29 Ways To Prep Ahead And Conquer Your Weeknight Meals

ByMandy

Long days don’t leave much energy for complicated meals, but they don’t have to. These 29 make-ahead tricks take the pressure off so dinner isn’t a daily scramble. No more frantic cooking while hunger levels hit critical. A little prep now means less work later and a meal that’s ready before anyone gets too dramatic.

Close-up of a savory biscuit with a creamy ham filling, looking like a gourmet twist on a Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, served elegantly on a plate.
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Kimchi Stew

Close-up of a wooden spoon in a vibrant kimchi stew with tofu and pork, garnished with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes.
Kimchi Stew. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You’ve had a long day, and now you’re looking for comfort on a spoon. With Kimchi Stew, you can heat it up and relax knowing dinner is covered. Chop your veggies on Sunday and you’re halfway there. By the time Wednesday rolls around, all it takes is a quick simmer, and you’ve got a hearty meal ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes, you just want to come home to a meal that’s ready to eat. Toss a few things into the slow cooker in the morning, and Slow Cooker Pot Roast will greet you at the door with its inviting aroma. Make up your spice mix the night before and let the slow cooker do the rest. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a hectic weekday.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Pork Chops

Close-up of a cooked, seasoned pork chop topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a dark plate.
Pork Chops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

No need to spend your entire evening in the kitchen. Prep your sides ahead of time, and all that’s left is to cook your perfectly seasoned Pork Chops for a meal that comes together quickly. Organize your ingredients in the fridge, and you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Close-up of a slice of creamy lasagna with browned cheese on top and visible layers of pasta, spinach, and sauce.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combine the creamy comfort of alfredo with the hearty layers of lasagna, and you have Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. Assemble this dish beforehand, and you just have to bake it when you’re ready. Give yourself a break during the week; this lasagna’s got your back. It’s a crowd-pleaser that makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Cattle Drive Casserole

A slice of cheesy lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley.
Cattle Drive Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Looking for something that’s a nod to the rustic? Cattle Drive Casserole is your perfect pre-made dish. Spend your Sunday layering the ingredients together, and it’ll be ready to pop in the oven any night you choose. It’s a dish that brings wholesome flavors without a frantic rush to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Burgers on a weeknight? Yes, please! Create your own Copycat Smash Burger setup at home. Prep the patties beforehand, and you’ll have burgers on the table in no time after work. It’s like bringing your favorite fast-food joint to your kitchen without the wait. Burgers are always a hit, and now they’re easier than ever.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Taco Soup

A bowl of red soup topped with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, sliced onions, corn, and shredded cheese.
Taco Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Who doesn’t love the ease of a one-pot meal? Taco Soup can be your go-to for a stress-free dinner. Get your chopping done in advance, and the rest is simple – just pour and simmer. This is a meal that offers a big payoff for very little effort on a busy weeknight. You’ll have more time for what matters after dinner’s done.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

A plate with a slice of Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole and a fork.
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Shake up your breakfast routine with Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. Prep it the night before and just slide it into the oven in the morning. It’s a guaranteed way to start the day right with minimal morning effort. Who said a hearty breakfast can’t be easy, even on the busiest of weekdays?
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast Burritos

Close-up of a burrito cut in half, showing fillings of scrambled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, cheese, and herbs wrapped in a tortilla.
Breakfast Burritos. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Kickstart your mornings with grab-and-go Breakfast Burritos. Make them ahead, wrap them up, and you’ve got a tasty breakfast for the whole week. Just heat and eat while you’re walking out the door. With these in your fridge, the most important meal of the day is also the quickest.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Burritos

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

A close-up of fettuccine pasta with creamy sauce, reminiscent of Beef Stroganoff, paired with sliced beef, mushrooms, and sprigs of rosemary.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Indulge in rich, comforting flavors with Creamy Beef Stroganoff. By pre-cooking and storing, all it takes is some quick heating when you’re ready to eat. Suddenly, a creamy, indulgent dinner on a busy Tuesday seems like no big deal. Enjoy the extra time you’re not spending on cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Cheeseburger

A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and ketchup on a plate. A bowl of lettuce is in the background.
Cheeseburger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring the classic American diner experience home with a quick-to-assemble Cheeseburger. With patties pre-made and fixings chopped, you’ll throw together a great meal in minutes. Make it fun by setting up a burger bar and let everyone build their own. Fast food at home gets a simple and enjoyable twist.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

Funeral Potatoes

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a dish with a comforting touch, prepare some Funeral Potatoes ahead of time. This casserole can be assembled and refrigerated until it’s time to bake. The convenience of this make-ahead dish means you can enjoy more time with family during the week. And it’s so tasty, it turns any meal into an occasion.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bring some comfort to your table with Corn Casserole that’s easy to prep in advance. Assemble the ingredients in a dish, ready to be baked when you are. Attending to work or family in the evening gets much easier when you know a warm, delicious dinner is just oven-time away.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You don’t need to go out to eat for that restaurant feel. Prep your Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara early, and you can recreate the dining out experience at home. When weeknights get busy, just cook what you’ve prepped and dinner is served. It’s a dish that saves time and impresses at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Crack Chicken Casserole

Close-up of a baked apple crumble dessert in a ceramic dish, featuring a golden-brown crumbly topping.
Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you’ve got a craving for creamy and delicious, Crack Chicken Casserole is ready to please. Prepare it ahead, store it, and just bake when you’re ready for a fulfilling dinner. It’s a great way to avoid the dinner rush without compromising on taste. Plus, it’s always a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add some international flair to your dinner lineup with Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare in advance and full of flavor. Prepare your components ahead of time, and all you need to do is combine them during the week for an instant meal. Travel the world from your dining room!
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Hamburger Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of hamburger casserole, showcasing baked macaroni and cheese layered with ground meat and topped with lettuce and creamy sauce.
Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Get a taste of homestyle without the lengthy prep time with Hamburger Casserole. Just layer your prepped ingredients and bake. You’ll love how it simplifies your weekday routine. This one’s a keeper for those evenings when you need something filling, pronto.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Everyone loves a good Mac and Cheese and making it in advance means you’ve got comfort ready in minutes. Prepare your cheese mix and pasta ahead of time, and the classic dish everyone craves is a quick bake away. It’s perfect for turning any midweek meal into a cozy moment.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

A bowl of white rice topped with glazed chicken and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Why drive for takeout when you can whip up Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken at home? Prepare beforehand, and it’s ready to hit the frying pan for a fast and flavorful dinner. Bring a taste of your favorite fast-casual to your kitchen table without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a fun twist on dinner, try the make-ahead Easy Tater Tot Casserole. It’s a cinch to assemble and ready to pop in the oven at a moment’s notice. Your weeknights just got a dash of playful yet fulfilling eats. Kids and adults alike will look forward to this meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who says you can’t enjoy freshly baked bread on a weekday? Roll and knot your dough for Garlic Knots ahead of time, then bake when needed. It’s a side that turns any simple meal into something special. Get ready to fill your home with the aroma of homemade bread!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Hot and Sour Soup

Bowl of hot and sour soup with mushrooms, tofu, and sliced green onions, with a spoon on the side.
Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A simmering pot of Hot and Sour Soup can be ready in no time with pre-prepped ingredients. Stir in your components after a long day, and the soup is ready to comfort you. It’s a simple way to add a spicy kick to your weeknight meal rituals. Warm up with this favorite without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A great side or main, Potato Casserole is the versatile dish that’s ready when you are. Prep it in advance, bake, and serve for an easy addition to any meal. Efficiency meets comfort with this ever-popular dish. It’s what you need for stress-free evenings.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring the Italian bistro home with Pasta Carbonara that’s prepped and waiting for your final touch. With the groundwork done earlier, it’s only moments away from being dinner table-ready. Impress yourself with how quick a gourmet-style meal can come together on any given weekday.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Million Dollar Casserole

A serving spoon lifts a portion of creamy, baked casserole with a crunchy topping, revealing melted cheese.
Million Dollar Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A little prep turns Million Dollar Casserole into your secret weapon for a relaxed dinner. Just layer your ingredients, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready. It’s a dish with all the comfort you seek, minus the last-minute preparation stress. Now, you can truly dine in style any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Lentil Soup

A hearty bowl of savory lentil soup, beautifully garnished with fresh cilantro, a swirl of cream, and an aromatic blend of spices.
Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Enjoy the rich, wholesome goodness of Lentil Soup without spending all evening by the stove. Do your prep work in advance, then heat and eat. It’s warming, filling, and ready to serve in minutes – perfect for when the weather cools down or you’re searching for a nutritious midweek option.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You can dish out creamy Mashed Potatoes on a weeknight with a bit of preparation. Have them ready to warm, and it’s like Sunday dinner any day of the week. It’s the side dish that transforms a meal with minimal weekday effort. Revel in the ease of bringing comfort food to the table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Tomato Soup

Close-up of a bowl of roasted tomato soup topped with toasted bread chunks, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing says homely like a bowl of Roasted Tomato Soup waiting to be heated and served. Prep early, and the coziest of meals can be ready in the time it takes to pour and warm. It’s the perfect solution to straddling busy schedules and the urge for something homecooked.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Close-up of a savory biscuit with a creamy ham filling, looking like a gourmet twist on a Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, served elegantly on a plate.
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is a southern delight that’s now weeknight-friendly. Prep your biscuits and gravy beforehand, and in the morning, it’s just about baking them together. Enjoy a warm, fulfilling start to the day without the pre-coffee rush. Breakfast is suddenly the easiest part of your day.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *