A meal train is a way for a community of people to bring food to someone in need. Whether you're comforting a friend or supporting a new parent, these meal train ideas can help.
35 Meal Train Ideas to Help Loved Ones in Need
Updated on Mar. 08, 2023
Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
Everyone needs an easy meal. Try this sheet-pan chicken with roasted potatoes for a simple and tasty meal guaranteed to please the whole family. If you use fresh lemon juice, garnish each serving with a little lemon zest for bright flavor. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Once you know what you’re going to cook, check out our meal train tips for help organizing the logistics.
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Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my grandchildren's most-loved dish. It feels like a special dinner and is so cozy for cooler months. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 526 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 881mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
3/34
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 110 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
Editor’s tip: Fresh salads (especially ones with protein) are a great meal to bring new parents—they’ll provide some nutrition to help them endure those first few weeks of sleepless nights!
4/34
Pepperoni Pan Pizza
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 pizzas (9 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 460 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1096mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
5/34
Spinach Burritos
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made up this recipe a couple of years ago after trying a similar dish in a restaurant. Our oldest son tells me these burritos are awesome! It's an added bonus that they're inexpensive and easy to make. —Dolores Zornow, Poynette, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 382 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 1049mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
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Sheet-Pan Chicken and Veggies
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 cup vegetables: 357 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
7/34
Skillet Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
8/34
Chipotle Carnitas
Total Time
10 hours 28 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 269 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch.
9/34
Ham & Veggie Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve paired ham with broccoli and cauliflower for years. To complete this casserole dinner, I pass around some dinner rolls. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 420 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 1233mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein.
10/34
Mediterranean Bulgur Bowl
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can also transform this tasty bowl into an Italian version with mozzarella, pesto, tomatoes, spinach and basil. —Renata Smith, Brookline, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 311 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 521mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein.
11/34
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.
12/34
Bratwurst Dinner
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying a few bratwurst recipes, I've found this meal-in-one is ideal for camping since it grills to perfection in a heavy-duty foil bag. Loaded with chunks of bratwurst, red potatoes, mushrooms and carrots, it's easy to season with onion soup mix and a little soy sauce. —Janice Meyer, Medford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 524 calories, 37g fat (14g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1445mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
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Frito Corn Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Frito corn salad is always requested by friends and family! Super easy and great alongside just about any main course. Quick tip: Wait on adding Fritos until you're about to serve, as they tend to get soggy after a few hours. —Mandy McKinnon, North Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 463 calories, 35g fat (9g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
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Crescent Turkey Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic but doesn’t take any time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 453 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
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Roasted Curried Chickpeas and Cauliflower
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When there’s not much time to cook, try roasting potatoes and cauliflower with chickpeas for a warm-you-up dinner. It's a filling meal on its own, but you can add chicken or tofu to the sheet pan if you'd like. —Pam Correll, Brockport, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 339 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
16/34
Tuscan Fish Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband does a lot of fishing, so I'm always looking for different ways to serve his catches. A professional chef was kind enough to share this recipe with me, and I played around with some different veggie combinations until I found the one my family liked best. —Kathy Morrow, Hubbard, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 270 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
17/34
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup spinach mixture: 223 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Editor’s tip: Provide some rice to round out this meal. Simple white or brown rice will do just fine, or you can make one of these healthy rice recipes.
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Creamy Skillet Noodles with Peas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve made this creamy noodle side for years. Since kids and adults go for it, I keep the ingredients on hand at all times. —Anita Groff, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 329 calories, 31g fat (8g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 757mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
19/34
Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 410 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
20/34
Bonnie’s Chili
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This chili is incredibly easy to make, and has a surprising depth of flavor for something that comes together in no time before the slow cooker takes over the work. I can make this for people who like it hot or mild just by changing the salsa. You can make it really spicy if you add hot peppers and hot salsa. —Bonnie Altig, North Pole, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 323 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1027mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 31g protein.
Editor’s tip: A batch of this Buttery Cornbread is the perfect side dish to pair with this comforting chili.
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Arrabbiata Sauce with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This popular Italian dish is flavorful and spicy. We decided to re-create one of our favorite jarred sauces and serve over zucchini pasta for a lighter, healthier meal that's naturally gluten-free. The results were amazing! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sauce with 1 cup zucchini noodles: 287 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
22/34
Southwest Vegetarian Bake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This veggie-packed casserole hits the spot on chilly nights. It's a healthy canned vegetable recipe that's perfect any time I have a taste for Mexican food with all the fixings. —Patricia Gale, Monticello, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 285 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
23/34
Beef with Broccoli
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 313 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 816mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Editor’s tip: If you want to send over something sweet as well, try one of these easy desserts that have five ingredients or less.
24/34
Vegetable Strata
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 677 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 244mg cholesterol, 940mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 35g protein.
25/34
Burrito Bake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I was in college, my roommate would frequently make this economical baked burrito casserole. It's so easy to put together, and one serving goes a long way. —Cindee Ness, Horace, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 509 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1403mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
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Beef and Shells
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I fix this supper when I'm pressed for time. It's as tasty as it is fast. Team it with salad, bread and fruit for a comforting meal. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 344 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
Editor’s tip: These make-ahead salad recipes are the perfect sides for a meal train—they taste even better as they marinate, so you won’t have to worry about soggy salad!
27/34
Bacon Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 339 calories, 31g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
28/34
Shrimp Fried Rice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and taste that makes it vanish fast. Our family of four can't get enough of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider it when you need a different main dish or brunch item. —Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 332 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 236mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
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Peasant Skillet
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I prepare this supper frequently throughout the year, substituting whatever vegetables are in season. No matter how often I make it, I'm always asked for the recipe. —Lisbeth Whitehead, Watertown, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 382 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
30/34
Baja Pork Tacos
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had, when we were visiting Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. —Ariella Winn, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 320 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
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Spicy Rice Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stirring up pork sausage, wild rice and jalapeno to taste makes this a terrific side. Or serve it with cornbread to turn it into a main dish. It’s easy to make ahead and reheat for a potluck meal. —Debbie Jones, California, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 473 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 1365mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
32/34
Bean & Cheese Quesadillas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son doesn't eat meat, so I created this recipe as a way for me to cook one meal for the family instead of two. It's so easy, my toddler grandson helps me make it! —Tina McMullen, Salina, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla: 544 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1028mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein.
33/34
Salmon Sliders
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The fresh flavors of the salmon and herbs are just unbeatable. I serve these as full-size burgers on kaiser rolls too. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2 sliders: 446 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
34/34
Quinoa and Black Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 375 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
