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These make ahead meals for the week are full of comforting flavors and easy prep steps. From casseroles to stews, they’ll bring variety to your routine.
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Don’t wait until you’re tired and hungry to think about food. Make these recipes a part of your weekday rotation.
You just need to set aside a few hours on the weekend to cook, portion, and store your meals for the upcoming week.
Best Damn Chili
This chili is smoky, a little spicy, and deeply satisfying.
Make it ahead and enjoy it for the days to come. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of cheddar before serving.
Get The Recipe: Best Damn Chili
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix
Stews are some of the most comforting and tasty meals you can make as a newbie cook.
Thankfully, you can prepare them in advance and enjoy them anytime you want. This one comes with beef, potatoes, and carrots.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix
Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup
This noodle soup is exactly what you need on a cold or busy day.
It’s soothing and flavorful, with bone-in chicken breasts, fusilli pasta, carrots, and dried herbs.
Get The Recipe: Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
Want something rich and satisfying? This shepherd’s pie is a solid choice.
It has a delicious filling made with ground beef, beef broth, tomato paste, onions, and herbs.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie
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Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These steak bites are a brilliant option both for regular weeknights and special events.
Serve them on skewers as an appetizer, or as a main dish with wild rice pilaf.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken is such a fun protein choice that you can pair with just about anything.
This recipe combines rotisserie chicken with mixed veggies, milk, potatoes, and condensed cream of chicken soup.
Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
Nigerian Chicken Stew
Looking to spice things up during the week? This stew can add bold flavor and color to your weekly rotation.
It’s smoky, spicy, and full of depth, thanks to curry powder, tomatoes, and bouillon powder.
Get The Recipe: Nigerian Chicken Stew
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
These sausage balls are great for meal prep or quick grab-and-go snacks.
They feature savory, cheesy flavors with a little kick from the sausage and seasonings. Serve them with spaghetti or enjoy them on their own.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This chicken chili is ideal for busy weeks or whenever you need something warm and nourishing.
Main ingredients include chicken thighs, cream cheese, chicken stock, and white beans.
Get The Recipe: Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Got some leftover ham? You have to try this crockpot dish!
You can store it in the fridge for up to four days and just reheat it in the oven once you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Crawfish Fettuccine
Want to make dinner a little bit special? This seafood pasta is made with fettuccine, crawfish, Parmesan, sour cream, and onions.
It pairs well with cornbread muffins or garlic toast.
Get The Recipe: Crawfish Fettuccine
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Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings
If you’re just exploring your way around the kitchen, this dish should be part of your menu.
It’s cozy, creamy, and satisfying, something you’ll want to enjoy every day. You’ll love how delicious the dumplings are!
Get The Recipe: Stovetop Chicken and Dumplings
Tempeh Chicken Salad Sandwich
Try this sandwich and fall in love with plant-based meals even more.
It features tempeh, vegan mayo, and Dijon mustard, a tasty make-ahead option for your next picnic or camping trip.
Get The Recipe: Tempeh Chicken Salad Sandwich
Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
This casserole is bound to be a family favorite!
It’s loaded with bold Mexican flavors, featuring layers of black beans, corn tortillas, red enchilada sauce, and gooey vegan cheese.
Get The Recipe: Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
Vegan Roast
You deserve better than just rushed meals every night. This vegan roast is a game changer for your busy weeks.
It combines white cannellini beans with mushrooms, garlic, coconut aminos, and poultry seasoning.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Roast
Vegan Meatloaf
There’s really something so nostalgic about a good meatloaf, and this vegan version totally nails it.
Excited for dinner or lunch? Serve it with extra ketchup or vegan BBQ sauce on the side.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf
Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes
Ready to explore new ground beef recipes? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make this one-pan meal.
Serve it in bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chili flakes.
Get The Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes
Baked Chicken Tenders
Save time and explore new delicious meals that can fuel your busy routine.
These chicken tenders freeze and reheat well. Once you’re ready to enjoy, serve them in mini buns or with your favorite sauces.
Get The Recipe: Baked Chicken Tenders
High Protein Baked Ziti
You’ll never go wrong with high-protein dishes.
This baked ziti is easy to make, slice, and portion ahead for several meals throughout the week.
Get The Recipe: High Protein Baked Ziti
High Protein Pasta Salad
Make a big batch of this pasta salad and impress your loved ones. Check out this recipe.
It includes a tasty dressing made with mayo, Greek yogurt, green onions, and apple cider vinegar.
Get The Recipe: High Protein Pasta Salad
Slow Cooker Kalua Pork
This dish is probably one of the most versatile ones on this list.
You can enjoy this shredded pork with white rice or stuffed into slider buns, tortillas, or lettuce wraps.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Kalua Pork
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Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice
This fried rice has all the makings of a weekly staple. It’s savory and slightly sweet with chicken tenderloins, rice, soy sauce, and veggies.
As always, you can include your favorite vegetables, from zucchini to broccoli.
Get The Recipe: Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice
Macaroni Tex Mex Casserole
Experience the cheesy, beefy goodness of this Tex Mex casserole.
Main ingredients include ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni. Pair it with a black bean soup to make it even more filling.
Get The Recipe: Macaroni Tex Mex Casserole
Meal Prep Salsa Verde Chicken Bowls
Even busy people deserve homemade food. These chicken bowls are so flavorful and easy to customizable.
Fill them with fun toppings like guacamole, black beans, and pico de gallo.
Get The Recipe: Meal Prep Salsa Verde Chicken Bowls
Sausage Casserole
If you’re craving a hearty breakfast or brunch, this casserole is a total win.
You only need breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, kosher salt, and a few other simple ingredients.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Casserole
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Once you try these, you won’t want to go back to last-minute cooking.
Don’t worry, even simple ingredients like canned beans, pasta, chicken, and beef can already go a long way.
You can build a whole week of meals just by switching up the spices or sauces.
25 No Fuss Make Ahead Breakfast for a Crowd Ideas
Need some make ahead breakfast for a crowd ideas? Whether you’re looking for some flavorful donuts or casseroles to more unique morning treats, these are easy to make and delicious.
Read it here: 25 No Fuss Make Ahead Breakfast for a Crowd Ideas
25 Make Ahead Casseroles for Effortless Family Dinners
These make ahead casseroles will help you get an easy dinner on the table without much effort. You can make the casseroles ahead of time so that you can freeze or store in the fridge for a weeknight dinner throughout the week.
Read it here: 25 Make Ahead Casseroles for Effortless Family Dinners
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 easy recipes? These meals are made to keep you full and satisfied: