29 Recipes To Help You Prep Now And Chill Later

Getting ahead in the kitchen means more time to enjoy the good stuff—like not cooking. A little prep now makes busy days easier and keeps dinner from becoming a stressful guessing game. No rush, no mess, just meals that are ready when needed. The hardest part? Deciding which one to eat first.

Chickpea Curry

Sometimes you just need a bowl of something warm, fragrant, and filled with rich flavors. Enter Chickpea Curry. A true time-saver that gets better as it sits, this dish combines convenience with the kind of deep, complex flavors that usually take hours to develop. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up a large batch, perfect for meals throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Curry

Minestrone Soup

Craving a touch of Italy but keen on keeping things simple and nutritious? Minestrone Soup is your go-to, blending a mix of veggies and beans in a savory broth. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as fulfilling to make as it is to eat, offering a comforting meal that can be reheated for days.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Wild Rice Casserole

For those evenings when you’re looking for a wholesome, comforting meal without the fuss, Wild Rice Casserole comes to the rescue. It’s a hearty dish that combines the nuttiness of wild rice with a creamy texture and a crunchy topping. Perfect for making ahead and popping in the oven when you’re ready, it’s the kind of meal that simplifies your dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Huevos Rancheros

Waking up to a hearty breakfast doesn’t always mean having to wake up early. With Huevos Rancheros, you’ve got a breakfast staple that packs a flavorful punch and can be prepped ahead of time. It combines simple ingredients in a dish that’s as vibrant and comforting as it is easy to assemble.
Get the Recipe: Huevos Rancheros

Egg Bites

On the hunt for a protein-packed breakfast that you can grab on the go? Look no further than Egg Bites. These little guys are customizable with your favorite ingredients, making breakfast exciting again. Plus, they freeze well, so you can make a big batch and have a quick breakfast ready on busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Pasta Primavera

When you’re craving something light yet comforting, Pasta Primavera stands out as a colorful choice. It’s all about celebrating the simplicity of fresh vegetables paired with pasta in a dish that’s both easy to make and wonderfully versatile. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a beautiful lunch, it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Dreaming of tropical flavors but are stuck in your kitchen? Jamaican Red Beans and Rice will transport your taste without the ticket price. This dish is a heartwarming combo of spices and textures, promising a mini vacation in a bowl. It’s not only easy to make in big batches but keeps really well, ensuring you have a ready meal that brings the heat and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Ravioli Casserole

If you ever wished you could combine the ease of a casserole with the guilty pleasure of pasta, say hello to Ravioli Casserole. It’s as comforting as it sounds, layering ravioli with cheese and sauce for a dish that’s both hearty and heartwarming. A fantastic option for those days when you need a little extra comfort in your meal.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Lentil Soup

On a chilly day, nothing beats the rustic comfort of a bowl of Lentil Soup. It’s a simple blend of ingredients that come together to offer a nourishing, hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Make a big pot, and you’ve got lunches or dinners ready for the week. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest meals are the most rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Pizza Rolls

Let’s be real, who doesn’t love pizza in any form? Pizza Rolls offer a fun twist on a classic favorite, perfect for snacks, parties, or just a casual dinner. They’re easy to make in a big batch and freeze wonderfully, ensuring you always have a tasty option on hand. It’s like having your own convenient, homemade fast food right in the freezer.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

There’s something about Roasted Butternut Squash Soup that just feels comforting, no matter when you eat it. Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s a great make-ahead option that only gets better with time. Perfect for warming up and filling up, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And it’s healthy to boot, making it a guilt-free choice for your meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Mac and Cheese

Is there anything more universally loved than Mac and Cheese? It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it spells comfort in every bite. Great for making in large quantities, it can be a side dish or the star of the show. Plus, it’s just as good reheated, making your future self very happy.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

When you’re in the mood for something that’s both comforting and packed with greens, Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup is the answer. It’s a creamy delight that cleverly gets you to eat your veggies while indulging in some cheesy goodness. Excellent for meal prep, it reheats well for a lunch or dinner that’s cozy and rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast just got a whole lot easier with Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Prep it the night before for a hassle-free morning that starts with a fulfilling, hearty meal. It’s loaded with flavors and textures that wake you up gently but deliciously. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Mushroom Soup

