Recipes Everyday Cooking Make-Ahead 7 Make-Ahead Dinners for Every Night of the Week Because who has the time? By Corey Williams Corey Williams Corey Williams is a food writer for MyRecipes and Allrecipes. She has a decade of journalism experience. Allrecipes' editorial guidelines Published on July 29, 2024 Close Photo: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Busy times call for make-ahead meals that make weeknights (and weekend nights) easier. That's why we've pulled together seven of our favorite make-ahead dinner recipes that make meal prep a breeze, from simple salads to crowd-pleasing casseroles—that's one for every night of the week! 01 of 08 Monday: Italian Tortellini Salad lutzflcat "This Italian tortellini salad is truly a delicious summertime pasta dish, but we enjoy it all year long. It's an easy make-ahead salad, perfect to pack for a picnic, take to a potluck, or serve at your next backyard BBQ. This makes 6 main course servings or 8 side dishes." —Pat Bernitt View Recipe 02 of 08 Tuesday: Miso Noodle Soup in a Jar Allrecipes Magazine "Our version of miso noodle soup in a jar was inspired by recipes on TikTok for miso soup in a jar. Try this heat-and-eat recipe for a warming main to prep and tote all season long. Use jars labeled “microwave-safe” (check the bottoms) and never microwave the lids." —Juliana Hale View Recipe 03 of 08 Wednesday: Coconut Chicken Curry (Make-Ahead Freezer Meal) "Gourmet from your freezer! Sweet, creamy, spicy, and meaty—this make-ahead chicken curry meal is full of delicious flavor and great when you're craving something like takeout but want to make it at home." —Allrecipes Editorial Team View Recipe 04 of 08 Thursday: Make-Ahead Chicken Divan Casserole "My entire family loves this dish. The word 'casserole' is in the name since traditional chicken divan is made separate from the rice and served alongside it. This can be prepared a day or two in advance and baked before serving. Simplify the process by using leftover cooked rice and a store-bought cooked chicken." —Mod Mom View Recipe 05 of 08 Friday: Make-Ahead Ground Beef Casserole fabeveryday "This ground beef casserole is fast and easy. Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen." —VICMOLLYB View Recipe 06 of 08 Saturday: Make-Ahead Slow Cooker Beef Stew "I have used this basic principle for make-ahead manicotti and adapted it to make stuffed shells and lasagna. If I'm making lasagna, I buy a second, smaller jar of spaghetti sauce because I always feel like I need a bit more." —Sandir View Recipe 07 of 08 Sunday: Make-Ahead Moroccan Lamb Stew Dotdash Meredith Food Studios "This Moroccan-style stew with ground lamb was inspired by the wonderful spices and flavors used in Moroccan cuisine. We like to double the recipe and freeze one portion for later." —Make-Ahead Mamas View Recipe 08 of 08 More Inspiration Dotdash Meredith Food Studios 7 Ground Beef Dinners for Every Night of the Week 7 Rotisserie Chicken Dinners for Every Night of the Week 7 Chicken Casseroles for Every Night of the Week 7 Pasta Dinners for Every Night of the Week 7 Easy 30-Minute Dinners for Every Night of the Week Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit