Clear Some Freezer Space and Try These Easy Make-Ahead Meals
Even if you love to cook, you may not love to prepare dinner from start to finish at the end of a long day (hello, Mondays). Enter: make-ahead meals designed to take the stress out of weeknight cooking and free up some precious hours in your after-work routine. These easy dinners are either fully prepared ahead of time or feature elements that can be made in advance and quickly put together before eating. We also included party-ready picks if you're looking for a potluck meal to make before the big get-together. These make-ahead dinners are meant to please a variety of tastes, whether you're enjoying a meal solo or with a slew of picky eaters. They will streamline the cooking process so you can spend less time at the stove and more time lingering at the dinner table, lounging on the couch... the possibilities are (now) endless.
Stash a family-friendly dinner such as a casserole, baked pasta, stew or soup in the freezer or stock your fridge with pre-cooked proteins, chopped veggies and homemade dips, dressings or sauces so you can make healthy (easy!) choices all week. Everyone loves comfort food like homemade meatballs, lasagna and saucy enchiladas — and all of those dinners are 100% meal-prep friendly.
The joy of make-ahead meals isn't limited to dinner: Check out our easy make-ahead breakfasts so you never have to skip fueling up first thing.
Balsamic-Glazed Mini Meatloaves
A splash of balsamic vinegar in the ketchup glaze adds extra zing to these mini loaves, which can be formed up to three days in advance.
Get the Balsamic-Glazed Mini Meatloaves recipe.
Vegetarian Antipasto Salad
Make-ahead meals don't have to be all meat and cheese. Marinate everything in this salad except the greens and toss it all together when you're ready to eat.
Get the Vegetarian Antipasto Salad recipe.
RELATED: 37 Delicious Healthy Salads That Are Fresh and Filling
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken pot pie on a weeknight? It's possible with this pot pie-inspired soup recipe that you can store in your freezer for even faster prep.
Get the Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe.
Air Fryer Falafel Salad
Looking for a vegetarian protein to store in your freezer? Homemade falafel balls are perfect and full of fresh, flavorful spices.
Get the Air Fryer Falafel Salad recipe.
RELATED: 78 Easy Air Fryer Recipes for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
Smoky Split Pea Soup
Cook the soup in the same pot as the bacon to infuse the whole thing with smoky flavor, then top it off with the crispy pieces.
Get the Smoky Split Pea Soup recipe.
Mason Jar Instant Noodle Soup
Put the "instant" in noodle soup with this make-ahead version: Pile all of the ingredients into a jar, store in the fridge, then add hot water before slurping.
Get the Mason Jar Instant Noodle Soup recipe.
Picnic Sandwich Pinwheels
Make party-size sandwiches for your next gathering: Store unsliced wraps in your refrigerator and slice into pinwheels the next day.
Get the Picnic Sandwich Pinwheels recipe.
RELATED: 35 Best Finger Food Ideas to Get the Party Started
Roasted Eggplant Veggie Burgers
Roasted eggplant creates a flavorful, "meaty" base for these veggie burgers that you can keep in your freezer.
Get the Roasted Eggplant Veggie Burgers recipe.
Lasagna with Meat Sauce
Throw together this bronze-lidded beauty on a weekend and reheat portions throughout the week. Or, you can refrigerate the unbaked lasagna overnight, then bake and serve the next day.
Get the Lasagna with Meat Sauce recipe.
Soba Noodle Salad with Shrimp and Ginger Vinaigrette
We’d eat anything tossed in this sweet and tangy ginger-laced vinaigrette, so this shrimp and veg-filled noodle salad is a shoe-in. For best results, we like to dress it right before serving.
Get the Soba Noodle Salad with Shrimp and Ginger Vinaigrette recipe.
Chickpea Salad with Smashed Cucumbers
This flavorful salad is made with crunchy cucumbers, fresh cherry tomatoes and a bright lemon dressing. It won't get soggy in the fridge, so you could definitely meal prep this one.
Get the Chickpea Salad with Smashed Cucumbers recipe.
Quiche Lorraine
If you're planning a big brunch, great news: You can totally prep this quiche ahead of time! Quiche can be stored in the fridge for a few days, or frozen for a few months.
Get the Quiche Lorraine recipe.
RELATED: 30 Best Egg Recipes That Are Healthy and Simple to Make for Any Meal
Spaghetti and Air Fryer Meatballs
These juicy meatballs fry up in as little as 10 minutes and keep beautifully in the fridge or freezer. We’d highly recommend making a double batch.
Get the Spaghetti and Air Fryer Meatballs recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken Pozole Verde
Slow cookers are great for making big-batch meals ahead of time. Case in point: this flavorful stew made with chicken thighs, tomatillos and poblano peppers.
Get the Slow Cooker Chicken Pozole Verde recipe.
RELATED: 80 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes the Whole Family Will Love
Vegan Lasagna
With a mix of mushrooms and a thick, luxurious cashew cream, this vegan lasagna gives cheese-based versions a run for their money.
Get the Vegan Lasagna recipe.
Air Fryer Squash Soup
This cozy, comforting soup comes together quickly, thanks to the air fryer. After your soup has cooled, you can portion it out and keep it in the freezer for up to three months, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the Air Fryer Squash Soup recipe.
RELATED: 32 Easy Butternut Squash Recipes Perfect for Cozy Fall Dinners
Mexican Beef Meatballs with Chipotle Sauce
We've got no beef with lentils in our meatballs, especially when they're this good. Make an extra batch of the sauce to freeze, so it's ready to go at any time.
Get the Mexican Beef Meatballs With Chipotle Sauce recipe.
Quick White Bean and Sausage Stew
Sausage and beans are a classic pairing. This kielbasa-and-cannellini soup takes just 30 minutes to whip up, and stores well in the fridge or freezer.
Get the Quick White Bean and Sausage Stew recipe.
RELATED: 27 Best Dutch Oven Recipes: Cozy Dinners and Decadent Desserts
Katie Lee's Summer Pesto Pasta
This bright, veg-loaded pasta tastes as good cold out of the fridge as it does at room temperature, so it’s especially leftover-friendly.
Get the Katie Lee's Summer Pesto Pasta recipe.
Air Fryer Meatball Sub
Make an extra batch of meatballs and freeze for future enjoyment!
Get the Air Fryer Meatball Sub recipe.
Supergreen Mushroom & Orzo Soup
Packed with plenty of good-for-you veggies, this pick turns good ol' chicken noodle soup into an even more balanced meal. Plus, the recipe yields six servings, so you're basically set for the week.
Get the Supergreen Mushroom & Orzo Soup recipe.
Chickpea Pasta Salad in a Jar
Unlike regular salads that get soggy by lunch, this jarred salad separates the greens from the dressing, so it's sure to stay fresh. Just shake up this Pinterest-worthy mason jar meal and you're good to go!
Get the Chickpea Pasta Salad in a Jar recipe.
Chicken Quinoa Bowls
With protein, greens and whole grains, this earthy bowl really is a well-balanced meal. Just heat it up, and you've got a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Get the Chicken Quinoa Bowls recipe.
RELATED: 60 Best Chicken Breast Recipes for a Winning Dinner Every Night
Chicken Curry
This savory favorite heats up so well. Save on delivery by making it yourself!
Get the Chicken Curry recipe.
RELATED: 21 Easy Curry Recipes That Deliver Big Comfort
Sausage and Broccoli Quinoa Bowl
Calling all meal preppers! Sausage, broccoli and quinoa can each be cooked up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge. Mix up the yogurt sauce and use it to top the bowl just before serving.
Get the Sausage and Broccoli Quinoa Bowl recipe.
RELATED: 32 Quinoa Recipes That'll Help You Eat Healthier All Day Long
Cheesy Tex-Mex Stuffed Chicken
Save this make ahead meal for a night when company's coming. You can stuff the chicken breasts up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and cook them just before guests arrive, leaving you ample time to focus on your Spotify playlist instead.
Get the Cheesy Tex-Mex Stuffed Chicken recipe.
Pea Pesto Pappardelle
Pasta is the ultimate comfort food make-ahead meal. Pesto can be made up to one day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container, so all you have to do for dinner is boil some water and pop open a bottle of wine.
Get the Pea Pesto Pappardelle recipe.
Pork Ragu Rigatoni
This ragu can be frozen for up to three months, making it an excellent make-ahead sauce. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, then toss with hot pasta just before serving.
Get the Pork Ragu Rigatoni recipe.
Make-Ahead Sausage and Egg Casserole
If you have trouble waking up in time to make a filling, balanced breakfast (or breakfast-for-dinner!), try making this casserole the night before.
Get the Make-Ahead Sausage and Egg Casserole recipe.
RELATED: 50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food
Butternut Mole Enchiladas
The tortillas can be filled, wrapped and frozen for up to two months without the sauce. Or you can keep the whole casserole assembled in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Get the Butternut Mole Enchiladas recipe.
Five-Spice Beef Stew
Here's a reason to lug out your Dutch oven: Many soups and stews can be frozen for up to three months, then thawed in the fridge overnight before reheating. If it seems thick, add a little broth or water and you're good to go.
Get the Five-Spice Beef Stew recipe.
Spring Herb Frittata
Make this pretty, spring-y frittata the night before and top with crème fraîche when you're ready to eat. Serve cold, or heat it up for a few minutes in the oven (without the crème fraîche).
Get the Spring Herb Frittata recipe.
Citrusy Shredded Pork
For the ultimate make-ahead meal that's ready when you get home from work, look to your crock pot! This tender, slow-cooked shredded pork makes for a perfect taco filling, but it works equally well in burrito bowls or sandwiches.
Get the Citrusy Shredded Pork recipe.
Mushroom and Spinach Bread Pudding
This savory bread pudding (also called a strata) can be assembled a day in advance, stored in the fridge, then baked off in the morning.
Get the Mushroom and Spinach Bread Pudding recipe.
Sesame Steak Noodle Bowl
Streamline dinner prep even more with this fresh, herbaceous steak salad. Just assemble and refrigerate it the day before, leaving out the herbs, seeds and scallions until just before serving.
Get the Sesame Steak Noodle Bowl recipe.
White Bean and Broccolini Salad
Marinating beans and broccolini in a punchy dressing makes this veggie-packed dish extra delicious. We'd love it as a side to steak or fish — or even as a main.
Get the White Bean and Broccolini Salad recipe.
Vegetable Ramen with Mushrooms and Bok Choy
Who needs takeout when you have all the ingredients for this veggie-packed ramen on hand? With noodles and broth stored separately, it can keep in the fridge up to three days: Just stir in herbs and add your egg before serving.
Get the Vegetable Ramen with Mushrooms and Bok Choy recipe.
Summer Minestrone
This produce-packed soup lasts for up to five days in the fridge, so it's an excellent make-ahead meal (and a great way to use up all your extra CSA veg).
Get the Summer Minestrone recipe.
Red-Wine-Braised Short Ribs
Braising beef means cooking it low and slow (like, 3 to 4 hours). So unless you plan to start dinner prep at, oh, 2 pm, simply cook your short ribs ahead of time and reheat them along with your veggies and reserved sauce.
Get the Red-Wine-Braised Short Ribs recipe.
You Might Also Like
