A busy day or even week can leave you feeling drained, dinner is usually the last thing on our minds. Busy schedules and dinner time don’t always mix, but make-ahead dinners on those busy days do. Walking into the kitchen at the end of the day knowing that dinner is prepped, cooked, and just waiting to be reheated feels like a real treat.
Turn to these make-ahead recipes to get a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Chipotle Pulled Chicken recipe from Taste of Home
This chipotle chicken recipe wins in both the favor of busy nights and taste buds.
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce with Spaghetti recipe from Kitchn
This meaty sauce holds up well in the fridge and can easily be frozen for easy dinners during busy weeks. Double up the recipe for other unexpected busy nights.
No-Roll Mexican Rice Enchiladas recipe from Betty Crocker
You can make these enchiladas early by assembling them early in the day or days before. You can freeze or refrigerate the enchiladas and sauce just before baking.
Lemony Chicken Noodle Soup recipe from Real Simple
A hearty, kind-friendly soup. This can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders recipe from Sanppy Gourmet
Even tastes better the second day.
Healthy Makeover Meatloaf recipe from Good Housekeeping
Make a new batches of this meatloaf and freeze it. Switch out the ground beef with ground turkey for a healthier alternative.
Freezer Bag Chicken Curry Stir-Fry recipe from Food Network
Peas, cauliflower and chicken are sealed in a bag with coconut-curry sauce and frozen.
Pan Roasted Chicken Breasts with Mole Negro recipe from Delish
Cook and prepare the rice before. Reheat the chicken and rice just before serving.
Cheesy Taco Lasagna recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron
Who knew throwing together Mexican and Italian food would taste so good.
Easy and Quick Chili recipe from This Mama Cooks
Perfect for freezing and reheating later. Don’t forget to top it with ALL of the cheese.
Pizza Pockets recipe from Hot for Food
You can load these up with your favorite toppings. Pop them in the freezer when they are done or make extra for busy nights.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Creamy Dressing recipe from Against All Grain
Baked sweet potatoes spiced with buffalo chicken and your favorite fixings make this recipe a new favorite in your home.
Freezer-Friendly Baked Ziti recipe from I Wash Your Dry
You can even sneak some vegetables into the usual meat sauce, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Tasty Taco Soup recipe from Pillsbury
Customize this recipe to your liking. You can use ground turkey, beef, or chicken. Add a can of beans and some noodles to make it even heartier.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken recipe from Thriving Home
This requires little work to do. Make a second batch and freeze. Serve with some rice.