Weeknights can be hectic, and finding time to cook dinner can feel like a challenge. With these 25 make-ahead meal ideas, you can plan your meals in advance and have dinner ready without the stress. These recipes will help you save time and make weeknights easier, so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the rush.
Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
These lasagna roll-ups make dinner prep feel effortless while delivering all the comforting flavors you love. They’re perfect for making ahead and reheating beautifully, so you can have a warm, cheesy meal in no time. Keep a batch ready for those moments when you need something satisfying without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Meatballs and Sauce
Tender meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce are the ultimate comfort food you can make ahead with ease. They store perfectly and reheat like a dream, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Prepare them early, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Tomato Basil Bisque
Creamy tomato basil bisque is a cozy, flavorful soup that’s great for prepping in advance. The tangy tomatoes and fresh basil create a rich base that only gets better with time. Keep it stored and ready, so you can enjoy a warm, comforting meal without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken and rice soup is a hearty, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for meal prep. Using rotisserie chicken keeps it simple while still packing in great flavor and plenty of comfort. Prepare it ahead of time, and have a bowl of warmth and satisfaction ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon garlic chicken is a flavorful, zesty dish that’s perfect for planning meals ahead. The Instant Pot locks in all the juices and aromas, making it reheat perfectly for any busy night. Keep it ready, and enjoy a quick, delicious dinner with no extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken Curry
This creamy chicken curry is a make-ahead favorite that gets better as the flavors deepen over time. With bold spices and tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s perfect for reheating whenever you need a satisfying meal. Prep it early, and enjoy a warm, flavorful dinner without any stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Potato Corn Chowder
Potato corn chowder is a creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for making ahead and reheating later. Smoky bacon and tender potatoes create a comforting dish that tastes even better the next day. Have it ready in the fridge, and you’ll always have a warm, satisfying meal at hand.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Shredded BBQ chicken is a versatile meal prep staple that’s full of smoky, tender flavor. It works beautifully in sandwiches, salads, or even baked potatoes, making it a great make-ahead option. Prepare it in advance, and you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-use dish all week long.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
These cheesy chicken enchiladas are an easy way to plan ahead for a crowd-pleasing meal. Rotisserie chicken keeps things simple without sacrificing any of the bold, comforting flavors. Prep them early, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to go whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
This rich and creamy mac and cheese, made with bacon and tomatoes, takes comfort food to the next level. It’s a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time, storing and reheating beautifully for busy nights. Make it early, and you’ll always have a hearty, satisfying meal waiting for you.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Crockpot Chili
Crockpot chili is a simple way to prep a hearty, flavorful meal that’s ready when you need it. Packed with tender meat, beans, and spices, it only gets better as the flavors meld together. Make it in advance, and enjoy a bowl of warmth and satisfaction any time.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a savory, comforting classic that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Caramelized onions and a rich broth come together beautifully, making it perfect for storing and reheating later. Have it ready, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Chickpea tomato soup is a hearty, creamy dish that’s perfect for prepping in advance. Chickpeas and tomatoes create a rich, satisfying flavor that holds up beautifully for days. Keep it stored, and enjoy a quick, filling meal whenever your day calls for it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Tomato quinoa salad is a fresh, light dish that’s easy to prepare ahead for busy weeks. With quinoa, tomatoes, and cucumbers, it’s a satisfying option that stores perfectly. Make it now, and you’ll always have a healthy, refreshing meal ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken tortellini soup is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for making ahead. Cheesy tortellini and tender chicken come together in a flavorful broth that reheats beautifully. Prep it early, and have an easy, satisfying meal waiting whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cream of Celery Soup
Creamy celery soup is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s great for meal prep. Its smooth texture and savory taste make it a perfect option to store and reheat later. Keep it ready, and you’ll always have a cozy, satisfying bowl waiting for you.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Celery Soup
Hearts of Palm Salad
Hearts of palm salad is a crisp, refreshing dish that’s easy to prepare in advance. The tangy dressing and fresh vegetables keep it light yet full of flavor, even after storing. Have it ready, and enjoy a healthy, vibrant meal whenever you like.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Harvest quinoa salad is a hearty, flavorful dish that makes meal prep easy. Roasted squash, cranberries, and feta cheese create a perfect balance of sweet and savory that stores beautifully. Prepare it early, and enjoy a wholesome, convenient meal any time.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Mexican skillet quinoa is a bold, satisfying dish that’s great for prepping ahead of time. Packed with quinoa, beans, and salsa, it’s a versatile option that works for both lunch and dinner. Make it now, and have a flavorful, filling meal ready when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is a hearty, flavorful option that’s easy to make in advance. With tender chicken, beans, and corn, it stores well and reheats quickly for busy nights. Keep it on hand for a comforting, delicious meal without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a rich, velvety dish that’s perfect for prepping ahead. Ripe tomatoes and simple ingredients create a classic flavor that only gets better with time. Store it in the fridge, and have a quick, warm meal ready whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Chicken stew with biscuits is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for planning meals ahead. Tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy biscuits come together for the ultimate comfort meal. Prep it early, and enjoy a warm, filling dinner with no last-minute stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow cooker pulled pork is a flavorful dish that’s perfect for making ahead of time. Tender and versatile, it works well in tacos, sandwiches, or bowls and stores beautifully for days. Cook it early, and enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal anytime.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Spinach Orzo Salad
Spinach orzo salad is a fresh, savory dish that holds up beautifully when prepped ahead. The combination of leafy greens, pasta, and flavorful ingredients makes it a great option for easy meals. Keep it ready, and enjoy a light, satisfying dish any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Chicken Taco Wraps
Chicken taco wraps are a flavorful, easy option for prepping meals ahead of time. Rotisserie chicken and bold spices make them a tasty and convenient choice for busy days. Have them ready, and enjoy a quick, delicious wrap whenever hunger strikes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps