If you’re a busy parent, these 23 make-ahead kid-friendly recipes could be your mealtime magic wand. You’ll whip up delicious, nutritious meals in advance and keep the kids happy and healthy. It’s the ultimate win-win, turning chaotic days into smooth, stress-free meal times everyone can look forward to!
![Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pizza-Rolls-1024x576.jpg)
Scalloped Potatoes
![Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Scalloped-Potatoes-1.jpg)
Think about yourself digging into creamy, cheesy Scalloped Potatoes without the hassle of last-minute prep. With these make-ahead potatoes, busy parents can enjoy a comforting side dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Best Lemon Pasta
![A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MSN-Lemon-Pasta.jpg)
Say goodbye to mealtime stress with our Best Lemon Pasta recipe that’s perfect for busy parents. With its refreshing flavor and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta
Wild Rice Casserole
![A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MSN-Wild-Rice-Casserole.jpg)
Bring a taste of comfort to your dinner table with this hearty Wild Rice Casserole, ideal for busy weeknights. With this make-ahead casserole, parents can relax knowing that a wholesome meal is just a reheat away.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Easy Vegetable Stew
![A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSN-Vegetable-Stew.jpg)
Warm up with a bowl of our Easy Vegetable Stew, perfect for chilly evenings and busy days alike. With its hearty mix of veggies and savory broth, this make-ahead stew is a lifesaver for busy parents.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stew
Tortilla Pizza
![Four tortilla pizzas on a wooden cutting board.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Tortilla-Pizza-1.jpg)
Say hello to quick and delicious Tortilla
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
![A casserole dish containing egg casserole.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Egg-Casserole.jpg)
Start your day off right with our Egg Casserole, perfect for busy mornings when time is of the essence. With its protein-packed ingredients and make-ahead convenience, this casserole is a game-changer for busy parents looking to fuel their families with a nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
![Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Air-Fryer-Glazed-Carrots-2.jpg)
Level up your side dish game with our Air Fryer Glazed Carrots, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. With the magic of the air fryer, busy parents can enjoy delicious and nutritious veggies without the hassle of traditional cooking methods.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Pizza Rolls
![Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Homemade-Pizza-Rolls-3.jpg)
Say goodbye to store-bought snacks and hello to homemade goodness with these irresistible
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Corn Casserole
![Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Corn-Casserole.jpg)
Add a comforting side dish to your meal lineup with this classic Corn Casserole, perfect for busy weeknights and holiday feasts. Picture yourself enjoying the golden, buttery goodness of this make-ahead casserole, packed with sweet corn and savory seasonings.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
![A lasagna being dished up.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lasagna.jpg)
Indulge in layers of cheesy goodness with our Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna, a must-have for busy parents seeking comfort food simplicity. With its make-ahead convenience, this lasagna is a game-changer for family dinners and meal prep alike.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna
25 Minute Black Bean Burger
![A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Black-Bean-Burger-2.jpg)
Whip up a quick and wholesome dinner with our25 25-minute black Bean Burgers, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts. With their short cooking time and make-ahead potential, these burgers are a hit with both parents and kids alike.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger
Veggie Pizza
![Someone taking a slice of veggie pizza.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Veggie-Pizza.jpg)
Enjoy the flavors of your favorite pizzeria at home with our Veggie
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza
Southern Mash
![Mashed potatoes on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Southern-Mash.jpg)
Experience the meal prep magic for busy parents with our Southern Mash, a creamy and hearty side dish perfect for any meal. These make-ahead kid-friendly recipes are bursting with flavor and ready to go when you need them most.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts
![](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSN-Chocolate-Donuts.jpg)
Treat your little ones to the indulgent delight of our Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts. These sweet treats are perfect for meal prep, offering make-ahead kid-friendly recipes that are ready whenever hunger strikes.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts
Waffles
![Freshly made waffles on a plate with strawberries.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Waffles.jpg)
Start your day off right with a stack of fluffy Waffles, a beloved breakfast classic that’s always a hit with kids. These make-ahead kid-friendly recipes are perfect for busy mornings, offering a hassle-free breakfast option that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Waffles
French Toast Casserole
![A person taking a portion of French toast casserole.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/French-Toast-Casserole-3.jpg)
Simplify your morning routine with our French Toast Casserole, a warm and wholesome dish that’s perfect for make-ahead meal prep. These kid-friendly recipes are a breeze to prepare ahead of time, offering a stress-free breakfast option for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
![A Copycat Chipotle burrito bowl, filled with rice, fajita veggies, corn salsa, tortilla chips. and topped with a lime wedge.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Copycat-Chipotle-Burrito-Bowl-3.jpg)
Enjoy the flavors of your favorite fast-food chain with our Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl, a nutritious and customizable meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. These make-ahead kid-friendly recipes offer meal prep magic for busy parents, providing a healthier alternative to takeout that’s ready to go whenever hunger strikes.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Fried Banana
![A close up of a plate of fried bananas with sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Fried-Banana-MSN.jpg)
Indulge your sweet tooth with our Fried Banana, a simple yet irresistible treat that’s perfect for make-ahead meal prep. These kid-friendly recipes are quick and easy to prepare, offering a delicious dessert option for busy parents and hungry kids alike.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana
Hash Browns
![Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hash-Browns-3.jpg)
Crispy, golden Hash Browns are a breakfast staple that never fails to please. These make-ahead kid-friendly recipes offer meal prep magic for busy parents, providing a convenient and delicious side dish that’s ready to go whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns
Breakfast Potatoes
![Breakfast potatoes with parsley on a wooden cutting board.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Breakfast-Potatoes-3.jpg)
Start your day with a hearty and wholesome serving of our Breakfast Potatoes, a versatile dish that’s perfect for make-ahead meal prep. These kid-friendly recipes are easy to customize and prepare ahead of time, offering a delicious and filling option for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Potatoes
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
![Cinnamon rolls in a pan with icing.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cinnamon-Rolls-1.jpg)
Treat your family to the irresistible aroma of our Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, a decadent breakfast or dessert option that’s perfect for make-ahead meal prep. These kid-friendly recipes are easy to prepare ahead of time, offering a delicious treat for special occasions or lazy weekends!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free)
![](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSN-Chickpea-Burger.jpg)
Indulge into plant-based deliciousness with our Vegan Chickpea Burgers, a flavorful and nutritious option for make-ahead meal prep. These kid-friendly recipes offer a convenient and wholesome meal option for busy weeknight dinners. With these burgers, you can enjoy homemade goodness without the hassle of last-minute cooking.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free)
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole
![A plate with a slice of Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole and a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Egg-Potato-Breakfast-Casserole-2.jpg)
Simplify your morning routine with our Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole, a hearty and wholesome dish that’s perfect for make-ahead meal prep. These kid-friendly recipes are easy to customize and prepare ahead of time, offering a delicious breakfast option for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole