Need meals that are ready when you are? These 21 make-ahead ideas are all about convenience without skimping on flavor. Perfect for those days when your motivation vanishes faster than you can say “Monday,” these recipes ensure you have delicious options waiting in the fridge. Just heat them and enjoy—no stress, all taste.
Molly Bars
If you’re looking for an easy dessert that can be prepared ahead, consider Molly Bars. These chocolate and graham cracker treats are simple to prepare and incredibly rewarding. This dessert is well-loved for its layered textures and deep, chocolatey flavor, often punctuated by surprises like nuts or chocolate chips that melt into the bar, creating an irresistible snack. Offers a satisfying bite that appeals to both chocolate aficionados and casual dessert lovers alike.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars
Chicken Paprikash
A comforting dish that’s perfect for meal prepping is Chicken Paprikash. This Hungarian recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken, paprika, and sour cream to create a warming meal. It reheats well, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready in no time. Slow-cooked chicken simmered in a vibrant paprika sauce makes this dish a hearty choice for any day. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free meal that will be gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Authentic Hungarian Goulash is a robust and hearty dish that is ideal for making in advance. This stew is packed with beef and vegetables, simmered in a rich paprika sauce. It’s an ideal recipe for those looking to prepare something special that can easily be reheated. This goulash will transport your dining room to the heart of Hungary and leave everyone craving more. It’s even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy are perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. The chicken comes out juicy every time, and the creamy onion gravy is irresistible. Prepare it on Sunday for a hassle-free meal during the week. The creamy onion gravy envelops the chicken thighs in a way that is sure to make this dish a household favorite. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Baked Spanish Rice
Bring a touch of Spain into your kitchen with Baked Spanish Rice. This dish is infused with flavors of tomato, bell peppers, and a hint of smoky paprika. It’s a versatile side that complements any main course. Whether served as a side or a main dish, it’s a recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Leftovers make for an easy and quick lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Transform the Southern classic into a convenient one-dish meal with Shrimp and Grits Casserole. This recipe combines creamy grits, shrimp, and cheese, baked to perfection. Baked until golden and bubbling, it melds the flavors of the sea with homey, rich goodness, making it a favorite for family gatherings or a luxurious weekend brunch. Serve this when you have guests over for a meal that will have them asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Turkey à la King
Revamp your leftover turkey with Turkey à la King. This creamy, comforting dish is a fantastic way to utilize leftover turkey, peas, and carrots. It’s excellent served over biscuits or rice. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in and is a smart way to use up leftovers. Your family will enjoy the comforting flavors, making any day feel like a holiday.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King
Beefy John Wayne Casserole
Beefy John Wayne Casserole is packed with flavors that make it a hearty meal option. Combining beef, cheese, and a biscuit crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s excellent for potlucks. You can prepare it ahead and heat it when needed. This casserole is not only filling but also packed with flavors that meld perfectly when made ahead. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, ready to dig in.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole
Roast Pork with Apples
For a dish that truly harnesses the essence of fall, try Roast Pork with Apples. The sweetness of the apples complements the flavorful pork perfectly. This dish not only fills the kitchen with incredible aromas but also makes for an impressive dinner. Perfect for a Sunday dinner or a special occasion, it’s a recipe that elicits compliments from guests. Preparing it ahead allows the flavors to deepen, making it all the more irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken offers a refreshing twist on your regular dinner routine. This dish combines the simplicity of sheet pan cooking with the aromatic flavors of lemon and rosemary. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or when you need a dish that virtually takes care of itself in the oven. With minimal cleanup required, it’s a popular choice for those who value both taste and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Enjoy the versatility of Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef in your meals. This spicy ground beef is perfect for tacos, burritos, or as an exciting topping for rice. It can be made ahead and used throughout the week for quick meals. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved with everyday spices. Preparing it ahead allows the spices to meld, creating a wonderfully flavorful base for a variety of meals.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Prepare Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies for your next gathering or just to have on hand for snacking. These cookies are light, with a bright burst of lemon and a subtle crunch from the poppy seeds. They bake up beautifully and can easily be stored for later enjoyment, making them ideal for a quick snack or a light dessert. Whether for a gathering or a personal treat, they’re sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Pizza Pasta Salad
Combine the joy of pizza with the ease of pasta in Pizza Pasta Salad. This dish is a crowd-pleaser at picnics and potlucks, easily customizable with your favorite pizza toppings. Dressed in a tangy tomato or Italian vinaigrette, it serves as a perfect side or main course for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings. It’s a simple, robust option that gets more flavorful the longer it sits.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Experience the classic diner flavor at home with Diner Style Salisbury Steak. This recipe brings juicy, flavorful steaks smothered in mushroom gravy to your table. It’s a comforting meal that works well in advance. It’s straightforward to prepare and reheat well, making it perfect for any meal where you crave something hearty. This nostalgic dish will have everyone at the table feeling satisfied and content.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Salmon Pasta Salad
Salmon Pasta Salad is a great choice for a nutritious, make-ahead meal. Packed with omega-3s from the salmon and dressed with a light, creamy sauce, this salad is refreshing and satisfying. Making it ahead allows the flavors to blend beautifully, enhancing the taste. This salad is a wonderful way to enjoy something nutritious that feels indulgent at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers
Enjoy a delicious twist on traditional burgers with Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. These burgers are juicy and rich, incorporating the delicious flavors of French onion soup. It offers a delectable twist on classic flavors, blending the flavorful taste of French onion soup with juicy, grilled pork patties. They’re a definite upgrade from your regular burgers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers
Wild Rice Salad
Wild Rice Salad is loaded with nutrients and flavors, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals. It combines wild rice with cranberries, nuts, and a vibrant dressing. This salad is easy to prepare ahead and keeps well, perfect for lunches or side dishes throughout the week. Prepared ahead of time, it’s even better as the flavors have time to marry, creating a dish that’s both refreshing and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Experience a fun and easy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week with Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. These meatballs combine rice and ground beef, slow-cooked to perfection. The rice grains poke out, mimicking porcupine quills, as they absorb the sauce and become tender. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in, offering a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal prep work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Korean Galbi Ribs
Korean Galbi Ribs are a fantastic way to bring the flavors of Korean cuisine into your home. Marinated in a sweet and delicious sauce, these ribs grill up perfectly. They can be prepared ahead and cooked when needed. They’re a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue or family dinner. Preparing them in advance allows the ribs to soak up the marinade, enhancing their taste and ensuring a memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs
Ground Beef Fried Rice
For a quick and flavorful option for meal prep, try Ground Beef Fried Rice. It makes use of simple ingredients, turning them into a filling meal. It’s a versatile meal that can be enjoyed any time of day and is widely popular for its convenience and the delicious harmony of flavors reminiscent of comfort food with an international twist. A budget-friendly recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
Bring a touch of restaurant quality to your kitchen with Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. This recipe mirrors the popular dish with its rich cheese and bacon topping. Perfect for planning, it reheats well and can make any dinner feel special. It’s a versatile dish that’s as fitting for a weeknight meal as it is for a special occasion. Making it ahead simplifies meal planning and brings a touch of gourmet to your table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
