Ahead of the game: 15 make ahead dinners for busy weeknights

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Flip the script on frantic evenings. Prep today, plate tomorrow with these 15 make ahead dinners for busy weeknights.

A bowl of cheesy hamburger pasta and green onions.
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Pasta. Photo Credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Turmeric Lentil Soup

A pot of veggie lentil soup, filled with vegetables and lentils.
Turmeric Lentil Soup. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

While many of our make ahead dinners call for meat or poultry, here’s a vegetarian option. This hearty turmeric lentil soup is chock full of vegetables for your Meatless Monday.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Lentil Soup

Pulled Pork

Image shows a Pulled pork sandwich on white plate with pretzels on the side.
Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight in the tender and flavorful goodness of our Instant Pot Pulled Pork. Succulent and juicy pork is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in mouthwatering pulled pork perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Pasta

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

This kid-pleasing cheesy hamburger pasta recipe can be served straight from the pot or baked in the oven. Double the recipe and freeze a casserole dish to serve later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Pasta

Venison Stew

Venison stew in a red pot with a wooden spoon.
Venison Stew. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Hunting season is here and this is one of our family’s favorite make ahead recipes for busy weeknights. Prep and simmer on Sunday, then serve on Tuesday with crusty rolls.
Get the Recipe: Venison Stew

Sausage Kale Bean Soup

Sausage, kale and bean soup in pot with a wooden spoon.
Sausage Kale Bean Soup. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

This delicious sausage kale bean soup is a perfect “heat it quick” soup for busy weeknights. And it’s a fun way to sneak some kale into your family’s meals.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Kale Bean Soup

Chicken Salsa Black Bean Casserole

Chicken black bean salsa casserole.
Chicken Salsa Black Bean Casserole. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Clear out your pantry and fridge and turn those leftovers into this chicken salsa black bean casserole. Make it today, freeze it, and eat it at night when you don’t have time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salsa Black Bean Casserole

Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Transform your weeknight dinners with these mouthwatering cheesy chicken enchiladas made using rotisserie chicken. You can enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal that will have your whole family asking for seconds in just a few simple steps. Say goodbye to mealtime stress and hello to deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Sauce

Creamy zucchini pasta sauce with shaved parmesan.
Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Sauce. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Sometimes it is tricky to make a cream sauce ahead of time, but this one works. Store it in a glass mason jar in the fridge for up to three days, then reheat in a pot and add cooked pasta. Yum!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Sauce

Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Image shows an overhead shot of Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork on a blue plate served with rice.
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of slow cooker garlic roast pork. This mouthwatering dish features tender pork infused with garlicky goodness, creating a delightful taste explosion in every bite. It’s incredibly simple and quick to prepare, and delicious after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Slow Cooker Thai Pork

Image shows Slow Cooker Thai Pork on a bed of rice on a white plate with sliced carrots and green onion on top of it.
Slow Cooker Thai Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Embark on a culinary journey with slow cooked Thai pork, a tantalizing dish that combines tender pork with aromatic Thai spices. Let the slow cooker do all the work, infusing the pork with irresistible flavors that will make you return for more.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Pork

Crockpot Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Crockpot Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delight in the succulent and flavorful taste of crockpot carnitas, one of our favorite make ahead dinners. Using your crockpot turns the pork into a melt-in-your-mouth delight that will impress everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas

Crockpot Chili

Image shows a closeup of a bowl of Crockpot beef chili.
Crockpot Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into a bowl of hearty crockpot chili, packed with tender meat, beans, and a medley of flavors that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Whether enjoyed on a night in or at a gathering with friends, this comforting dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Image shows an overhead shot of Easy Cheesy Stuffed Shells with a small plate holding one and the rest of the pan next to it.
Cheesy Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into a gooey and comforting delight with these Cheesy Stuffed Shells filled with savory goodness. They are the perfect meatless Monday meal that will satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Image shows a wooden spoon holding a scoop of Mexican skillet quinoa with the full pot behind it.
Mexican Skillet Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This naturally gluten-free recipe is filled with protein between the quinoa and beans, plus it has tons of flavor with the salsa, corn, and more. This one pot meal has it all, and it’s a great addition to your make ahead dinners recipe collection.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Thai Chicken Chili

Image shows an overhead shot of a bowl of Thai Chicken Chili.
Thai Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Embark on a culinary adventure with Thai Chicken Chili, where fragrant spices and tender chicken create a harmonious and fiery flavor experience. Discover the perfect balance of heat and depth in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili

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