Dinner doesn’t have to be a daily rush when you have meals ready to go. These easy make-ahead recipes let you cook once and enjoy good food without the stress. From hearty pastas to simple soups, the dishes stay fresh and full of flavor. With these 29 easy make-ahead meals, dinner becomes one less thing to worry about.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Stew with Biscuits
Tender chicken, vegetables, and soft biscuits come together in a rich stew that feels like homemade comfort. It keeps its flavor and texture for days, making it one of those delicious make-ahead meals that always hits the spot. Keep it ready in the fridge and warm up a bowl whenever you need something hearty and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stew with Biscuits
French Onion Soup
Slowly cooked onions turn sweet and rich, giving this soup a flavor that only deepens after a day or two. It’s a make-ahead recipe that tastes like it took hours but comes together with simple steps. Pour a bowl and let it make dinner feel easy and special at the same time.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Tender pork, beans, and spices simmer until everything blends into a thick, satisfying chili. It’s one of those make-ahead recipes that keeps its bold flavor no matter when you eat it. Store some in the fridge and heat a bowl when you want a meal that takes care of itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted squash turns sweet and smooth in this creamy soup that tastes rich without being heavy. It stays fresh for days and keeps that silky texture that feels comforting and homemade. Keep a pot ready and enjoy a bowl anytime you want something simple that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Quinoa, beans, corn, and spices come together in one pan for a flavorful dish that reheats perfectly. It’s a healthy, easy-to-make recipe that doesn’t lose its texture or taste. Make a batch and keep it handy for quick dinners that save time and stress.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Juicy, tender pork cooks low and slow until it’s full of smoky flavor that lasts for days. It’s one of those easy make-ahead meals that works with rice, sandwiches, or tacos. Keep some ready and enjoy a no-fuss dinner that feels like comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Tomato Basil Bisque
This creamy tomato soup with fresh basil tastes rich and smooth, just like something from a café. It stores and reheats beautifully, keeping that comforting flavor every time. Pour yourself a bowl and let it make your dinner plans easy and warm.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Chickpeas and tomatoes blend into a smooth, hearty soup that stays rich even after a few days. It’s a perfect make-ahead recipe that brings comfort without any extra work. Keep it on hand and reheat a bowl when you want something simple but filling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Cream of Celery Soup
Smooth and mild, this creamy soup keeps its texture and flavor even after chilling or reheating. It’s one of those easy make-ahead recipes that turns a few ingredients into something soothing. Warm it up and enjoy a quiet meal that feels good and simple.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Celery Soup
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Juicy tomatoes, fluffy quinoa, and crisp cucumbers mix into a salad that stays fresh and bright. The flavors blend together over time, making it a great make-ahead meal that’s light but satisfying. Keep it chilled and grab a serving when you want something easy and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Roasted squash, quinoa, and cranberries make a meal that’s full of color and texture. It keeps well for days without losing freshness, which makes it an ideal make-ahead recipe. Scoop out a bowl whenever you want something quick and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Chicken Taco Wraps
These wraps stay full of flavor with seasoned chicken and toppings that don’t get soggy. It’s one of the easiest make-ahead meals you can grab for lunch or dinner. Roll a few and reach for one when you need something quick that still feels like a real meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Chicken Curry
This curry mixes tender chicken with cozy spices for a dish that tastes even better the next day. It’s a smart make-ahead meal that saves time and still brings big flavor to the table. Warm up a bowl and let it deliver comfort without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Warm quinoa, tender spinach, and salty cheese mix into a dish that feels fresh but filling. It stores well and keeps its taste, making it a smart make-ahead recipe for busy days. Scoop some out and enjoy an easy meal that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
This lentil soup is hearty, thick, and full of flavor that deepens as it sits. It’s one of those make-ahead meals that feels cozy and satisfying without any extra work. Keep it ready for nights when you want something good without starting from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Shredded chicken, beans, and corn simmer in a spicy, rich broth that keeps its flavor over time. It’s a great make-ahead recipe that’s full of warmth and easy to reheat. Pour a bowl and let it handle dinner when you want something quick and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Tender chicken, noodles, and rich broth come together in this comforting, make-ahead classic. It reheats beautifully and keeps that just-made taste for days. Warm a bowl whenever you want something that feels homemade without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Beer Cheese Soup
Creamy cheddar and a touch of beer make this soup thick, rich, and loaded with flavor in every spoonful. It chills well in the fridge and somehow tastes even better the next day, with the cheese and seasonings blending together perfectly. Warm up a bowl after a long day and let it bring comfort that feels homemade without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheesy pasta, tender chicken, and savory broth mix into a soup that stays hearty after sitting. It’s one of the best make-ahead recipes for something that feels homemade every time. Keep some in the fridge and warm it up when you want a satisfying meal fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
These cheesy roll-ups taste like classic lasagna but take less work to make. They stay firm and flavorful even after reheating, making them a top pick for easy make-ahead dinners. Bake a tray and enjoy warm, gooey comfort any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Veggie Pasta Salad
Tender pasta, crisp veggies, and tangy dressing come together in a salad that stays bright and fresh. It’s a great make-ahead recipe that tastes good straight from the fridge. Keep it ready and enjoy a quick meal that feels fresh without the cooking.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Juicy chicken soaks up bright lemon and savory garlic, making a simple dish full of bold flavor that lasts for days. The flavors develop over time, turning it into an easy make-ahead meal that keeps dinner stress-free without extra work. Reheat a portion whenever hunger strikes and enjoy a dish that feels fresh, satisfying, and ready whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Potato Corn Chowder
Sweet corn, soft potatoes, and crispy bacon make this chowder creamy and hearty. It holds up perfectly after a few days and stays rich without losing its texture. Warm up a bowl and let it take care of dinner when you need something easy.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Chicken and Rice Soup
This soup blends shredded chicken and soft rice in a broth that feels like homemade comfort. It keeps its taste and texture for days, which makes it a perfect make-ahead meal. Pour a bowl when you need something simple that still feels like care in a cup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Rotisserie chicken and sauce make these enchiladas easy but full of flavor that lasts. They stay firm and rich after reheating, making them a dependable make-ahead dinner. Bake a tray and warm up a few whenever you want something hearty and fast.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Meatballs and Sauce
These tender meatballs soak up rich tomato sauce that only gets better with time. It’s one of those make-ahead meals that feels like comfort food no matter how you serve it. Keep a pot ready and enjoy them with pasta, bread, or on their own.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Crockpot Chili
This chili cooks slowly until every spoonful is packed with bold, thick flavor. It stays hearty and satisfying for days, making it one of the best make-ahead recipes around. Keep it on hand and heat some up whenever you need a filling meal without starting over.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Juicy chicken soaks in a smoky, tangy sauce that clings to every bite and stays flavorful for days. The rich, savory taste makes it perfect for stuffing into sandwiches, wrapping in tacos, or serving over a warm bowl of rice. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to make ahead, simple to reheat, and always ready when hunger hits. Keep some in the fridge and let dinner come together fast, no matter how busy the day gets.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Loaded with bacon, tomatoes, and gooey cheese, this mac and cheese turns a classic side into a hearty, satisfying meal. It holds its creamy texture and bold flavor even after reheating, making it a reliable make-ahead option for busy nights. The combination of flavors stays rich and comforting, so you can enjoy a warm bowl without any extra work. Keep it ready in the fridge and grab a serving whenever you want something easy, filling, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese