40 Make-Ahead Meals To Make Weeknights Easier (And More Delicious)

These family-friendly casseroles, baked pastas, slow-cooker soups and stews, and marinated meats are the weeknight dinner recipes you've been searching for.

Medically reviewed by Carolyn O'Neil, MS, RDN

Just because your weeknights are busy doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a home-cooked meal with your family. These make-ahead meals will help you keep your fridge and freezer stocked with delicious meals that can be on the table in a flash. Spending a few hours in the kitchen meal prepping on a Sunday afternoon will translate into stress-free weeknight dinners with no shortage of flavor.

These family-friendly casseroles, baked pastas, and soups are the weeknight superheroes you've been searching for. Nobody will object to a Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole showing up on the table, and there's no problem that our Quick Beef Chili can't fix. These easy make-ahead dinners will be there for you through thick and thin and transform your weeknight from stressful to relaxing.

Greek Baked Ziti

The hearty Greek tomato sauce in this ziti is warmed with spices like oregano and cinnamon. A white sauce adds another layer of creamy richness to this belly-filling meal. Prepare it on the weekend and pop it in the freezer, then let it stand for 30 minutes before baking.

Quick Beef Chili

In addition to making dinner a breeze, prepping chili ahead also allows ample time for the flavors to meld. Our Quick Beef Chili uses cubed steak, loads of spices, and five whole cans of chilis for maximum flavor. For a fun twist, try fried onion rings as a topping.

Chicken-And-Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken, wild rice, and toasted almonds combine in a crowd-pleasing casserole for any night of the week, but this dish is also dressy enough for company. The chopped almonds and Cheddar cheese are only added during the last five minutes of baking, so be sure not to add them before freezing this casserole.

Easy Taco Soup

Simply warm and serve with your favorite taco toppings for a winning meal that only requires a few minutes to reheat. A bottle of beer will enhance the flavors of this simple soup, but you can substitute chicken broth instead. Keep it light with a small bowl and a few chips or add a quesadilla for a more filling meal.

Extra Easy Lasagna

We're a proponent of this recipe because it's so speedy to prepare, but you can also assemble your lasagna the day before. Thanks to no-boil noodles, you'll only need to cook the beefy tomato sauce. All you have to do is pop it in the oven when you get home after a busy day.

Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

The kids will love this spaghetti casserole topped with turkey pepperoni. An unbaked casserole can be frozen for up to one month before serving. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Basil Tomato Soup

This zesty tomato soup is packed with basil and blended until smooth. When you're ready for dinner, warm it gently on the stove. Just add a grilled cheese and some fried okra (frozen will save you time) for a complete meal that no one will complain about.

Baked Smokin' Macaroni And Cheese

Add smoked ham to homemade mac and cheese for a hearty dinner. The creamy mixture of pasta, Gouda, and sharp Cheddar cheese topped with crushed buttery cornflakes and will have everyone clamoring for a second helping. The ability to assemble it ahead of time makes it even more enticing.

Shepherd's Pie With Potato Crust

Preparing the filling in advance will allow you to serve this impressive dish in record time. You can do this up to two days in advance and add the freshly sliced potatoes when you're ready to bake the pie. The recipe calls for giving the sliced potatoes a quick zap in the microwave before baking to ensure a tender and lightly browned crust.

New Tuna Casserole

Loads of fresh vegetables, a creamy broth, and chopped herbs make this old standby shiny and new again. This casserole can be frozen for up to a month. If making ahead, we recommend not adding the potato chip mixture until right before you put it in the oven.

Chicken-And-Brisket Brunswick Stew

This hearty and comforting stew comes together in just one pot. However, an old-school recipe like this benefits from simmering for a couple of hours, which is why we recommend making it ahead. Add in a pre-cooked brisket from your favorite barbecue joint and take your stew to the next level.

Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche

Who can say no to creamy grits cooked in bacon drippings and topped with a rich custard? Quiche can take a long time to bake, but we've got just the solution. If you're craving breakfast for dinner, this dish can be baked up to two days in advance.

Easy Chili

This slow-cooker chili can be started in the morning and forgotten until it's time to eat. Plus, the basic ingredient list is incredibly low maintenance. We always keep a few quarts of this chili stocked in our freezers.

Lasagna Roll Ups

Roll-ups are a more fun (and more cheesy) way to serve lasagna. Equally as fitting for an elegant dinner for two as they are for supper with the kids. Prep them ahead of time, freeze, and pull out when you're ready to bake.

Quick And Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Just what you've been dreaming of: all the flavor of grandma's homemade recipe, but with the help of a high-quality jarred sauce to get you started. If you have this Bolognese on hand, you'll just have to boil your choice of noodles when you're ready for a quick spaghetti dinner.

White Chicken Chili

Meal prepping is even easier when your slow cooker does most of the work for you. You'll want to soak the beans the night before and then get your slow cooker started in the morning. We suggest whipping up your favorite corn bread to go with it.

Our Best Jambalaya

Every family has a different take on jambalaya, but most will agree this one deserves a spot on the table. We've included all the favorite ingredients, like andouille sausage, Creole seasonings, tomatoes and chilis, and shrimp and chicken. Prepare as directed and store in a 9x13 baking dish for a one-dish dinner in a flash.

Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole

This make-ahead casserole only takes 20 or so minutes to prepare. Whip it up once and you'll soon have it constantly stocked in your freezer for busy days and last-minute company. Serve with a side salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.

Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie

A homemade pot pie is a time-intensive process that is well worth the effort. Make the delicious filling ahead of time, then roll on the refrigerated pie crust when it's time to bake. You'll relish every bite of this cozy, home-cooked meal.

Chicken Enchiladas

These enchiladas are dressed in a spicy sauce made from blistered peppers and roasted tomatoes. Prepare the sauce up to three days ahead, allowing the flavors to deepen. Pick up a deli-roasted chicken before dinner, fill your enchiladas, drizzle with sauce, and bake.

Soulful Chicken Soup

Bone-in chicken thighs, chopped vegetables, and fresh herbs simmer in a slow cooker all day until the savory scent calls you to dinner. Chop up the chicken, throw in some noodles, and 20 minutes later you'll be eating a soulful bowl of this soup. Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice to enliven the flavor.

Peppered Beef Soup

There's nothing quite as satisfying as a roast slow-cooked until it falls apart in a rich beer broth with potatoes and carrots. You can add to that satisfaction with an optional bread bowl from the bakery. Cook up an extra-large batch and freeze the leftovers for up to three months.

Tangy Slow-Cooker Pork Shoulder

This could become your new go-to pulled pork recipe thanks to the sweet and tangy flavor profile. After searing the pork roast, you'll dump it in the slow cooker along with the brown sugar, soy, and vinegar syrup. Pull the pork, serve it over grits or sandwiched between buns, and ladle on plenty of sauce.

Coriander Coconut Braised Ribs

Pork ribs simmer low and slow in coconut milk to tender, flavorful perfection. Start this dish in the slow cooker in the morning and thicken the sauce before dinner. Serve over a bed of basmati rice or shred the meat for tacos.

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

We've eliminated the frequent check-ins at the stove with this easy slow-cooker recipe. The roast simmers right on top of the vegetables, which soak up its meaty juices over the course of the day. We recommend stirring in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, hot sauce, and seasonings at the end and simmering on high for 30 minutes to thicken the broth.

Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder

This dish uses fresh sweet corn in summer for a make-ahead dinner that is filling but not heavy. Throw the kernels in the slow cooker along with herbs, bacon, potatoes, and onions. The salsa topping can also be made ahead of time and chilled. Now all you need is a hunk of bread to complete your meal.

Cheesy Broccoli And Rice Casserole

This gooey casserole has a cheesy topping that will satisfy kids and a sophisticated ingredient list to please the adults. It can be chilled overnight before you're ready to pop it in the oven. The broccoli and breadcrumbs are added at the end and browned under the broiler.

Turkey-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole

This classic egg noodle recipe makes good use of leftover turkey. Adjust the amount of green and red peppers to suit your taste, or add a few drops of Tabasco for more spice. Freeze the assembled casserole, defrost later, and bake as directed.

Curried Chicken Pot Pie

We love a traditional pot pie as much as anyone, but the red curry paste in this recipe truly sets it apart. Use a refrigerated pie crust to simplify things—no one will mind when they see the fancy lattice top. Make two and freeze one for another night.

Navy Bean And Ham Soup

This one-step recipe couldn't be easier. Load your pre-soaked navy beans, ham, and vegetables into the slow cooker and cook until tender. Shred the ham when it's time to serve.

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Once again, the slow cooker saves the day. This soup recipe is packed with aromatic vegetables and herbs but is incredibly simple to prepare. Just before dinner, blend two cups of the soup and stir it back in the pot to thicken. Serve each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a side of crusty bread.

Spaghetti With Marinated Tomatoes And Mozzarella

You'll love this light and refreshing summer dinner. Once you've given the tomatoes time to marinate in the refrigerator, the dish comes together in a snap. Boil your spaghetti, toss it with the tomatoes and mozzarella balls, and serve.

Chicken Thigh Marinade

The buttermilk marinade in this recipe will ensure you enjoy tender and tangy chicken thighs at dinner. Let the thighs marinate overnight, then grill them for about 20 minutes. Drizzle with lime juice and serve with a salad and fluffy white rice.

Grilled Pork Chops

Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and paprika make a marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Get your pork chops started in the morning and enjoy their smoky sweetness in the evening. Serve with your favorite, easy-to-prep sides.

Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

Meatloaf is about as versatile as it gets for a make-ahead dish: prep the loaf and freeze it raw, or go ahead and bake it and freeze it fully cooked instead. Just let it defrost in the fridge before reheating or baking.

Smoked-Pork-Stuffed Pasta Shells

Thanks to the smoked meat you picked up from a local restaurant, this dish is quick to prepare. Cook it now or freeze the shells for up to three months. Defrost, sprinkle with lots of mozzarella, and bake.

Cowboy Casserole

This dish's crispy crust and seasoned beef and bean base will have everyone at the table hollering for more. Make the filling a day or two ahead of time, and you can top it with taters when it's time to bake. Or assemble the whole thing and freeze it for later.

Chicken Casserole D'Iberville

If you're really pressed for time on weeknights, this make-ahead casserole is just the ticket. We have instructions for baking it later, but you can also microwave it to bubbly perfection. Now that's what we're talking about.

Light King Ranch Chicken Casserole

This Tex-Mex recipe is like a plate of enchiladas and a cream soup casserole all rolled in one. And of course, our lightened version of the old favorite can be frozen and baked at a later time.

Cajun Shrimp Casserole

This special-occasion-worthy seafood casserole gets its Cajun flair from the addition of okra, bell peppers, and cayenne pepper. If you can't find cream of shrimp soup, a can of cream of mushroom makes a good substitute. Prepare up to a day ahead of time and then bake.

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