Meal planning can be a grueling task, especially when you have a busy schedule. After a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen making dinner from scratch.
Fortunately, there’s an easy solution to this: make-ahead dinner recipes! By preparing meals in advance, you can save yourself time and stress during the week.
In this post, I’ve compiled a list of 36 delicious and simple make-ahead dinner recipes for you to try.
36 Easy Make-Ahead Dinner Recipes
1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This hearty stew can be cooked in a slow cooker and refrigerated or frozen for later. Simply reheat and enjoy on a busy weeknight.
2. Quinoa and Black Bean Casserole
Packed with protein, fiber, and flavorful spices, this casserole is perfect for a quick dinner or packed lunch.
3. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
This meatless version of the classic dish is made with lentils and topped with mashed potatoes.
It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make ahead of time.
4. Baked Salmon and Vegetables
Simply roast your favorite vegetables alongside a salmon fillet and store them in the fridge or freezer. Serve with rice or quinoa for a healthy and satisfying meal.
5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Loaded with veggies and protein, this hearty chili is a great option for meal prep.
6. Chicken Fajita Wraps
Marinate chicken, peppers, and onions in a fajita seasoning and grill before storing in the fridge. Enjoy as a wrap or over rice for a flavorful meal.
7. Meatballs and Marinara
Make a big batch of meatballs and sauce and freeze for later. Serve with spaghetti or on a sandwich for an easy dinner.
8. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Swap traditional rice for cauliflower rice for a healthier twist on a classic dish. Add in your favorite veggies and protein for a filling meal.
9. Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Layer tortillas, shredded chicken, and enchilada sauce for an easy dinner that can be made ahead of time.
10. Greek Salad and Chicken
Grilled chicken and a side of Greek salad make for a refreshing and healthy meal. Store pre-cooked chicken in the fridge or freezer to make dinner prep even faster.
11. Vegetable Frittata
This egg dish is perfect for any meal of the day. Make in advance and reheat when ready to eat.
12. Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Stuff chicken breasts with spinach and artichoke dip for a flavorful and protein-packed meal.
13. Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers with quinoa and veggies for a colorful and nutritious dinner. Store in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.
14. Slow Cooker Carnitas
Cook pork in a slow cooker with Mexican spices for a flavorful and versatile meal. Serve in tacos, over rice, or with veggies.
15. Thai Peanut Chicken Satay
Marinate chicken in a peanut sauce and grill for a flavorful and protein-packed meal. Serve with veggies or rice for a complete dinner.
16. Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
Roast shrimp and asparagus in the oven for a quick and easy meal. Serve over rice or quinoa for a satisfying dinner.
17. Zucchini and Sweet Potato Frittata
Another frittata option, this veggie-packed dish is perfect for a meatless meal.
18. Chicken Alfredo Bake
Layer pasta, chicken, and alfredo sauce in a casserole dish for a filling and delicious meal that can be made ahead of time.
19. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow-cook pork with BBQ sauce and serve in sandwiches or over rice for an easy and flavorful meal.
20. Italian Stuffed Zucchini
Fill zucchini with sausage, tomato sauce, and cheese for a satisfying and comforting meal.
21. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Sauté shrimp and broccoli in a flavorful sauce and serve over rice or noodles for a quick and tasty meal.
22. Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti
Bake turkey meatballs and serve with spaghetti for a classic and easy dinner.
23. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese with a lemon herb dressing for a refreshing and nutritious salad.
24. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Marinate chicken chunks in teriyaki sauce, thread them onto skewers, and grill or bake for a flavorful and protein-rich meal.
25. Caprese Stuffed Chicken
Stuff chicken breasts with mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, and basil leaves, then bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and gooey.
26. Veggie-Packed Pasta Primavera
Sauté an assortment of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, and toss with cooked pasta and a light sauce for a vibrant and satisfying pasta dish.
27. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
Roast a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, and red onion.
Then combine them with cooked quinoa, fresh herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette for a flavorful and nutritious salad.
28. Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Bake sweet potatoes until tender, then fill them with a mixture of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and spices for a delicious and filling meal.
29. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Season a whole chicken with lemon, garlic, and herbs, then roast it in the oven until golden and juicy. Serve with roasted vegetables for a satisfying dinner.
30. Asian Lettuce Wraps
Sauté ground meat with Asian-inspired seasonings and serve in lettuce cups for a light and refreshing meal that’s full of flavor.
31. One-Pot Pasta
Cook pasta with your favorite sauce, vegetables, and protein all in one pot for a convenient and flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup.
32. Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Coat salmon fillets in a homemade teriyaki sauce and bake until perfectly cooked. Serve with steamed vegetables and rice for a nutritious and delicious meal.
33. Ratatouille
Layer slices of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil and herbs, then bake until the vegetables are tender and flavorful.
34. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh herbs with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and protein-packed salad.
35. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Coat chicken drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce and bake until sticky and caramelized. Serve with coleslaw and cornbread for a finger-licking good meal.
36. Caprese Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a light and flavorful pasta salad.
Final Thoughts,
Meal planning can be a daunting task, but with the help of make-ahead dinner recipes, it doesn’t have to be.
By preparing meals in advance, you can simplify your week and save yourself time and stress.
These 36 easy and delicious make-ahead dinner recipes are perfect for any busy schedule.
Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting or light and nutritious, there’s a recipe here for you. So why not give them a try and make mealtime a breeze?