For those who adore the earthy flavor of mushrooms, Mushroom Soup is a dream come true. It’s a creamy, savory soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or a sophisticated lunch. Plus, it’s another one of those wonderful make-ahead dishes that taste even better the next day. A true comfort dish that’s also impressively elegant.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes need no introduction, being the ultimate comfort food. They’re creamy, fluffy, and just the right kind of indulgent. Perfect for preparing in advance for a big meal or to have on hand for adding a side of comfort to any dish. And let’s be honest, who can resist a second helping?
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Vegan Ratatouille

Bringing a touch of France to your table, Vegan Ratatouille is as colorful as it is healthy. This dish celebrates vegetables in their glory, simmered together to create a vibrant and flavorful stew. It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week, proving that plant-based meals can be simple, delicious, and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole takes the humble potato and turns it into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for when you have company or need a dish that feeds the whole family. Easy to prepare in advance and deliciously satisfying, it’s a go-to for comfort food that everyone loves. And the leftovers? Just as yummy the next day.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Corn Casserole

If you’re looking for a dish that’s a little bit sweet, a little bit savory, and totally delicious, Corn Casserole is where it’s at. It’s an easy, comforting side dish that pairs well with just about anything. Great for potlucks, holidays, or a regular Tuesday night dinner, it’s a versatile dish that’s simple to make and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice Baked Potatoes takes a simple baked potato and enhances it to an entirely new level of deliciousness. They’re stuffed, baked again, and ready to steal the show at any meal. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy and crispy, making it hard to have just one. A great make-ahead meal, they’re just as good out of the freezer as they are fresh from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Eggplant Casserole

For a dish that’s hearty yet meat-free, Eggplant Casserole fits the bill perfectly. It layers slices of eggplant with rich flavors to create a vegetarian dish that’s rewarding and comforting. Great for making ahead and impressive enough for guests, it’s a flavorsome way to warm up any meal. And yes, it’s as good as it sounds, proving you don’t need meat to have a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Vegetarian Stew

On those days you want something warm, filling, and meat-free, Vegetarian Stew comes to your rescue. It’s packed with veggies and flavors that meld together beautifully over time, making leftovers something to look forward to. A true comfort food that’s easy to make in large batches and freeze for later.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Stew

Roasted Tomato Soup

There’s something about Roasted Tomato Soup that’s both classic and utterly comforting. The roasting brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Perfect for when you need a cozy meal that reminds you of home.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Salted Caramel Cheesecake. It’s a dreamy, creamy dessert with just the right touch of salty sweetness to make every bite exciting. A showstopper that’s perfect for making ahead, it’s sure to impress at any gathering or just as a treat for yourself. Plus, it keeps well, allowing you to enjoy a slice of decadence whenever the mood strikes.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, featuring thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the kind of side dish that makes a regular meal feel like a special occasion. Easy to prepare in advance, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying to make as it is to serve. And the leftovers are just as delicious, promising a treat for tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Tortellini Soup

On a quest for a comforting, yet easy soup? Tortellini Soup ticks all the boxes, offering up hearty bites of tortellini in a savory, soothing broth. It’s a meal that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easily customizable, making it perfect for using up whatever you have in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Vegetarian Chili

Who says chili needs meat to be hearty? Vegetarian Chili proves otherwise, serving up big flavors and delicious textures without it. It’s a go-to for a filling, protein-packed meal that keeps well, making it perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s a great way to get in your veggies in a deliciously spicy way.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Chili

Hashbrown Casserole

For a breakfast that doubles as comfort food, Hashbrown Casserole is hard to beat. It’s cheesy, it’s creamy, and it’s everything you want in a breakfast dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or just ensuring you have a delicious breakfast ready to go during the week. And yes, it reheats splendidly, making your mornings a little bit easier.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Asparagus Casserole

Brighten up your meal with Asparagus Casserole, a dish that combines crisp asparagus with a creamy sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy a vegetable side dish that’s both easy to make and wonderfully tasty. Perfect for making ahead for a dinner party or a family meal. And the leftovers? They make a fantastic lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole