Cooking every night? That’s a hard pass, friend. These 17 make-ahead meals are like finding a $20 bill in an old coat pocket—except way better, because they’re warm, delicious, and fulfill more than just your wallet. Just when you think dinner’s going to be a sad bowl of cereal, these prepped dishes show up like a superhero, ready to save the day, tights optional.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash
There’s nothing like a meal that feels like a warm hug, and Authentic Hungarian Goulash does just that, even if you made it last week. The flavors are so deep and rich that you might convince yourself it’s been simmering all day—no one needs to know it’s a make-ahead. Whether it’s the tender chunks of meat or that comforting broth, this dish will have you coming back for seconds and maybe thirds. To be honest, leftovers have never tasted this good.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy
When you reheat Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy, it’s like you’ve magically turned back time to when it first came out of the oven. The gravy stays rich and velvety, clinging to that juicy chicken like they were made for each other—and they were. On those hectic days when you need a home-cooked meal without the hassle, this dish is your superhero in disguise. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to be rescued by chicken and gravy?
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy
Butter Scones
If you’re not a morning person, Butter Scones are about to become your new best friend. They stay soft and fluffy, even days after baking, so you can enjoy a “fresh out of the oven” experience without the 5 a.m. wake-up call. Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack, these scones are proof that sometimes, you can have your cake and eat it too—just don’t tell anyone you didn’t bake them this morning. It’s a little secret.
Get the Recipe: Butter Scones
Roast Pork With Apples
Even after sitting in your fridge, Roast Pork With Apples manages to keep its tender, juicy goodness, fooling everyone into thinking it’s fresh from the oven. The pork and apples make such a great pair, you’d think they were the cooking version of a romantic comedy—but with a much happier ending. Whether it’s a casual dinner or something a bit more special, this dish delivers every time. And be real, who doesn’t love a meal that does all the work while you just sit back and reheat?
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork With Apples
Beef And Barley Soup
Beef And Barley Soup is like the gift that keeps on giving—each day, it somehow tastes even better than the last. The barley soaks up all that rich broth, and the beef stays tender, making every spoonful just as rewarding as if you’d just made it. Ideal for those chilly days when you need something warm and filling, this soup is like a cozy blanket in a bowl. Plus, it’s so easy to reheat, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else.
Get the Recipe: Beef And Barley Soup
Cauliflower With Lemon And Dill
The lemon and dill flavors really work their magic, transforming plain cauliflower into something you’ll actually be excited to eat. It’s a light, refreshing side that’s ready whenever you are—no need to worry about last-minute prep. Who knew cauliflower could be this interesting? Cauliflower With Lemon And Dill is one of those sneaky dishes that actually gets better the longer it sits.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower With Lemon And Dill
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti might sound fancy, but it’s really just your friendly neighborhood casserole with a little extra pizzazz. The layers of ingredients meld together so perfectly, you’ll forget it’s been sitting in the fridge. This is the kind of dish that’s perfect for when you need to impress a crowd or just want to treat yourself to something a bit special. And hey, if you want to eat it straight from the dish, who’s going to stop you?
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Shrimp And Grits Casserole
Even after a few days, the creamy grits and seasoned shrimp still taste like they were just made. Shrimp And Grits Casserole is your answer to having Southern comfort food at the ready, no matter how busy life gets. It’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or any time you need a little taste of the South without all the prep. And really, who wouldn’t want to enjoy grits on demand?
Get the Recipe: Shrimp And Grits Casserole
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Ideal for those nights when you want something hearty without the hassle, this dish is like a little slice of Italy you can enjoy on your couch. Just don’t expect any leftovers. Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers brings the flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant right into your kitchen—and the best part is, no one will know you didn’t just make it. The sausage and peppers retain their robust flavors, making each reheated bite as fulfilling as the first.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers
Baked Spanish Rice
It’s so convenient, you’ll be glad you made extra, because reheating just makes it even more delicious. And honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that practically cooks itself while you do absolutely nothing? Baked Spanish Rice is the kind of dish that only gets better with time, like a fine wine but without the cork. The flavors meld together beautifully, making it the perfect side dish or main course for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
It’s the ultimate in convenience—just pop it in the oven, and you’re good to go. And face it, anything that cuts down on dirty dishes is a win in your book. Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken gives you all the fulfillment of a home-cooked meal with none of the stress. The lemon and rosemary keep the chicken flavorful and juicy, even after it’s been chilling in your fridge for a couple of days.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Sloppy Joe Casserole takes all the mess and hassle out of traditional sloppy joes, leaving you with all the flavor and none of the cleanup. It’s still just as hearty and delicious after a few days in the fridge, making it the perfect quick dinner. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, especially when you’re too tired to deal with the chaos of making sloppy joes the old-fashioned way. And seriously, who has time to clean up all that mess?
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Southern Ham Salad
Keep a batch in the fridge, and you’ll always be ready to throw together a meal without breaking a sweat. Southern Ham Salad is the kind of dish that fits in anywhere—whether it’s lunch, a light dinner, or just a quick snack, it’s got you covered. The flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite a little better than the last. It’s the perfect make-ahead option when you need something quick, rewarding, and low on effort.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
The layers of ingredients stay just as delicious, even after a couple of days in the fridge. It’s a crowd-pleaser that saves you time and effort without sacrificing any of the good stuff. Perfect for those nights when you want to feel fancy but also kind of lazy. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes all the elegance of the classic dish and puts it into a convenient, make-ahead form.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is a versatile dish that somehow manages to get even better with a little time. The flavors deepen and meld together, making it the perfect make-ahead meal for tacos, burritos, or just enjoying on its own. No one will believe you didn’t just whip this up, but no one will tell. It’s a time-saver that packs a punch without making you break a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Shrimp & Corn Chowder
This chowder is perfect for those days when you need something comforting without the extra effort. And really, who wouldn’t want a little bowl of happiness waiting in the fridge? Shrimp & Corn Chowder is like a warm hug in a bowl, and the best part is, it’s just as good on day three as it was on day one. The shrimp stays tender, and the corn adds a sweet note that balances the rich, creamy broth.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together—even if you don’t. The flaky croissants hold up beautifully, soaking in all the flavors while keeping their buttery texture. It’s the perfect way to have a delicious, indulgent breakfast without any morning prep. Just heat and eat, and pretend you’re enjoying a leisurely morning in a French café—minus the jet lag.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole
