Prep Now, Relax Later With 29 Easy Meal Ideas
Cooking doesn’t have to take over your evening when you plan ahead. These 29 meal ideas help you get everything ready so you can actually enjoy your time. Whether it’s a busy night or a lazy one, you’ll have something ready to go. Less scrambling means more time to unwind.
Three Cheese Manicotti
Stash away some Three Cheese Manicotti in your freezer and future you will thank you. These tubes of pasta are filled with three different types of cheese, making them a crowd-pleaser. They bake up beautifully, and on a busy night, you’ll love having them ready to just heat and serve. Plus, who doesn’t love cheese?
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti
Wild Rice Casserole
Whip up Wild Rice Casserole ahead of time, and you’re set for dinner without much fuss. This dish combines hearty grains with other elements to make a warm, filling meal. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something simple yet fulfilling. You’ll appreciate the ease of just reheating this comforting classic.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Eggplant Casserole
Preparing Eggplant Casserole in advance is like giving yourself a future gift of easy, nutritious comfort food. This baked dish uses eggplant as a star ingredient, layered with various other elements to bring a big flavor. Once ready, it’s perfect for those cold nights when you need something hot and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Make your weeknights easier with a Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl stashed in the fridge. It mimics your favorite takeout meal but is ready whenever you are. It’s an all-in-one dish with a good balance of flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, you just need to heat it up, and you’re set for a tasty meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Mac and Cheese
Make-ahead Mac and Cheese means you’re always ready for some creamy goodness. It’s a no-fail favorite that’s perfect for busy nights. You can prepare it, store it, and reheat it whenever you need a quick and comforting meal. Always reliable, always delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Save yourself time with Jamaican Red Beans and Rice ready in your fridge. It’s a one-pot meal that brings together beans and rice with a burst of island-inspired flavor. Convenient and hearty, it’s perfect for those days when cooking is not on the agenda. Just heat and enjoy this flavorful blend at any time of the day.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Hashbrown Casserole
Prepping Hashbrown Casserole in advance means you’ll always have a ready-to-cook dish that everyone loves. It’s a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for breakfast or dinner. Layers of hashbrowns and other elements combine to make this casserole a comforting classic. It’s ideal for busy mornings or lazy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Lentil Soup
Having Lentil Soup on hand makes life easier and dinner healthier. This soup is nutritious, easy to prepare in batches, and freezes well. It’s perfect for a quick, comforting meal when you’re feeling lazy but need something wholesome. Just heat it up, and you have a bowl of goodness ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup
Huevos Rancheros
Huevos Rancheros is a fantastic make-ahead option that transforms breakfast into a fiesta. This dish brings together different elements to create a fun, comforting meal. Prep it in advance, and your mornings will be so much simpler. Just warm it up, and you’re ready for a delicious breakfast without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Huevos Rancheros
Chickpea Curry
With Chickpea Curry prepped, you can enjoy a quick, hearty meal without all the cooking hassle. This dish comes together easily and has a great balance of flavors. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a quick lunch, it’s always fun to have on hand. Just heat it up and pair it with whatever you like.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Curry
Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Treat yourself by prepping Salted Caramel Cheesecake ahead of time. This dessert combines creamy cheesecake with a rich, salty-sweet caramel topping. Perfect for a fancy dinner, or just because you want a treat, having this ready in your fridge will always be a pleasant surprise. Just slice and serve when you’re in the mood for a dessert.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Pizza Rolls
Keep Pizza Rolls in your freezer, and snack time will be a breeze. These bite-sized treats are perfect to pull out and heat for a quick snack or meal. They have all the goodness of pizza packed into a handy little roll. It’s a great option when friends come over or when you need a snack fast.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls
Ravioli Casserole
Make your life easier by prepping a Ravioli Casserole ahead of time. It’s a baked dish full of ravioli and a combination of other elements, making it both filling and quick to serve. Just bake on a busy night, and you’ve got a hearty meal without any hassle. A sure win for those hectic evenings.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole
Scalloped Potatoes
Prep Scalloped Potatoes and they’re ready for any busy night. This dish features baked, sliced potatoes in a creamy mixture that everyone loves. It’s ideal for a weeknight side or as part of a larger meal. Just heat and serve when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Asparagus Casserole
With Asparagus Casserole prepped, you’ll have an easy and delicious meal available at any time. It’s a great way to get some greens into your diet while enjoying a flavorful baked dish. Perfect for a simple dinner, you’ll appreciate the convenience when you’re out of meal ideas.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
Egg Bites
Having a batch of Egg Bites ready means you have a quick breakfast or snack available. They’re small, easy to heat, and packed with flavor. Perfect for those busy mornings or as a grab-and-go option. Just pop them in the microwave, and you’re set for the day.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites
Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice Baked Potatoes are a great dish to prep in advance. These potatoes are baked, scooped, mixed, and then baked again, making them very flavorful and convenient. They’re perfect as a side or even as the main dish on busy nights. Just heat them up, and you’ve got a comforting potato dish ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes
Tortellini Soup
Make a batch of Tortellini Soup ahead of time, and you’ll always have a warm meal ready. This soup is loaded with tortellini and other elements, making it hearty and fulfilling. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or even lunch. Just heat and serve for a comforting meal in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup
Corn Casserole
Corn Casserole is a quick side dish that you can prep ahead and keep in your fridge or freezer. It’s a simple yet full-flavored dish that complements many meals perfectly. Ideal for busy weeknights, just heat it up and enjoy a hot, delicious side without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Vegan Ratatouille
Having some Vegan Ratatouille ready in advance makes dinner a breeze. This dish brings together various veggies in a flavorful baked dish. It’s both wholesome and comforting, perfect for anyone looking for a meatless meal. Just heat and serve, and you’ve got a nutritious dish ready anytime.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille
White Bean Soup
Make your life easier with White Bean Soup prepped and ready to go. This soup combines various elements, making it both filling and flavorful. Great for lunch or dinner, heating up a bowl is simple and quick. It’s a perfect option for busy days when you need something warm and comforting.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Epic Bean Chili
Epic Bean Chili is a great meal to have prepped and ready in your fridge or freezer. It’s loaded with beans and other elements, making it hearty and fulfilling. Ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s easy to heat up and enjoy. Perfect for those cold days when you need something warm and cozy.
Get the Recipe: Epic Bean Chili
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is a great option to have ready for a quick meal. This soup is smooth, rich, and packed with a comforting flavor. It’s perfect for a simple lunch or as a starter for dinner. Just heat it up, and you have a hot, nutritious meal ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Stuffed Peppers
Prep Stuffed Peppers in advance, and you’ve got a quick, colorful meal ready any night of the week. Filled with various elements, they’re both hearty and fun to eat. Great for a busy night, just heat and serve. Everyone loves this colorful, easy option that packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes might be simple, but they’re always a hit, especially when you prep them ahead. These can easily be reheated for a quick side dish that pairs well with just about anything. Perfect for those nights when dinner needs to come together quickly, without compromising comfort.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Tomato Soup
Roasted Tomato Soup is a soothing option to have ready in your fridge. This soup is smooth and delicious, with a rich flavor that is perfect for any meal. Heat it up for a quick lunch or as a starter for dinner. Having it prepped means you can enjoy a warm, homemade soup with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup
Potato Casserole
With Potato Casserole prepped, you have an easy and filling meal on standby. It brings together various elements baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, just heat it up and serve when you’re short on time. Everyone will be happy with this comforting, convenient dish.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Minestrone Soup
A big batch of Minestrone Soup makes meal planning easy. This soup is packed with hearty elements, making each bowl warm and filling. Perfect for lunch or dinner, just heat and eat whenever you need a quick, nutritious meal. Ideal for those days when you want homemade food without the work.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup
Copycat Impossible Burger
Prep some Copycat Impossible Burgers and you’ll have a quick meal ready in minutes. These plant-based patties are easy to cook or reheat, making them a great option for a busy day. Enjoy them on a bun or on their own, making dinner both effortless and tasty with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger
