Busy days call for meals that make life easier, and that’s where make-ahead recipes come in. With a little prep, you can have dinners ready to heat and serve when you need them most. These 35 easy recipes save time in the kitchen without giving up flavor or comfort. Prep them ahead and enjoy simple, satisfying meals whenever hunger hits.
Tomato Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Tomato Soup
This smooth and creamy soup brings out the best in simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It holds up great and reheats without separating or losing its flavor. Keep a pot ready to go and let it save you from cooking again later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Spinach Orzo Salad
This salad keeps its bite with tender orzo and fresh spinach that doesn’t wilt right away. It’s a smart option for prepping ahead because it holds up without losing flavor or texture. Store it in the fridge and scoop some out when your energy runs low.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This pulled pork cooks up juicy and full of smoky flavor that only gets better over time. It’s the kind of meal that works with buns, rice, or on its own, and it saves you from cooking for a few days straight. Make a batch now and enjoy the taste of something slow-cooked without the hassle later.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
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
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Give yourself something fresh and easy with this mix of juicy tomatoes, fluffy quinoa, and crunchy cucumbers that hold up for days. The flavors settle in and get better with time, so every bite feels even more worth it. Keep a container in the fridge and reach for it when cooking, just sounds like too much.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Lemon Garlic Chicken
This chicken soaks up lemon and garlic so well that every bite stays bold, juicy, and full of flavor, even after days in the fridge. The marinade keeps it tender, and a quick reheat is all it takes to taste fresh again. It’s a simple make-ahead meal that works for lunch, dinner, or anything in between. Cook it once and let it make your week easier without ever losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
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
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is a warm and comforting dish that highlights the natural sweetness of butternut squash. The squash is roasted to perfection, bringing out its rich, caramelized flavors, and then blended with savory seasonings to create a velvety, creamy soup. Perfect for a cozy fall or winter meal, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
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
Meatballs and Sauce
These meatballs simmer until they’re soft and full of flavor, and the tomato sauce only gets better as it sits. They reheat without falling apart and work with pasta, bread, or on their own. Make a pot and you’ll have something filling and easy waiting whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Chicken Tortellini Soup
This soup is loaded with cheesy pasta, tender chicken, and a broth that tastes homemade even after sitting for a while. The tortellini keeps its shape and soaks up flavor without going mushy. Make a big batch and reheat it whenever you want something warm without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken and Rice Soup
This soup mixes shredded chicken and soft rice in a broth that feels like something homemade and comforting. It keeps its texture and doesn’t get too thick or bland after a few days. Make a pot and let it save dinner when you don’t have the energy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
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
Perfect Pot Roast
Tender beef, soft carrots, and thick gravy make this dish one to keep on repeat. It keeps its flavor and moisture even days later, and the leftovers taste just as good. It’s easy to prep and even easier to heat up. Let the fridge do the hard work while you enjoy comfort without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Pot Roast
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
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
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
These cheesy roll-ups are easier to prep than a full lasagna, but still taste like you spent all day on them. It stays firm and flavorful even after sitting for a couple of days. Make a tray and reheat what you need when you don’t feel like thinking about dinner.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
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
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 up a few whenever you need something filling and easy.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
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
Hearts of Palm Salad
This crunchy salad uses hearts of palm, tomatoes, and a simple dressing that doesn’t turn soggy, even after a couple of days. It’s great to make ahead when you need a fast lunch or side that still feels fresh. Toss it once and have something ready when you don’t feel like cooking.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
This one-pan dish brings together quinoa, beans, corn, and a touch of spice for a meal that’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor. It holds up beautifully after sitting, keeping its texture and taste without turning soggy. Make it once, stash it in the fridge, and enjoy quick, stress-free dinners that are ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Beer Cheese Soup
This thick soup has creamy cheddar and just enough beer to give it a little extra bite. It keeps its texture and actually tastes better after a night in the fridge. Heat up a bowl and let it take care of you when you need something hearty without the work.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
This is the kind of mac and cheese that’s loaded with extras like bacon and tomatoes, so it feels more like a full meal. It stays creamy even after a few days in the fridge and tastes just as good reheated. Make it ahead and let your future self thank you.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
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
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
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 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
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
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
Tomato Basil Bisque
This creamy tomato soup has fresh basil blended in and tastes like something you’d get from a café, but without the price. It holds up well in the fridge and reheats smoothly, making it perfect for busy nights. Make it once and enjoy a few days of easy lunches or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Shredded BBQ Chicken
This chicken turns tender enough to pull apart with a fork and gets coated in a smoky, tangy sauce that clings to every piece. The flavor soaks in deep, and it stays juicy even after reheating. It’s perfect piled on sandwiches, stuffed into tacos, or eaten straight from the bowl. Make it once and let it handle dinner for days without any stress.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chicken Curry
This chicken curry brings big flavor from spices and stays just as tasty after a day or two in the fridge. It’s an easy make-ahead recipe that keeps things simple when you don’t have time to cook. Warm up a bowl, add some rice, and dinner is handled without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Pastitsio – Greek Lasagna
This cozy Greek baked pasta dish is full of comfort and bold flavor. Pastitsio layers tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese into one hearty bite. The mix of warm, earthy herbs ties it all together, making it a meal that feels special without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio – Greek Lasagna
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Enjoy a creamy, cheesy bacon ranch casserole that’s packed with tender chicken and pasta in every bite. The rich sauce and smoky bacon make it extra comforting and full of flavor. It’s the kind of hearty dinner that turns any weeknight into something special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole