When life gets busy, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where make-ahead meals come in handy. With these 17 easy meal ideas, you can plan, prep, and enjoy your food without stress. These recipes save you time and effort, so you can focus on what really matters.
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy meatballs, smothered in savory tomato sauce, make a perfect make-ahead meal. Preparing everything in advance allows the Instant Pot to do the work for you, saving you time. It’s a classic comfort dish that’s ready whenever you need it, making weeknight dinners easier.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Chicken and Rice Soup
This chicken and rice soup is comforting and simple to make, especially when using leftover rotisserie chicken. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a flavorful broth come together for a hearty meal. It’s an ideal make-ahead recipe that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed later for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Instant Pot lentil soup is a hearty and healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Packed with lentils, vegetables, and spices, it’s a nutritious dinner that’s easy to make ahead. Prepare it on the weekend, and it will be ready to heat up for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Crockpot Chili
This crockpot chili is packed with tender meat, beans, and a rich blend of spices, making it the ultimate comfort food. Simply prep the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work, leaving you with a flavorful meal. It’s a great make-ahead dish that will be ready to serve whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Made with leftover rotisserie chicken, this chicken tortellini soup is a simple yet satisfying meal. It combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and flavorful broth in a way that’s comforting and filling. This is an easy recipe to prep ahead, giving you a quick and delicious meal when you’re ready.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
These lasagna roll-ups are a time-saving twist on a classic dish. Instead of the usual lengthy prep and baking time, these roll-ups give you all the cheesy, flavorful lasagna you crave in a fraction of the time. They’re perfect for making ahead and reheating on busy nights when you need a comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Chicken Curry
This creamy chicken curry is surprisingly dairy-free but still rich and satisfying. Made with tender chicken and a flavorful coconut milk base, it’s packed with bold spices that make it an irresistible meal. It’s easy to prepare ahead, saving you time during the week without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Harvest Quinoa Salad
This harvest quinoa salad is a perfect make-ahead dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. With quinoa, roasted squash, feta, and cranberries, it brings a variety of textures and flavors to the table. It’s a great option for prepping in advance and enjoying throughout the week as a meal or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Cream Of Celery Soup
This cream of celery soup is simple yet comforting, offering a smooth and flavorful bowl of goodness. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s a cozy dish that’s perfect for prepping ahead. Once made, it stores well and can be reheated whenever you’re in the mood for something warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cream Of Celery Soup
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Spinach and Parmesan quinoa is a healthy and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare in advance. Packed with protein and vibrant flavors, it’s an excellent option for a quick dinner or as a filling side. Preparing it ahead of time means a satisfying meal is ready to enjoy whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
This grown-up mac and cheese adds bacon and tomatoes to the classic comfort food, giving it a delicious twist. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, making it a great meal for any night. This recipe can be made ahead and stored, so you can have a hearty meal ready to go with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Spinach Orzo Salad
Spinach and orzo come together to create a flavorful and refreshing salad that’s easy to make ahead. With fresh spinach, hot orzo, and savory ingredients, it’s a perfect side dish for any meal. Prepping it in advance saves time, leaving you with a light, healthy dish whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is a simple yet hearty dish that’s perfect for any night. With tender chicken, beans, and corn, it’s a filling meal that’s easy to make ahead. Prep it in advance, and it’s ready to heat up for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This slow cooker pulled pork is incredibly tender and packed with flavor. It’s an effortless meal to prep, allowing the slow cooker to do all the hard work. Once it’s done, you have a delicious pulled pork dish that can be used in various meals throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
This creamy chickpea tomato soup is a comforting meal that’s both easy to make and satisfying. Blending chickpeas with tomatoes creates a hearty base that’s rich and flavorful. Prepare it ahead of time, and you’ll have a quick and delicious soup ready whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Veggie Pasta Salad
Veggie pasta salad is a light and fresh dish that can be prepped ahead of time for an easy side or meal. With a mix of fresh vegetables, pasta, and tangy feta, it’s full of flavor and texture. Make it ahead and store it for a quick and tasty dish ready whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Tomato Basil Bisque
This tomato basil bisque is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. It combines the tanginess of tomatoes with the aromatic taste of basil for a rich and satisfying soup. Make it ahead, and it stores well, so you can enjoy it later on busy nights when you need a quick and warming meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque