These easy meals are perfect for busy nights. Simply make 'em ahead of time, then freeze or refrigerate until you're ready to eat. And the best part? They only take 15 minutes to prep!
27 Make-Ahead Dinners That Come Together in Record Time
Updated on Feb. 08, 2024
1/27
Turkey Gnocchi Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
While trying to find a creative use for leftover turkey, we decided to add gnocchi instead of noodles. My 8-year-old daughter always asks for more. If you don't have leftover turkey, a rotisserie chicken works just as well. —Amy Babines, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups soup with 4 teaspoons cheese: 307 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 782mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
2/27
Bacon and Cheese Quiche
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a quiche like this, you don't need a lot of heavy side dishes. It's got everything—eggs, bacon, cheese and a touch of apple juice for a salty-sweet fix. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 739 calories, 60g fat (31g saturated fat), 359mg cholesterol, 781mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
3/27
Cajun Beef Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your little ones who refuse to eat veggies won’t complain one bit when you bring this cheesy casserole with a cornbread crust to the table. For picky eaters, try using less Cajun seasoning. —Kelly Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 449 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 916mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
4/27
Chicken Aloha
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken is a welcome way to cook a quick, delicious meal. —Beth Corbin, Sarasota, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 288 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
5/27
Sirloin Strips over Rice
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this recipe in a movie magazine some 20 years ago. It was the favorite of some male star, but I don’t remember which one. Its great flavor and the fact that leftovers just get better have made it a family favorite! —Karen Dunn, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 318 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 595mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
6/27
7/27
Beef Stroganoff Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For an American take on classic Russian comfort food, we turn beef Stroganoff into a sandwich. It comes together fast, and our family devours it. —Alison Garcia, Beatrice, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 443 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
8/27
Sweet-and-Sour Meat Loaf
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I like basic, hearty meat-and-potatoes meals. The sweet-and-sour flavor adds a deliciously different twist to this longtime standby. —Debbie Haneke, Stafford, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 419 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 146mg cholesterol, 969mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
9/27
Sausage Manicotti
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 489 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1232mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
10/27
Chicken Broccoli Shells
Total Time
45 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 shells: 355 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
11/27
Taco Twists
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Why serve tacos only in ordinary flour or corn tortillas? For a mouthwatering change of pace, bake the taco beef in flaky, golden crescent rolls. My family enjoys these for a warm lunch or light dinner.—Carla Kreider, Quarryville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco twist: 214 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
12/27
Lasagna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While growing up, I always wanted this meal on my birthday. Mother made the sauce from scratch, but now I use store-bought spaghetti sauce to save time. Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage if you want more spice. —Deb Morrison, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 667 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1209mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 44g protein.
13/27
Simple Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 casseroles (5 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken enchilada recipe is one of the first dishes I created and cooked for my husband right after we got married. He was so impressed! We fix these creamy enchiladas for friends regularly. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 828 calories, 40g fat (17g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 1738mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 42g protein.
14/27
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone who tries this comforting cheesy chicken casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel as if I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 632 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
15/27
Fiesta Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chili powder and picante sauce add just the right dash to this hearty main dish. It's a snap to assemble since it uses convenience foods. —Teresa Peterson, Kasson, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 324 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
16/27
Jambalaya
Total Time
4 hours 50 min
Servings
11 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
During chilly times of the year, I fix this jambalaya at least once a month. It’s so easy—just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup jambalaya: 230 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1016mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
17/27
Bavarian Pot Roast
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since all my grandparents were German, it's no wonder that so many Bavarian recipes have been handed down to me. Because the Midwest has such a large German population, I feel this recipe represents the area well. —Susan Robertson, Hamilton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef: 281 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 633mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
18/27
Baked Nectarine Chicken Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks love the crunchy chow mein noodles on top. I love that I can make it a day in advance and refrigerate until it's time to serve. Serve with hot bread or rolls. —Faye Robinson, Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 539 calories, 37g fat (7g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 911mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
19/27
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 317 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
20/27
Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is not a drill. These buffalo chicken enchiladas—filled with tender rotisserie chicken, lots of cheese and, of course, Buffalo sauce—are a craveworthy, easy and delicious meal. The entire family will ask for them again and again. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 472 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1387mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
21/27
Hungarian Short Ribs
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a special meal in our house—as soon as I get ribs, I know which dish my family will ask me to make. My husband and I have three children, so I've learned to be a versatile cook! —Joanne ShewChuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 261 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
22/27
Artichoke Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give chicken a wonderful savory flavor. I've served this dish for a large group by doubling the recipe. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 235 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 773mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
23/27
Spaghetti Pie Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family adores this spaghetti casserole. It's old-timey comfort food. This is how to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese. —Patricia Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 396 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
24/27
Greek Tomato Soup with Orzo
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My recipe for manestra, which means orzo in Greek, is effortless and very easy to make. You need only a few steps to transform simple ingredients into a creamy one-pot wonder. —Kiki Vagianos, Melrose, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 299 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 882mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 12g fiber), 11g protein.
25/27
De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 329 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
26/27
Chicken Neapolitan
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often prepare a weeks worth of recipes on the weekend and freeze them so I can quickly have dinner ready for our hungry teenage boys after one of their many sports activities. Served over noodles, this moist chicken with a flavorful sauce is a favorite.—Joan Williams, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 138 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 912mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
27/27
Penne and Smoked Sausage
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 553 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1425mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
