Busy nights don’t have to mean rushing in the kitchen or ordering takeout again. These make-ahead recipes help you get ahead, so dinner is ready when life gets busy. You can cook once and eat well all week with easy dishes that keep their flavor and freshness. Dinner’s done, and you can finally relax knowing a good meal is already waiting.
Cream of Celery Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Shredded chicken, beans, and corn simmer in a broth that’s rich, spicy, and full of flavor. It’s one of those delicious make-ahead recipes that actually gets better as it sits. Keep it ready in the fridge and heat a bowl when you need dinner done fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Crockpot Chili
This chili cooks low and slow, turning simple ingredients into a thick, hearty meal that only improves with time. It’s a perfect example of an easy-to-make, make-ahead recipe that stays bold and satisfying all week. Make a big batch and scoop some out whenever you want a filling meal without starting over.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Tender chicken, noodles, and warm broth come together in this simple make-ahead soup that always hits the spot. It keeps its comfort and flavor after reheating, making it a reliable choice for busy days. Cook it once and enjoy a ready meal that feels like home anytime.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Smooth and thick, this chickpea tomato soup has just the right balance of comfort and richness. It’s a great make-ahead recipe because it stays creamy and fresh even after a few days. Keep a pot in the fridge and warm a bowl when you want something quick but hearty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Potato Corn Chowder
Soft potatoes, sweet corn, and crispy bacon blend together for a creamy soup that fills you up and keeps well. It’s one of those make-ahead meals that holds its texture and flavor without fuss. Make it once and enjoy a warm bowl anytime you need something easy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
This lentil soup is simple, hearty, and packed with flavor that deepens after a day or two. It’s the kind of make-ahead recipe that stays thick and rich, no matter when you eat it. Make a batch and keep it ready for quick meals that save time and stress.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Cream of Celery Soup
Smooth and mild, this soup keeps its creamy texture even after chilling or reheating. It’s one of those easy make-ahead recipes that stays fresh and simple without any extra effort. Heat up a bowl anytime you want a meal that’s light but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Celery Soup
Veggie Pasta Salad
Crunchy vegetables, tender pasta, and a tangy dressing come together in a dish that stays crisp and fresh. It’s an easy make-ahead recipe that tastes great straight from the fridge and never turns soggy. Make a batch and grab a bowl whenever you need something quick and ready.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
French Onion Soup
Slow-cooked onions turn into a deep, rich soup that keeps getting better with time. It’s one of the most flavorful make-ahead recipes that feels fancy but takes little effort. Keep it ready and heat a bowl when you want something warm without cooking from scratch.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Tender chicken, vegetables, and flaky biscuits soak up all the flavor in this hearty stew. It reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal that tastes homemade even days later. Make a pot, store it, and enjoy it again whenever hunger hits.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Made with rotisserie chicken and sauce, these enchiladas are simple but taste like you spent all day cooking. It stays flavorful and firm after reheating, making it a dependable make-ahead dinner. Bake a tray and warm it up whenever you need something filling and easy.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Quinoa, roasted squash, and dried cranberries mix into a meal that’s fresh and full of texture. It’s a make-ahead recipe that doesn’t need heating and stays good for days. Keep it chilled and grab a bowl whenever you want a quick, no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Tender pork and bold spices make this chili rich, thick, and satisfying from the first spoonful to the last. It’s a simple make-ahead recipe that saves time and still tastes fresh when reheated. Make a big pot and heat it up whenever you want dinner done with no hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Fluffy quinoa, warm spinach, and salty cheese blend into a dish that’s filling and fresh at the same time. It holds up well in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead recipe for busy days. Make it once and let it handle lunch or dinner when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Chicken Taco Wraps
These wraps are loaded with seasoned chicken and fresh toppings that stay crisp and tasty even after chilling. It’s an easy-to-make, make-ahead meal that works for lunch or dinner. Roll a few up and grab one when you need something quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps