Meal prep doesn’t have to be stressful—these make-ahead ideas are here to simplify your week and give you back your time. With recipes that practically take care of themselves, you can enjoy wholesome, homemade meals without the hassle. Say goodbye to last-minute chaos and hello to a more relaxed, organized approach to your day.
Mashed Potatoes
These make-ahead mashed potatoes are the definition of meal prep perfection, turning holiday chaos into a relaxing experience. Soft, creamy, and loaded with cheesy, buttery goodness, they can be prepped days in advance. Bake them fresh when needed and savor every fluffy bite, knowing you’ve made your meal routine more relaxing and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
This beef and broccoli recipe makes weeknight dinners both simple and satisfying. Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. It’s a meal prep champion that makes relaxing evenings a reality while delivering flavors so good, you’ll want it weekly.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Transform busy nights into comforting evenings with this slow cooker pot roast. Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy, it’s the ultimate make-ahead recipe. Toss it in your slow cooker, forget about it, and let the aroma fill your home as you relax. This dish redefines simple and cozy for your meal prep routine.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Say goodbye to morning stress with this overnight breakfast casserole. Loaded with fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and melty cheese, it’s a dish that practically preps itself. Assemble it the night before, bake it fresh the next day, and enjoy a relaxing start to your day. Perfect for meal prep, it’s a recipe that brings comfort and ease to your table.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken
This slow cooker cheesy ranch chicken lets you embrace the joy of relaxing meal prep. Juicy chicken, creamy ranch sauce, and melty cheese combine to create a meal that’s both comforting and unforgettable. Prep it in minutes, let the slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy more time for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Warm up with this make-ahead beef stew, the ultimate comfort food for busy weeks. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth come together in your slow cooker while you focus on relaxing. It’s the kind of meal prep that lets you enjoy the tradition of cozy dinners without the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Slow Cooker Applesauce
This slow cooker applesauce makes embracing a relaxing approach to meal prep so easy. Let the slow cooker caramelize your favorite apples with cinnamon and sugar, creating a sauce that tastes like fall in every bite. Whether you serve it warm or cold, this make-ahead recipe is sweet simplicity at its best.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Applesauce
Pepper Gravy
Pepper gravy just got a meal-prep makeover with this simple, make-ahead recipe. Creamy, rich, and full of bold peppery flavor, it’s the ultimate companion to so many dishes. Whip it up ahead of time, reheat when needed, and enjoy a relaxing cooking routine.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Gravy
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Relax your way into dinner with this easy salsa chicken recipe. Just toss chicken breasts and salsa into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you unwind. The result? Tender, tangy, and versatile chicken that’s perfect for meal prep and even better for creating cheers around the table.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
This slow cooker beef stroganoff makes meal prep feel indulgent and effortless. Tender beef, creamy sauce, and savory mushrooms come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and easy to make ahead. With this recipe, you can relax while your slow cooker handles dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
Relaxing meal prep reaches new heights with this slow cooker beef shank. Simmered to perfection with aromatic herbs, the beef becomes fall-apart tender while you kick back and unwind. Pair it with cauliflower mash for a make-ahead meal that feels gourmet without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken paprikash is the make-ahead recipe you need for a cozy and relaxing dinner tradition. Tender chicken in a creamy paprika sauce brings bold Hungarian flavors to your table with minimal prep. Let it simmer to perfection and enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as it is easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
This crockpot shepherd’s pie is the meal prep solution for relaxing, cozy nights. Ground beef, tender veggies, and creamy cauliflower mash come together in a dish that’s as healthy as it is comforting. Make it ahead, portion it out, and reheat with ease whenever you’re ready.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash