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Home » Recipe Collections

31 Make-Ahead Meals That Help You Plan for a Busy Week

Published: Mar 31, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Make ahead meals are a great way to stay one step ahead when life gets busy. Whether you're juggling work, school, or just trying to get through a packed week, having meals prepped and ready to go saves time and takes the stress out of figuring out dinner. With a little prep, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the things that matter.

An image of vegetarian enchilada casserole in a clear baking dish.

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli cheese casserole comes together in 30 minutes with just three ingredients. It’s a great make-ahead meal that keeps dinner easy and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

An image of cooked tater tot casserole.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Loaded with veggies, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots, this casserole is quick to prep. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

An image of corn casserole with cream cheese, ready to be served.
Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cheesy corn casserole works with fresh, frozen, or canned corn. It’s an easy side dish that fits well into any meal prep plan.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Squash Casserole with Stuffing

An image of Squash Casserole in a baking dish.
Squash Casserole with Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Squash casserole blends yellow squash, hatch chiles, and mushroom soup into a hearty bake. It’s a solid make-ahead choice that suits festive meals.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing

Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

A close up view of a cooked asparagus casserole in a baking dish.
Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tender asparagus, crispy breadcrumbs, and cheddar topping come together in this casserole. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

An angled shot of savory sweet potato casserole served in a baking dish.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sweet potato casserole with honey walnut topping is easy to prep ahead. It doubles as a holiday side or a simple comfort dish for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Green Rice Casserole

An overhead image of green rice casserole in a white baking dish.
Green Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green rice casserole packs bold flavors and takes less than 35 minutes. It’s an excellent solution for a quick and stress-free weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

A close-up image of gochujang cauliflower tacos on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of lime slices and sliced red onions.
Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These Korean spiced cauliflower tacos are crispy and full of flavor. Prep them ahead and easily switch up toppings for a quick dinner fix.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

Authentic Mulligatawny Soup

A close-up image of a bowl of authentic mulligatawny soup.
Authentic Mulligatawny Soup. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Mulligatawny Soup combines vegetables, lentils, and coconut broth in one pot. Ready in under an hour, it’s a reliable make-ahead meal for any night.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Mulligatawny Soup

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

An image of vegetarian enchilada casserole in a clear baking dish.
Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Hearty veggies and homemade enchilada sauce make this casserole a great choice. It’s cheesy and easy to prep ahead for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Carrot Casserole

An overhead image of baked carrot casserole.
Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy carrot casserole topped with breadcrumbs is smooth and easy to prep. It’s a great make-ahead option that works well for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

An overhead image of slow cooker green bean casserole on a plate.
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker green bean casserole takes just 10 minutes to prep. It’s a smart way to simplify holiday cooking while freeing up oven space.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Italian Tomato Pasta Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Italian tomato pasta soup brings together ground beef, sausage, and escarole. It’s a comforting make-ahead meal that’s perfect for colder months.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy beef casserole with spinach and cauliflower rice is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a simple, make-ahead dish that keeps weeknights running smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Overnight breakfast casserole layers ham, hash browns, and veggies in one dish. It’s a stress-free way to start the day with minimal morning effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and cheddar is easy to prep ahead. It’s a practical addition to holiday spreads or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy asparagus casserole highlights tender asparagus in a quick, oven-ready dish. It’s an easy choice for casual dinners or holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken and rice casserole blends mushroom soup, rice, and cheese into one dish. It’s a great make-ahead option that simplifies busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken bacon ranch casserole in baking dish.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon ranch casserole with chicken, pasta, and cheese is quick to assemble. It’s a familiar, no-stress meal for gatherings or busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Penne and chicken in a casserole dish with pesto and cheese.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Chicken Alfredo casserole offers a creamy, cheesy bake that’s easy to prepare. It’s a solid make-ahead choice that works well for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Keto Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef

Keto Zucchini with Ground Beef in a casserole dish with a spoon.
Keto Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Ground beef zucchini casserole is straightforward and quick to make. It’s a time-saving option that fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken and dumpling casserole transforms a classic dish into a one-pan bake. It’s a hassle-free solution for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Corned Beef Hash Casserole in a square baking dish.
Corned Beef Hash Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corned beef casserole with potatoes is easy on the budget and simple to prepare. It’s a hearty make-ahead option that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded broccoli and cauliflower casserole mixes cheese sauce and bacon in a prep-friendly dish. It’s great for holiday spreads or casual family meals.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken cordon bleu casserole turns a classic favorite into an easy one-dish meal. It’s a great choice for feeding a crowd without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken pot pie casserole layers puff pastry, chicken, and veggies in one bake. It’s a no-stress option that works for both weeknights and holidays.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole

Chicken alfredo broccoli bake cooking in dish on rack.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Chicken broccoli Alfredo casserole combines creamy sauce, chicken, and broccoli. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a perfect make-ahead solution for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole

Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Brussels sprouts with pancetta, feta, and pomegranate make a colorful side. Quick to prep, it’s a simple way to add variety to holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

Chicken Fajita Wrap

Chicken Fajita Wrap. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Crispy chicken fajita wraps turn a classic dish into a portable meal. They’re easy to prep ahead and make great use of leftover chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Wrap

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Easy cheesy hamburger casserole in bowl with onion garnish.
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Hamburger casserole with pasta and cheese is hearty and crowd-friendly. It’s a quick-prep dish that makes weeknight dinners stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Ravioli Casserole

Cheesy chicken casserole in a white dish.
Buffalo Chicken Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Buffalo chicken ravioli casserole brings bold flavors with minimal effort. It’s a fast, make-ahead solution that’s perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Ravioli Casserole

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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