Busy days call for dinners that feel dependable without extra work at the end of the night. Making food ahead lets you spend less time cooking and more time settling in together. I like knowing that a full meal is ready before the day even starts to wind down. These 13 recipes are built to stretch one cook day into several easy nights you can count on.
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Dutch Oven Whole Chicken
Dutch Oven Whole Chicken is oven roasted until the skin is golden and the meat stays juicy. This simple homemade meal is helpful because one chicken can turn into several dinners. I like using leftovers for salads, wraps, or casseroles during the week. Break the chicken down before storing to save time later.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Whole Chicken
Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi
Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi is baked until the chicken is tender with a sweet-savory sauce. This recipe is helpful for make-ahead meals because the flavors improve after resting. I often prepare it a day early for easy reheating on busy evenings. Store the chicken with sauce so every portion stays moist.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi
Sunday Dinner Pot Roast
Sunday Dinner Pot Roast is simmered low and slow until the beef and vegetables are soft and easy to serve. This classic crock pot meal is helpful when you want dependable dinners ready ahead of time. I like making it early in the week so leftovers can be reheated without extra effort. Keep the meat stored with gravy so it stays tender.
Get the Recipe: Sunday Dinner Pot Roast
Thai-Style Red Curry Soup
Thai-Style Red Curry Soup is gently simmered into a creamy, comforting bowl with vegetables and protein. This recipe works well for make-ahead cooking because it stores and reheats evenly. I like making a full pot so dinner is handled for more than one night. Reheat slowly to keep the soup smooth.
Get the Recipe: Thai-Style Red Curry Soup
Crock Pot Chili
Crock Pot Chili is slow cooked until thick and hearty, with tender meat and beans that hold their texture well. This easy recipe is a family favorite because it makes a large batch with minimal prep. I like making it on the weekend so dinner is ready to reheat on busy nights. Portion leftovers into containers so lunches and second dinners are covered.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili
Bacon Wrapped BBQ Crock Pot Chicken
Bacon Wrapped BBQ Crock Pot Chicken is slow cooked until the chicken is tender and easy to portion. This easy recipe is helpful for families who want dinner handled ahead of time. I like making it once and serving it over a couple of nights with different sides. Let the chicken cool fully before storing so it reheats evenly.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped BBQ Crock Pot Chicken
Vegetarian Biryani Rice
Vegetarian Biryani Rice is cooked in one pot until the rice is fluffy and well seasoned. This simple dish is helpful for make-ahead cooking because it reheats without losing texture. I often pair it with quick sides to build easy dinners through the week. Fluff the rice before storing so it reheats evenly.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Biryani Rice
Crock Pot Brisket
Crock Pot Brisket is slow cooked until fork-tender, with rich gravy soaking into every slice. This homemade comfort food works well for families who want one cook day to stretch across several meals. I often serve it one night and reuse leftovers for sandwiches or plates later in the week. Slice it before storing so reheating stays simple.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Brisket
Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
Dutch Oven Roast Chicken is baked until crisp on the outside and tender inside. This family favorite works well for make-ahead cooking because it reheats evenly. I often plan this recipe when I need flexible protein for busy nights. Store portions with pan juices to keep the chicken from drying out.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
Chicken Sancocho
Chicken Sancocho is simmered into a hearty soup with chicken, vegetables, and starches. This comfort food recipe works well for families because it makes several servings at once. I like cooking it ahead so dinner feels effortless later. Store portions with broth to keep everything tender.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho
Crock Pot London Broil
Crock Pot London Broil cooks gently with potatoes and carrots until everything is tender and well seasoned. This slow cooker recipe works well for families needing hands-off prep and reliable leftovers. I often plan this for a Sunday cook day to cover multiple weeknights. Slice the beef before refrigerating to make reheating quicker.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot London Broil
Tomato and White Bean Soup with Harissa
Tomato and White Bean Soup with Harissa is simmered until thick and filling with beans that hold their shape. This easy soup is helpful for make-ahead meals because it reheats smoothly. I often prepare it early in the week for quick dinners. Stir well when reheating to keep the texture consistent.
Get the Recipe: Tomato and White Bean Soup with Harissa
Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe)
Ajiaco Colombiano is simmered into a thick chicken and potato soup with corn and herbs. This one-pot comfort food works well for make-ahead meals because the flavors deepen after resting. I like preparing it in advance so dinner is ready with just a reheat. Store toppings separately so each serving stays fresh.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe)
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