7 Make-Ahead Dinners for the Week
If you’re looking to simplify your evenings and enjoy a stress-free week, make-ahead dinners are your solution! By preparing meals ahead of time, you can save time, reduce stress, and ensure you have healthy, delicious dinners ready to go. Here are 7 easy and tasty make-ahead dinners to keep your week running smoothly.
1. Classic Lasagna
Lasagna is one of those hearty meals that’s even better the next day. Prepare it on the weekend, store it in the fridge or freezer, and simply heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients: Ground beef, lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Directions: Assemble your lasagna in a baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate or freeze. When you’re ready to eat, bake at 375°F for about 30-45 minutes until it’s bubbling.
Pro Tip: Freeze lasagna in individual servings for easy grab-and-go dinners or lunches.
2. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are perfect for make-ahead dinners. You can pre-cook the chicken and chop your vegetables in advance to save time during the week.
Ingredients: Boneless chicken breasts, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, soy sauce, and garlic.
Directions: Pre-cook your chicken and vegetables, then store them in an airtight container. When it’s time for dinner, heat everything up in a large skillet with soy sauce and garlic for a fresh, flavorful stir-fry.
Pro Tip: Store your stir-fry in glass containers to keep it fresh and make reheating easier.
3. Beef Stew
A cozy beef stew is easy to make ahead and tastes fantastic when reheated. The flavors deepen as it sits, making each serving better than the last.
Ingredients: Beef chunks, potatoes, carrots, onions, beef broth, and herbs.
Directions: Simmer the beef stew on the stovetop or in a slow cooker until everything is tender. Store in a large container and refrigerate. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready.
Pro Tip: For added convenience, make beef stew in a slow cooker overnight and wake up to a meal that’s ready to be stored for the week.
4. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
A light and healthy option, this quinoa salad is ideal for those looking for a make-ahead vegetarian meal that holds up well.
Ingredients: Quinoa, cherry tomatoes, roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes), feta cheese, and balsamic dressing.
Directions: Cook the quinoa and roast the vegetables ahead of time. Combine with cherry tomatoes, feta, and dressing. Store in the fridge, and it’s ready whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal.
Pro Tip: Add dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent sogginess.
5. Baked Chicken Enchiladas
Enchiladas are fantastic make-ahead meals, as they reheat beautifully without losing any flavor or texture.
Ingredients: Shredded chicken, tortillas, enchilada sauce, black beans, cheese, and green onions.
Directions: Fill tortillas with chicken, beans, and cheese. Roll up and place in a baking dish with enchilada sauce. Cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Pro Tip: Use leftover rotisserie chicken to make these enchiladas even faster to prepare.
6. Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Meatballs are versatile and can be paired with pasta, zoodles, or sandwiches. Make them ahead of time and freeze for an effortless weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: Ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce.
Directions: Prepare and bake meatballs, then add to marinara sauce. Store in the fridge or freeze. Reheat and serve with your choice of side.
Pro Tip: Freeze meatballs individually on a baking sheet, then store in a bag to pull out as many as you need for a quick meal.
7. Vegetable Soup
This comforting and nutritious soup is perfect for make-ahead dinners, especially if you want something easy, light, and satisfying.
Ingredients: Carrots, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, spinach, vegetable broth, and herbs.
Directions: Sauté vegetables, add broth, and let simmer until the vegetables are tender. Store in the fridge or freeze for a future meal.
Pro Tip: Portion out soup in individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
With these make-ahead dinner ideas, you’ll have your weeknight meals organized and delicious. A little preparation can lead to a week of healthy, homemade dinners that fit right into your busy schedule!
