Finding go-to meals you can make ahead of time is the holy grail for busy parents juggling work, family, and everything in between. Having a repertoire of recipes that can be prepped earlier in the day or even the weekend allows you to serve a hearty, home-cooked dinner without the last-minute rush. These 17 recipes focus on the practical elements that make a dish truly parent-friendly: straightforward ingredients, minimal cooking time, and easy cleanup.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
This Philly Cheese Steak Casserole transforms the flavors of the iconic sandwich that takes less than an hour to prepare and cook. Pre-chopping the steak and vegetables allows busy parents to quickly assemble and bake the dish later. Mixing in the cheese blend and baking takes just 25 minutes, ideal for a weeknight. The minimal baking time and straightforward ingredients make it a practical choice for busy households. Once baked, it offers a hearty meal for enjoying on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This is a one-pan, 30-minute meal featuring roasted sausage and an array of vegetables. Preparation is simple and can be done ahead of time, a plus for busy parents. When ready, just throw it in the oven for a quick and nutritious meal. The single pan used means minimal cleanup. Practical and time-efficient, this dish makes weeknight dinners less of a chore.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This recipe combines chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese in a 30-minute bake. Pre-marinating the chicken and wilting the spinach earlier in the day makes it a seamless weeknight meal for busy parents. Simply spread the cream cheese and layer the other ingredients when you’re ready to cook. The dish comes together in 30 minutes, providing the family a quick, hearty meal. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, it’s a practical choice that minimizes kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This 30-minute casserole fuses steamed broccoli and cauliflower with a rich cheese sauce and bacon. Ideal for busy parents, it can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed. Using frozen vegetables speeds up the preparation process significantly. Just put it in the oven for a quick and warm meal. The single-dish approach also minimizes cleanup, making it a practical weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
Chicken breasts are seasoned, topped with cream cheese and mini sweet peppers, and then oven-baked. Prepare the components ahead of time to streamline dinner prep during busy evenings. It requires minimal effort and yields a warm and filling dinner. One pan and straightforward steps mean less kitchen time. For busy parents, it’s a convenient and quick solution.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Big Mac Salad
This salad recreates a fast-food classic in a healthier form. You can prepare it in advance, allowing for a quick assembly and serving at dinner time. Busy parents will find this a time-efficient solution for weeknights. It’s straightforward to make and requires minimal ingredients. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This spicy take on a chicken salad offers a unique but quick meal option. It can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until dinner. Busy parents will find it to be a convenient, make-ahead dish. The simple ingredients and quick assembly mean less time spent in the kitchen. It offers both convenience and flavor in a single dish.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Canned Chicken Patties
These quick-to-make patties are a 20-minute solution for busy weeknights. Ideal for busy parents, they can be made ahead and served with a simple side of vegetables. Canned chicken speeds up the preparation time significantly. Just heat them up when you’re ready to eat. The quick prep time and easy ingredients make them a practical choice for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This 20-minute prep soup uses a Crock Pot to simplify your dinner routine. Brown the ground beef beforehand and let the slow cooker do the rest so you can relax and enjoy time with your family while dinner cooks. With easy-to-find pantry staples, it’s a no-fuss option for busy parents. It saves time and energy, making it a practical weeknight choice.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Sausage Breakfast Casserole
This 50-minute casserole offers a make-ahead breakfast option combining sausage, eggs, and cheese. Prepare it ahead for hassle-free mornings and a protein-packed start to the day. Or, make it and serve for “brinner” (breakfast for dinner). Being filling and easy to make, it simplifies mealtime for busy parents. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat. With straightforward ingredients and preparation, it’s a no-fuss meal solution.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
This soup, featuring Italian sausage, cream cheese, and canned tomatoes, is a one-pot, 30-minute meal. Prepare it ahead and have it ready to heat and serve for dinner. It’s simple to make and even easier to clean up afterward. For busy parents, this is a practical weeknight option. Quick cooking time and minimal cleanup make it a strong go-to choice.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
This one-pan casserole features seasoned chicken thighs and spicy jalapeños. It’s a great make-ahead option for parents who have limited time for last-minute meal prep. Once assembled, just bake to create a hot and comforting meal. Its single-dish nature simplifies cleanup. Practical and straightforward, it offers busy parents a warm meal without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
This soup blends cauliflower, cheddar, and bacon in a 30-minute meal. Prepare the cauliflower and broth ahead of time for a quick dinner solution. It’s especially comforting on cold winter nights. For busy parents, this makes for a warm, convenient meal. The focus is on simplicity and speed, ideal for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup
Keto Zuppa Toscana
This one-hour soup brings together a variety of flavors in a filling meal. For busy parents, the make-ahead nature of this dish is a lifesaver, allowing for simple reheating. All you need to do is prepare the ingredients, let them simmer, and store until needed. This offers a break from last-minute cooking pressures. It’s a convenient option that doesn’t skimp on comfort.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This dish brings ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach together in 30 minutes. It’s designed for busy parents, allowing for advance preparation and easy baking when ready. The one-casserole method means fewer dishes to clean. It provides a convenient and substantial meal without long kitchen hours. Quick preparation and easy cleanup make this a go-to weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
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Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
This 40-minute pumpkin soup can be prepared in advance and is ideal for fall evenings. Simmer, blend, and store until it’s time for dinner. With canned pumpkin, the ingredient list is straightforward and easy to keep on hand. Busy parents can appreciate the minimal time required for both preparation and cooking. It’s an effortless yet comforting option for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin