Beat the Monday blues with these 21 make-ahead meals, designed to streamline your weeknights and maximize your enjoyment. Say goodbye to last-minute cooking stress with dishes that are as easy to prepare as they are delightful to eat. Created with the foresight of Sunday prep in mind, these meals are about giving you back your evenings, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time doing what you love.
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Transform a Southern classic into a dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Shrimp and Grits Casserole takes all the beloved elements of the traditional dish and bakes them into something wonderfully easy and delicious. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
There’s something about a dish that combines the simplicity of baked chicken with the richness of gravy. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy does just that, offering a comforting meal that’s easy to prep ahead. It’s a surefire way to make Monday feel a little cozier.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
For a lighter side that doesn’t skimp on flavor, give this dish a try. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill is fresh, zesty, and pairs well with just about anything. It’s a quick and easy way to add some vegetables to your meal in a way that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Imagine a soup that’s both light enough for a spring day and hearty enough to fill you up. Shrimp & Corn Chowder is that soup, with a delicious blend of seafood and veggies. It’s a comforting bowl that’s perfect for easing into the week.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Take a classic favorite and turn it into a casserole that’s both fun and filling. Sloppy Joe Casserole is a hit with both kids and adults, combining the familiar flavors of sloppy joes in an easy-to-serve format. It’s a great way to kick off the week on a tasty note.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Million Dollar Spaghetti
When spaghetti night needs a little upgrade, this dish has you covered. Million Dollar Spaghetti is as decadent as it sounds, layered with cheese, sauce, and all the good stuff. It’s a pasta dish that feels like a celebration, perfect for a Monday treat.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Chicken Paprikash
Dive into the comforting world of Hungarian cuisine without leaving your kitchen. Chicken Paprikash offers a creamy, paprika-infused experience that’s both comforting and delicious. It’s a great way to add some variety to your weekly meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Authentic Hungarian Goulash
There’s nothing like a stew to start the week off right, especially one with as much depth as Authentic Hungarian Goulash. It’s a dish that’s rich in history and flavor, perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty. It’s a stew that stands out from the rest.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Greek Meatballs
Bring a bit of the Mediterranean to your table with a dish that’s both simple and savory. Greek Meatballs are packed with herbs and served up with a side of tzatziki for dipping. It’s a meal that’s sure to transport you, no passport required.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Why choose between bacon and burgers when you can have both in one delicious package? Bacon-Wrapped Burgers are a decadent way to do dinner, combining two favorites into one unforgettable meal. They’re a treat that’s sure to make any Monday better.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Add some spice to your week with a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Carne Molida is a Mexican-style ground beef that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or even as a standalone dish. It’s a flavorful foundation for a multitude of meals.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Pickled Yellow Beans
Brighten up your meal with a side that’s tangy and crisp. Pickled Yellow Beans are an easy way to add some zing to your plate, perfect for pairing with just about anything. It’s a side dish that brings a bit of crunch and a lot of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Turn your Monday night dinner into something special with a skillet dish that’s full of flavor. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a one-pan wonder that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Lighten things up with a salad that’s anything but boring. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is fresh, flavorful, and filled with ingredients that transport you to the seaside. It’s a great make-ahead meal that’s perfect for lunches or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Beef Bourguignon
Embrace the elegance of French cooking with a dish that’s surprisingly straightforward. Beef Bourguignon is a slow-cooked masterpiece, rich with wine and tender meat. It’s a luxurious way to end a Monday, proving that gourmet meals can be enjoyed any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Simplify your dinner routine without sacrificing flavor. Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is an easy way to get dinner on the table, with a bright, herbaceous flavor that feels a bit fancy. It’s a one-pan meal that makes cleanup a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Beefy John Wayne Casserole
Add a bit of the Wild West to your meal plan with a casserole that’s hearty and filling. Beefy John Wayne Casserole is loaded with beef, beans, and a cheesy topping that’s sure to please. It’s a rugged, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole
Turkey à la King
Give leftover turkey new life with a classic dish that’s creamy and comforting. Turkey à la King is a delightful way to enjoy turkey in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug, ideal for a quiet Monday night.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King
Southern Ham Salad
When you’re looking for a light meal or a savory snack, this salad is a great choice. Southern Ham Salad combines sweet and salty flavors for a spread that’s perfect on crackers or bread. It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to make ahead for a week of tasty lunches.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Deconstruct a classic into something a little more weeknight-friendly. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole has all the flavors you love, baked together in a dish that’s easy to love. It’s a comforting, cheesy meal that makes a Monday feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Beef and Barley Soup
Starting the week with a hearty soup can set a comforting tone for the days ahead. Beef and Barley Soup is just the ticket, with its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients. It’s a meal that warms you up from the inside out, perfect for those cooler evenings.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup