When you’re short on time, cooking ahead can make life much easier. These 21 make-ahead meals let you do the work now and enjoy a delicious meal later. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time doing what you like, all with meals that are simple and tasty.
Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken and Rice Soup
This chicken and rice soup comes together with ease, making it an ideal dish to prep ahead for busy days. Using leftover rotisserie chicken, you can build a comforting meal with minimal effort. Make it today, and enjoy a satisfying meal in minutes whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Potato Corn Chowder
Creamy, smoky, and filling, this potato corn chowder is perfect for preparing ahead of time. The addition of bacon deepens the flavor, making it a great option for a hearty dinner. Prep it in advance, and you’ll have a comforting bowl waiting whenever hunger strikes.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Meatballs and Sauce
These juicy meatballs, bathed in savory tomato sauce, are ideal for prepping in advance and letting the Instant Pot work its magic. A classic comfort meal that can be reheated with ease when needed. Get ahead of your week, and have this savory dish ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
This hearty chickpea tomato soup is rich in flavor and perfect for make-ahead preparation. The combination of chickpeas and tomatoes creates a satisfying base that’s both creamy and filling. Prepare it ahead, and you’ll always have a comforting bowl of soup when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Skip the time-consuming lasagna prep with these lasagna roll-ups that can be made ahead of time. With all the cheesy goodness in a fraction of the time, it’s perfect for reheating. Prepare them in advance, and enjoy a stress-free, comforting meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
This spinach and Parmesan quinoa is packed with protein and vibrant flavors, making it the perfect healthy meal to have on hand. It’s a filling side dish or a main course that’s easy to prep. Get it ready, and you’ll always have a nutritious, delicious meal waiting in your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Combining tender chicken with hearty vegetables and fluffy biscuits, this dish is perfect for a make-ahead, satisfying meal. It’s a filling, comfort food option that’s easy to store and reheat. Make it in advance, and have a crowd-pleasing dinner ready to go anytime.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Chicken Taco Wraps
These chicken taco wraps come together in no time and are perfect for busy evenings when you need something light yet satisfying. Using leftover rotisserie chicken, they’re both quick and flavorful. Make them ahead, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready to grab and enjoy on the go.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
French Onion Soup
This French onion soup is a savory, comforting dish that’s easy to prep in advance. With caramelized onions and a rich broth, it’s a meal that can be made ahead and stored for later. Make it now, and you’ll always have a delicious bowl of warmth ready when you need it.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Shredded BBQ Chicken
This shredded BBQ chicken is tender and flavorful, making it perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s a meal that comes together quickly and stores well for future use. Prep it in advance, and you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-eat option at your fingertips.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chicken Curry
This creamy chicken curry is rich with the flavors of coconut milk and bold spices, creating a comforting dish that can be prepped in advance. Once it’s ready, it’s easy to store and reheat. Prepare it now, and you’ll always have a hearty, flavorful meal when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Tender, flavorful, and effortless, this slow cooker pulled pork is perfect for meal prep. It requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Get it ready, and you’ll have a versatile, delicious dish ready for any meal throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Cream of Celery Soup
This creamy, comforting cream of celery soup is an easy dish to prep ahead of time. With just a few ingredients, it stores well and reheats beautifully. Make it today, and you’ll always have a cozy, satisfying meal ready when hunger hits.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Celery Soup
Crockpot Chili
This crockpot chili lets you enjoy a rich and flavorful meal with minimal effort. Tender meat, beans, and spices simmer together for a comforting dish that’s easy to make ahead. Prep it this morning, and you’ll have a hearty meal waiting to warm you up in the evening.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
These cheesy chicken enchiladas made with rotisserie chicken are a perfect time-saving dish that’s still full of flavor. In just a few simple steps, you can create a comforting meal that everyone will love. Get them ready today, and you’ll always have a satisfying dinner waiting in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This one-pan Mexican skillet quinoa is loaded with protein and flavor, from the quinoa to the beans, salsa, and corn. It’s a quick and easy dish that can be made in advance. Prep it now, and you’ll have a filling, flavorful meal ready whenever you’re hungry.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Beer Cheese Soup
This rich and creamy beer cheese soup is easy to prepare in the Instant Pot, making it the perfect dish for make-ahead comfort. With a blend of cheeses and bold beer, it’s a satisfying meal. Make it today, and you’ll always have a warm, cheesy bowl ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Lemon Garlic Chicken
This lemon garlic chicken is bursting with zesty flavor and tenderness, thanks to the Instant Pot. It’s easy to prepare in advance and perfect for busy evenings. Get it ready, and you’ll have a flavorful meal ready for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
This lentil soup, made in the Instant Pot, is a hearty and healthy meal that’s full of flavor. Packed with lentils, vegetables, and spices, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Prep it today, and you’ll have a nutritious dinner waiting to be reheated whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Veggie Pasta Salad
This veggie pasta salad is a refreshing, healthy dish that’s perfect as a meal or a side. Packed with pasta, fresh veggies, and feta, it’s easy to prepare and store in advance. Make it now, and you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful meal ready to go when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Perfect Pot Roast
This pot roast is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, thanks to slow cooking with savory vegetables and broth. It’s a meal that stores well and can be easily reheated. Prepare it ahead, and you’ll always have a hearty, satisfying meal ready when you’re hungry.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Pot Roast