10 Easy Make-Ahead Meals For Busy Families

Written By: Meredith O’Connor

Between after-school activities, doctor appointments, everyday errands, never-ending laundry, and that big homework project kids always seem to mention the night before it’s due… moms stay busy. 

On particularly packed days, the last thing you want to figure out is what’s for dinner. And, let’s face it, pizza gets old, fast. 

Take the stress out of dinnertime with make-ahead meals. From soups and sandwiches to vegetarian creations everyone will enjoy, you’ll save time — and your sanity — all while serving up a healthy, home-cooked dish. 

Carve out a few hours on a lazy Sunday, get the kids to help with chopping and dicing, and get a jump on the week with these delicious, nutritious make-ahead meal recipes.  

Lazy Lasagna Soup
Courtesy of Happy Kids Kitchen

This savory recipe includes all of lasagna’s classic comfort flavors but sneaks in a few extra veggies for a healthy twist. And with minimal ingredients, and the ability to whip up this soup in the crock pot or Instant Pot, prepping it is a breeze. Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for four to five days. Or, freeze it in an airtight container for up to two months. 

Shrimp and Cauliflower Fried Rice
Courtesy of EatingWell

If you don’t tell the kids it’s not rice, we won’t, either. A fresh take on traditional fried rice, this dish is loaded with good-for-you ingredients, nourishing vitamins, and lean protein. Don’t want to make riced cauliflower from scratch (who has the time)? Substitute for frozen, just be sure to sauté a bit longer than the recipe calls for to get rid of extra water. Good for up to three days. 

Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
Courtesy of Plant-Based School 

Creamy, satisfying, and a new surefire family favorite, there’s more to this pasta than meets the eye. Roasted red peppers, almonds (yes you read that right!), garlic, and tomatoes create a depth of flavor you won’t find in jarred sauces. And the simple base means you can easily add roasted cauliflower, eggplant, or chicken for something extra. Freeze or make a few days before serving.

Chicken Noodle Soup
Courtesy of RealSimple

Whether you’re soothing a sick kid or want something to warm up with in winter, chicken noodle soup is a staple in every mom’s kitchen. Perfect for freezing, this recipe ensures you’re never without the crowd-pleaser when you need it. And since you’re making it yourself, it’s free of extra preservatives and artificial ingredients you’ll find in grocery store versions. Freeze for up to four months. 

Pumpkin Sage Gnocchi 
Courtesy of Delish

We’re firm believers that you can embrace fall flavors any time of year. And this recipe does just that. Earthy sage perfectly balances the sweet, mild taste of pumpkin while the cream (can substitute coconut milk) brings it all together in a velvety, crave-worthy sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, teach the kids how to make their own gnocchi. But there’s certainly no shame in store-bought. Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. 

Taco Salad Cups
Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

No curve balls here. This recipe includes all the ingredients we associate with a classic taco, but it transforms boring tortillas into mini taco cups by way of custard cups or cupcake pan. Read: the kids are going to love — and have fun with — this recipe. Get them to create the cups while you do all the dicing and meal prep will be done in a flash. To make it vegetarian, substitute the turkey for black beans. Not a great option for freezing. 

Oven-Baked Fish Sticks
Courtesy of RealSimple

Skip the frozen aisle and opt for homemade fish sticks instead. No reason to feel intimidated. All you need is six simple ingredients, including seasonings you likely already have in the pantry. Even better, this healthy dinner takes only minutes to prep. Simply pre-bread the fresh fish, freeze for up to three months, and when you’re ready to serve, throw them in the oven for 20 minutes.  

Turkey Meatballs
Courtesy of Pioneer Woman

A quick-prep recipe that’s versatile and kid-approved? Sign us up. Make these healthy meatballs in less than 20 minutes, freeze them or pop them in the fridge to serve later in the week, and pair them with pasta or a dipping sauce for a no-brainer meal. And if you need to make them gluten-free, no problem. Simply substitute the bread crumbs for rolled oats. Freeze up to four months.

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Courtesy of Epicurious

Another great freezer option, this non-traditional take on chili features a tangy, tantalizing taste that will have the whole family asking for seconds. If you follow the directions exactly, the end result is more soup than hearty chili. To thicken it up a bit, add a bit of cornstarch. And since you can make this chili in the crockpot, it’s also a great set it and forget it option to throw together before you head out the door in the morning. 

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Courtesy of Love and Lemons 

Move over sloppy joes, there’s a new sandwich on the menu. Go meatless with this vegetarian recipe whose main ingredient is a fruit that mimics the texture of its pork counterpart. Prep the filling and slaw on the weekend (the longer the slaw sits the better the flavor), and put it all together in seconds once dinner time hits. We don’t recommend freezing the slaw, but if you want to prepare the jackfruit, it’ll be good for up to three months in the freezer.   

Moms, you’ve got a lot going on. So we hope these recipes make your life a little bit easier so you can sit back and relax, even for a moment. 

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