Finding must-have recipes for busy parents is like striking gold. Juggling work, school activities, and family time is no small feat. When you add meal planning and cooking into the mix, it can sometimes feel like you’re running a marathon every day. That’s why having this go-to collection of 19 simple, make-ahead recipes can turn dinnertime from a hurdle into a much-anticipated pit stop for the whole family.
Of course, it’s not just about getting food on the table. It’s about making the entire dinner process, from prep to cleanup, as stress-free as possible. Quick to assemble, easy to cook, and quick to clean up — that’s the trifecta we’re going for. Not to mention, these meals hold up well in the fridge, which means you can cook when you have time and serve when you don’t. So, relax and look forward to evenings that are less about the rush and more about enjoying good food and good company.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole is a quick win that only takes 30 minutes to put together. You’ve got broccoli, cauliflower, and a creamy cheese sauce, all capped off with crispy bacon. Busy parents can whip this up earlier in the day, toss it in the fridge, and then just heat it up when dinner time rolls around. It’s that simple, and you’ll love having that extra time back in your busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Here’s a half-hour dish that’ll make your evening a whole lot easier. Just combine some chicken thighs, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses, and you’re good to go. The best part? It’s just as flavorful the next day, so it’s perfect for busy parents to make in advance. Pop it in the fridge, and when you’re ready, a no-fuss dinner is just a quick reheat away.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
This dish is a no-fuss solution for any dinner dilemma, featuring oven-baked chicken breasts, cream cheese, and colorful mini sweet peppers. If you’re a busy parent, you can make this ahead and stash it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheating is a snap. The blend of spices and cheese offers a hearty, comforting meal that comes together with minimal effort. In terms of practicality, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Imagine a dinner that almost makes itself; that’s what you get with this slow cooker soup. Just 20 minutes in the morning is all it takes — brown some ground beef, toss in the other ingredients, and you’re set. If leftovers are your thing, the flavors in this soup improve with time. It’s a smart pick for parents who are short on time but still want a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
This one-pot soup is a real time-saver, combining Italian sausage, cream cheese, and canned tomatoes. Whip it up in just 30 minutes, and you’ve got a meal you can either serve immediately or store for later. Busy parents will love the minimal cleanup, thanks to the one-pot design. The creamy, hearty flavors make it a hit with adults and kids alike. Make it ahead to simplify your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Roasted sausage and veggies come to life in this one-sheet pan dinner that’s done in 30 minutes. Busy parents, here’s your new best friend; make it in advance, and you’ve simplified your evening. And who doesn’t love fewer dishes? One pan means you spend less time cleaning up. As for the meal itself, it’s as hearty as it is easy to prepare, making it a solid choice for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Big Mac Salad
If you’re in the mood for a unique spin on dinner, this Big Mac Salad fits the bill. Busy parents can assemble it in advance, making meal prep a breeze. Toss it together when you’re ready to eat, and you’ve got a quick yet filling meal. The ingredients are simple, straightforward, and likely already in your pantry. It’s the epitome of convenience and practicality rolled into a single dish.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Here’s a casserole that manages to be both hearty and quick to make, featuring ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach. Busy parents will find it easy to prep ahead of time and simply reheat for dinner. With a 30-minute total time from prep to table, it’s a win-win. It holds up well in the fridge, ensuring your effort today pays off in convenience tomorrow. All in all, it’s a practical, time-saving option for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Chicken Corn Soup
A pot, less than an hour, and you’ve got this warm and flavorful chicken corn soup. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a home-cooked meal. Plus, it’s another one-pot wonder, making cleanup almost as easy as the cooking. Store it in the fridge and reheat for another meal; it holds up well. It’s an approachable yet satisfying dish that fits into any busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Canned Chicken Patties
With just 20 minutes of prep, these canned chicken patties make dinner or even lunch a breeze. Versatility is the key here: pair them with veggies or enjoy them on their own. Because they keep well, they’re a smart choice for make-ahead meal planning. You can store them in the fridge and they reheat without losing their texture or flavor. For those always on the move, this is a convenient and practical recipe to keep in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
This soup is more than a bowl of comfort; it’s a time-saving miracle. The main steps are simple: steam cauliflower, blend, and thicken. Within 30 minutes, you’ve got a creamy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for busy families. Reheat it when you’re ready, and it’s like it was just made. What’s not to love about a quick, comforting, make-ahead meal?
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Dive into a casserole that’s both spicy and creamy, featuring shredded chicken and jalapeños. It’s an ideal prep-ahead dish that only improves in flavor over time. The straightforward steps mean you can assemble it, store it, and then bake it when you’re ready. If your evenings are hectic, this dish is a sanity saver. Enjoy the convenience of a make-ahead meal that brings both flavor and simplicity to your table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a comforting bowl of pumpkin soup that’s ideal for the colder months. The steps are user-friendly: just simmer, blend, and you’re good to go. What’s more, the flavor only gets better when reheated, making it a perfect candidate for a make-ahead meal. Enjoy the extra time this gives you on busy evenings. With simple prep and a short cooking time, this soup offers a practical yet comforting dining option.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
Zucchini Bites
If you’re searching for a quick, family-friendly snack or meal, these Zucchini Bites are right up your alley. They require only 30 minutes from start to finish and feature a simple list of ingredients. Because they’re easy to make in advance, you can pop them in the oven for reheating whenever you’re ready. Cleanup is minimal, leaving you more time to relax or attend to other tasks. All things considered, they’re a convenient, quick solution for any busy family.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites
Keto Zuppa Toscana
Here’s a soup that brings restaurant-quality flavors right into your home kitchen. With just an hour from start to finish, it’s accessible even on a weeknight. Prep it the day before or in the morning, and come dinner time, all you need to do is reheat and serve. The soup retains its hearty, rich character, making it a dependable make-ahead option. Busy parents can look forward to a meal that’s both simple to prepare and enjoyable to eat.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Why not bring the beloved Philly Cheese Steak into your dinner rotation but as a convenient casserole? It takes less than an hour to put together and uses readily available ingredients like bell peppers and sirloin steak. Prepare it earlier in the day, and all you need to do later is pop it in the oven. It holds up great for reheating and doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s a reliable addition to any weeknight menu that’s short on time but big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Meatza
Yes, a
Get the Recipe: Meatza
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Turn your regular
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Spice up your typical chicken salad with this unique take that’s quick and easy to make. It’s a great option for advance meal prep, and it holds up well in the fridge. Whether you need a quick lunch or dinner, it’s ready to serve when you are. Plus, the straightforward recipe makes it a practical choice for those balancing work and family life. If you’re in the mood for a hassle-free meal with a kick, look no further.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad