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Get inspired with these make ahead meals for a crowd, from cheesy casseroles to hearty soups. You can make them for family dinners or potlucks with friends.
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Make-ahead meals aren’t all casseroles. This list offers an amazing range of dishes you can prepare for your upcoming get togethers.
All are easy to meal prep but will make you feel like a seasoned chef and help you impress everyone!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix
This stew takes a few hours to make, but it’s totally worth the wait.
Just prepare the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work. Enjoy it with garlic butter rolls!
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Sliders are perfect, even for an on-the-go lunch or dinner. This version is filling, with bacon, turkey deli meat, cheddar cheese, and butter.
If you want, you can switch up the protein depending on what’s available.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Stove Top Lasagna Soup
Time to enjoy your favorite lasagna in a whole new form.
This recipe takes the best parts of this classic dish and turns it into a one-pot meal. So rich and delicious!
Get The Recipe: Stove Top Lasagna Soup
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Yes, you can make delicious pasta meals in the Instant Pot.
This one comes with ground beef and parmesan. It’s an ideal choice for potlucks, weeknight gatherings, or a casual dinner party.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
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Best Damn Chili
Preparing for your next family gathering and looking to feed a hungry crowd?
Everyone will love this chili! It offers a blend of savory, tart, and sweet flavors.
Get The Recipe: Best Damn Chili
Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
Pot pies are irresistible dishes even newbie cooks can make.
Make a big batch of this dish ahead of time. Why not challenge yourself and make your own dough?
Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
This crockpot dish features potatoes, cheddar cheese, ham, and condensed cream of mushroom soup.
Just layer everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you focus on other prep.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup
Make this soup whenever you’re feeling under the weather or just want something cozy.
It reheats beautifully for a next-day lunch or dinner. Go ahead and add your favorite spices and herbs.
Get The Recipe: Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
Make shepherd’s pie today and enjoy it for the rest of the week.
This one stays fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Don’t forget to store it with toasted garlic bread or an apple slaw.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
Nigerian Tomato Stew
Explore the irresistible flavors of Nigerian cuisine. Try this tomato stew first.
It pairs well with steamed white rice or jollof rice. And yes, its flavors only get better after a day in the fridge.
Get The Recipe: Nigerian Tomato Stew
Instant Pot Chicken Bites
Need a protein-packed dish that works for just about any occasion?
These chicken bites are juicy, tender, and full of flavor from garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and black pepper.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Bites
Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Try this healthier spin on a classic dish! It’s simple and easy, yet hearty enough to feed a group.
Main ingredients include chicken thighs, white beans, and cream cheese.
Get The Recipe: Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
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Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
These sausage balls are made with just four simple ingredients!
You can either add them to your salads or enjoy them on their own with dipping sauces like honey mustard and ranch dressing.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
This vegetarian dish will make you fall in love with plant-based meals.
You only need a few simple ingredients, like green lentils, vegan butter, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste.
Get The Recipe: Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
Vegan Meatloaf
Is it your first time trying plant-based meal prep ideas? This meatloaf should be at the top of your list.
It’s made with lentils, oats, flax egg, and dairy-free shredded cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf
Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Casseroles are hearty, family-friendly, and so easy to make ahead.
Even your grandma will be impressed with this version. It comes with a mouthwatering red enchilada sauce and vegan cheese.
Get The Recipe: Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Vegan Ratatouille
This vegan meal is so tasty, it feels like something straight out of a restaurant.
It’s loaded with zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, Chinese eggplant, and marinara sauce.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille
Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
These roll ups are a fun twist on classic lasagna and make portioning for a crowd super simple.
You get all the familiar flavors you love from the original dish! If you want to make it even more irresistible, use full-fat ricotta cheese!
Get The Recipe: Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
This casserole is made with Italian sausage, spaghetti sauce, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and other simple ingredients.
You can easily assemble it in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
Get The Recipe: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Grilled Lemon Mustard Pork Chops
These pork chops are a must-try if you’re planning on firing up the grill.
You’ll also need lemon juice, mustard seeds, potatoes, and dried oregano. Arrange them on a wooden board with a small bowl of mustard sauce.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Lemon Mustard Pork Chops
Tex Mex Bisquick Breakfast Casserole
Busy morning ahead? You have to try this breakfast casserole.
Bake it until golden, store it in the fridge (for up to five days!), and then pair it with your favorite fruit salad.
Get The Recipe: Tex Mex Bisquick Breakfast Casserole
Dutch Oven Shredded Beef Chuck Roast
This slow-cooked shredded beef is fall-apart tender and full of deep flavors.
Main ingredients include boneless beef chuck roast, garlic, cinnamon powder, red onions, and bone broth. It’s a must for any taco bar setup.
Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Shredded Beef Chuck Roast
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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet pan meals are always an amazing choice. This one works whether or not there’s a special occasion.
You can even make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken with black beans, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms.
Get The Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Curry Chicken Salad
You’ll never go wrong with chicken salads.
This version is one of the best, with shredded chicken, mayo, red onions, honey, and curry powder.
Get The Recipe: Curry Chicken Salad
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
This casserole is bound to be a family favorite! Make it for your next game day, weekend party, or even on a regular weekday.
You’ll love the homemade Big Mac sauce that comes with this recipe.
Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
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You can make delicious food for your loved ones even if you’re super busy. Aside from casseroles, you can prepare one-pot soups and pasta bakes.
Slow cooker recipes are also great because you just toss everything in and let it cook while you focus on other things.
25 Make Ahead Lunches for Work That Beat Sad Desk Salads
These make ahead lunches for work include everything from creamy casseroles to veggie-packed soups. They’re all simple, flavorful, and easy to prep ahead.
Read it here: 25 Make Ahead Lunches for Work That Beat Sad Desk Salads
25 Beach Dinner Ideas That Taste Better by the Waves
These beach dinner ideas will be a delicious way to satisfy your hunger as you hang out in the sand and enjoy the waves in the background.
Read it here: 25 Beach Dinner Ideas That Taste Better by the Waves
Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.
Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Looking for more filling recipes? Serve these for brunch, dinner, or your next big event:
- 25 Make Ahead Lunch Ideas That Save Time & Taste Amazing
- 25 Make Ahead Chicken Recipes That Won’t Let You Down at Dinnertime
- 25 Healthy Weekend Dinners That Don’t Feel Like a Diet
- 25 Cookout Desserts for a Crowd That Kids and Adults Will Love
- 25 Beach Day Food Ideas That Taste Better with Sand Between Your Toes