and some fresh herbs. You can cook the chicken and orzo ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Then, just toss everything together when you’re ready to eat. It’s a quick and easy way to get a healthy and flavorful meal on the table. The lemon brightens everything up so nicely!
Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Mash
Turkey meatloaf is a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatloaf, and it’s just as delicious! This recipe features a moist and flavorful turkey meatloaf, served with a creamy sweet potato mash. You can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. The sweet potato mash can also be made ahead of time and reheated. It’s a comforting and healthy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. I never thought I’d like sweet potato mash, but it’s surprisingly good!
Breakfast for Dinner (Make-Ahead Style!)
Breakfast Casserole
Who says you can’t have breakfast for dinner? This breakfast casserole is a fun and easy make-ahead meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s made with bread, eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats (like sausage or bacon). You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s also great for feeding a crowd. So easy, so good!
Make-Ahead Pancakes
Pancakes are a weekend brunch staple, but they can also be enjoyed for dinner! This recipe shows you how to make pancakes ahead of time so you can have them ready to go whenever you want. Just cook the pancakes according to your favorite recipe, then let them cool completely. Wrap them tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the toaster or microwave. Serve with your favorite toppings, like syrup, fruit, or whipped cream. Now that’s smart.
Tips for Make-Ahead Success
Okay, so here are a few general tips and tricks to keep in mind when you’re making make-ahead meals. First, make sure to store your meals properly. Use airtight containers to prevent food from drying out or absorbing odors from the refrigerator. Second, don’t overcook your food when you’re making it ahead of time. It will continue to cook when you reheat it, so you want to make sure it doesn’t get overcooked. Third, label everything clearly with the date and contents so you know what you’re grabbing from the fridge or freezer. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes and flavors. The possibilities are endless!
So, there you have it – 23 of our most popular dinners you can make ahead. Hopefully, this has given you some inspiration to get started and reclaim those weeknight evenings. Seriously, give some of these a try. I’d love to hear which ones you end up loving (or, you know, not loving – hey, we all have different tastes!). Happy cooking!
