20 Make-Ahead Family Recipes

Marcus Nilsson

Feeling the dinner crunch? Turn to these make-ahead and freezer-friendly recipes to get a delicious meal on the table in no time.

1 of 20 Marcus Nilsson

Lemony Chicken Noodle Soup

This hearty, kid-friendly soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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2 of 20 Marcus Nilsson

Oven-Baked Fish Sticks

Coat the fish in seasoned bread crumbs, then freeze. To cook, bake until crisp and opaque throughout, about 20 minutes.

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3 of 20 Marcus Nilsson

Toasty Mac and Cheese

Eat this cheesy, creamy meal right away, or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.

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4 of 20 Marcus Nilsson

Bean, Spinach, and Quinoa Burritos

Make an extra batch of these healthy, filling burritos and freeze for a quick microwavable dinner on a busy weeknight.

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5 of 20 Marcus Nilsson

Ziti and Meatballs

Loaded with carrots, onions, zucchini, and garlic, the tomato sauce is full of robust flavor. You can freeze both the meatballs and the sauce.

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6 of 20 Romulo Yanes

Chicken and Gruyère Turnovers

These stuffed pastry pockets make a great handheld snack. Make a batch and freeze for a quick anytime nosh.

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7 of 20 Jonny Valiant

Cottage Pie

Filled with potatoes, beef, and butternut squash, this stick-to-your-ribs casserole can be assembled and frozen up to 3 months in advance.

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8 of 20 Sang An

Slow-Cooker White Bean and Kielbasa Stew

This warm, comforting meal is great to freeze and keep on hand for last-minute lunches and dinners.

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9 of 20 Christopher Baker

Spicy Chipotle Meatballs With Rice

Add chopped chipotle chilies to the tomato sauce to get that spicy kick. You can cook the meatballs and sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate, or freeze them separately.

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10 of 20 Raymond Hom

Sunday-Night Chili

Cumin, chili powder, garlic, and tomato paste give this freezable meal-in-a-bowl rich depth.

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11 of 20 Ellie Miller

Chicken, Ham, and Swiss Roulades

Roll up each chicken cutlet with a slice of ham and cheese before cooking for a delicious surprise inside. The uncooked roulades can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.

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12 of 20 David Prince

Turkey and Corn Enchiladas

Stuff each tortilla with shredded roasted turkey, corn, and grated pepper Jack cheese. Refrigerate the unbaked enchiladas for up to 1 day.

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13 of 20 Jose Picayo

Sausage and White Bean Casserole

You can make this simple version of a classic French cassoulet—with carrots, Swiss chard, and a bread crumb topping—up to 2 days in advance.

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14 of 20 Kan Kanbayashi

Spiced Braised Beef With Sweet Potatoes

Seasoned with cumin, ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne, this slow-cooker meal freezes well.

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15 of 20 Hans Gissinger

Baked Penne With Spinach

Chopped sun-dried tomatoes and balsamic vinegar lend sweetness to the pasta casserole. Freeze the unbaked dish for up to 3 months.

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16 of 20 Christopher Baker

Eggplant Lasagna With Herbed Ricotta and Asiago

A great alternative for vegetarians, this pasta-free lasagna can be baked, then refrigerated for up to 2 days.

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17 of 20 Kana Okada

Chicken With Tomatoes and Thyme

Prep each portion in individual bags and freeze, then roast in a baking dish when you’re ready to eat.

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18 of 20 Jonny Valiant

Sausage, Cauliflower, and Kale Potpie

Delicious and easy, the casserole may be assembled (except for the puff pastry) and refrigerated up to 1 day in advance.

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19 of 20 Dana Gallagher

Chicken Posole

This fresh, spicy Mexican chicken soup is a meal in itself when served with tortilla chips, chopped avocado, and sliced radishes. For extra-easy re-serving, freeze leftovers in individual portions and let thaw in the refrigerator the night before you serve them.

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20 of 20 Con Poulos

Pasta With Kale and Walnut Pesto

Prepare the unusual pesto—made with walnuts, kale, pecorino, garlic, and olive oil—and refrigerate or freeze. Combine with pasta for a quick meal when you’re too busy to cook.

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20 Make-Ahead Family Recipes

Lemony Chicken Noodle Soup

Oven-Baked Fish Sticks

Toasty Mac and Cheese

Bean, Spinach, and Quinoa Burritos

Ziti and Meatballs

Chicken and Gruyère Turnovers

Cottage Pie

Slow-Cooker White Bean and Kielbasa Stew

Spicy Chipotle Meatballs With Rice

Sunday-Night Chili

Chicken, Ham, and Swiss Roulades

Turkey and Corn Enchiladas

Sausage and White Bean Casserole

Spiced Braised Beef With Sweet Potatoes

Baked Penne With Spinach

Eggplant Lasagna With Herbed Ricotta and Asiago

Chicken With Tomatoes and Thyme

Sausage, Cauliflower, and Kale Potpie

Chicken Posole

Pasta With Kale and Walnut Pesto

You May Like

Read More

20 Make-Ahead Family Recipes

Lemony Chicken Noodle Soup

Oven-Baked Fish Sticks

Toasty Mac and Cheese

Bean, Spinach, and Quinoa Burritos

Ziti and Meatballs

Chicken and Gruyère Turnovers

Cottage Pie

Slow-Cooker White Bean and Kielbasa Stew

Spicy Chipotle Meatballs With Rice

Sunday-Night Chili

Chicken, Ham, and Swiss Roulades

Turkey and Corn Enchiladas

Sausage and White Bean Casserole

Spiced Braised Beef With Sweet Potatoes

Baked Penne With Spinach

Eggplant Lasagna With Herbed Ricotta and Asiago

Chicken With Tomatoes and Thyme

Sausage, Cauliflower, and Kale Potpie

Chicken Posole

Pasta With Kale and Walnut Pesto

You May Like

Read More

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