Meal prep magic for busy parents: 23 make-ahead kid-friendly recipes

Photo of author

| Published:

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.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Easy Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Say hello to quick and delicious Tortilla Pizza, a lifesaver for busy parents craving a homemade meal in a pinch. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these make-ahead pizzas are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Say goodbye to store-bought snacks and hello to homemade goodness with these irresistible Pizza Rolls. With their make-ahead convenience, busy parents can stock up on these crowd-pleasing snacks for quick and easy munching anytime hunger strikes.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Veggie Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Enjoy the flavors of your favorite pizzeria at home with our Veggie Pizza, perfect for busy weeknights or family pizza nights. With its make-ahead potential, busy parents can enjoy homemade pizza without the wait or hassle of delivery.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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.
Waffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Fried Banana. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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)

Vegan Chickpea Burger Recipe (Gluten-Free). Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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.
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.