20 Make-Ahead Family Recipes
Lemony Chicken Noodle Soup
This hearty, kid-friendly soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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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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Toasty Mac and Cheese
Eat this cheesy, creamy meal right away, or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Sunday-Night Chili
Cumin, chili powder, garlic, and tomato paste give this freezable meal-in-a-bowl rich depth.
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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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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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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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Spiced Braised Beef With Sweet Potatoes
Seasoned with cumin, ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne, this slow-cooker meal freezes well.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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