Don’t let a hectic schedule control dinner time! These 17 make-ahead dinners bring the calm back to your evenings by keeping prep as easy as possible. With meals designed to sit pretty in the fridge, just heat them up, and dinner is good to go. Say goodbye to the last-minute scramble and hello to relaxing evenings – finally, a meal plan that works as hard as you do!
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Busy nights call for dishes that deliver without much fuss, and Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy fits the bill. It’s a comforting meal you can prep earlier, perfect for busy evenings. It also reheats well, making dinner stress-free after a long day. Whether feeding family or hosting, this dish means less time cooking and more time for everything else.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Authentic Hungarian Goulash
When you’ve got a lot on your plate but still want something home-cooked, Authentic Hungarian Goulash is your best friend. It’s a hearty meal that can be made in advance, and the flavors only improve with time. Perfect for those looking for a no-fuss dinner option, it’s easy to reheat and always hits the spot. This goulash is especially great for those evenings when you crave something warm and comforting without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Baked Spanish Rice
Turn a simple meal into something special with Baked Spanish Rice, a dish that’s both easy to make and convenient to serve. Prepare it when you have time, and come back to a dinner that’s ready to go when your schedule gets tight. This dish is ideal for nights when you want a filling meal but the clock is not on your side. Reheatable and always enjoyable, it’s a great addition to your make-ahead dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Beef and Barley Soup
Chilly evenings call for a bowl of Beef and Barley Soup, especially when you’ve got no time for last-minute cooking. Make it ahead, and you’ll thank yourself when you need a quick, nourishing dinner that’s as easy as reheating. It’s the kind of soup that comforts and fills without demanding much effort in return. Keep this meal in your back pocket for stress-free evenings that deserve a satisfying ending.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Don’t let a jam-packed day get in the way of a solid dinner; Sloppy Joe Casserole is here to save the evening. It’s the perfect solution for when you crave something hearty but don’t have the time to cook from scratch. This casserole can be made ahead and is perfect for serving up a delicious meal without the last-minute rush. Just reheat, serve, and watch it disappear—it’s that good and that simple.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Switch up your dinner routine with Bacon-Wrapped Burgers that offer a punch of flavor and convenience. They’re the perfect match for anyone looking to keep dinner exciting without staying tied to the stove. Prep them ahead, pop ’em in the fridge, and they’re ready to cook when you are. And we all know everything’s better with bacon, so expect these burgers to be a surefire hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
There’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen when you’ve got Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole in your arsenal. It’s a tasty way to wind down after a bustling day without the pressure of cooking from scratch. Assemble it in advance, then just heat and eat whenever you’re ready. Plus, who doesn’t love the classic flavors in a casserole form that simplifies your evening routine?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Set it and forget it with Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs, a hassle-free dinner ideal for those busy days. They’re great for prepping in the morning and coming home to a meal that’s ready to enjoy. These meatballs are one less thing to worry about, ensuring you can relax once dinner time rolls around. Not to mention, they’re always a crowd-pleaser that requires zero last-minute effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Who doesn’t love coming home to Million Dollar Spaghetti waiting to be devoured? This dish is a no-brainer when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a guaranteed hit that can be made in advance, making your dinner routine a breeze. Just reheat and enjoy a rich, relaxed meal at the end of a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Ease into dinner plans with Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich, a simple yet fulfilling meal that’s ready when you are. It’s perfect for those days when you’re back-to-back busy and need a dinner that won’t add to the stress. Prepare the filling in advance, and you’ve got a quick and hearty meal on standby. It’s a straightforward dish that’s bound to be a weeknight winner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Wild Rice Salad
Keep things light and effortless with a Wild Rice Salad that’s ready to go whenever you are. It’s as simple as making it ahead and enjoying a refreshing break come mealtime. This dish is all about bringing together convenience and nutrition, so you don’t have to compromise on health when your schedule is full. Just grab, serve, and dig into a meal that’s both quick and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Greek Meatballs
Keep your evenings easy with Greek Meatballs that are as good freshly made as they are reheated. Prepping ahead means you’ll look forward to dinner, even when your day’s been crammed. They’re a fuss-free option that won’t let you down, especially when served up without any last-minute rush. These beauties are always popular, making them a reliable choice on any busy night.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots
Who needs takeout when you’ve got Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots waiting at home? They’re a cinch to make in advance and all kinds of addictive when it’s time to eat. Perfect for those days when you’re juggling a million things but still want a dish that’s special. And sure enough, when dinner rolls around, these loaded tots make the end of the day feel like a real treat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots
Pumpkin Spice Salmon Bowl
Sometimes the best meals are the ones that require the least effort, like Pumpkin Spice Salmon Bowl. This dish is uncomplicated to prepare ahead of time and presents the perfect balance of hearty and healthy. It’s a great choice for those looking for a dinner option that won’t add to the day’s chaos. Come serving time, it’s not just easy, but a real crowd-favorite, too.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Salmon Bowl
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Wave goodbye to dinner time stress with Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips, your new go-to for a hassle-free evening meal. Perfect for prepping beforehand, this dish lets you reclaim your nights without compromising on a hearty dinner. It’s a smart pick for when you’re tight on time but still want a meal that keeps everyone coming back for more. Just heat it up, and you’re all set for a cozy dinner indoors.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Turkey Tortilla Soup
For those extra-busy days, nothing beats the ease of Turkey Tortilla Soup. It’s quick to put together earlier on and just as quick to serve up when you’re ready. You’ll appreciate this dish’s simplicity, especially when the evening doesn’t leave room for complicated cooking. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that always seems to cater to a variety of tastes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tortilla Soup
Chicken Paprikash
End your day on an uncomplicated note with a plate of Chicken Paprikash. Preparing this meal in advance means eliminating the dinner-rush anxiety. It offers the convenience of a reheatable meal that doesn’t skimp on heartiness or comfort. Enjoy this classic dish any night of the week, without the extra work or worry.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash