12 Healthy Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Weeknights

23.9K
2.2K
409
2025-11-16
12 Healthy Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Weeknights

Serve your family a healthy make-ahead meal that's easy to prep. Our recipes include hearty casseroles, warm soups and stews, and freeze-ahead family meals. Instead of stopping by the drive-through, prep one (or a few) of these satisfying recipes to take the strain off busy days.

01 of 12

Orange-Rosemary Shrimp

Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and marinated in fragrant rosemary and orange juice, this healthy make-ahead meal is sure to win over the table. The best part? The shrimp and veggies can be frozen in their marinade for up to a month, allowing ample time to develop delicious flavor.

02 of 12

Slow-Cooked Beef and Veggies

Combine all the ingredients for this make-ahead family meal and stash it in the fridge for up to three days. Then, just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker for a seriously delicious meat-and-potatoes meal with carrots and celery added.

03 of 12

Lentils Bolognese

This healthy make-ahead meal stars lentils as plant-based protein. Keep your prepped ingredients in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 days, and it'll be ready to dump in the slow cooker for a vegetarian dinner that's so good even meat-eaters will devour it.

04 of 12

Make-Ahead Taco Salad Cups

With these tasty salad cups on hand, you'll always be prepared to satisfy a taco craving. The turkey mixture can be frozen for up to three months, so all that's needed to serve these tiny taco salads is to bake the shells and fill them with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa.

05 of 12

Beef and Black Bean Chili

Lighten up this hearty comfort-food classic by filling every bite with protein-rich black beans, veggies, and bold seasonings (we even sneaked in some cocoa powder). The healthy make-ahead dinner can be chilled for up to three days or frozen for up to two months.

06 of 12

Make-Ahead Korean-Inspired Chicken with Broccoli

Skip the takeout menu and opt for this healthy make-ahead meal instead. The Asian-inspired recipe makes enough spicy chicken and broccoli for two meals. Enjoy one portion tonight and save the other for another day—or freeze both for speedy future meals.

07 of 12

Make-Ahead Mediterranean Pork Chops

Classic Mediterranean flavors (lemon, oregano, olives, and parsley) are bursting in every bite of this delicious and healthy make-ahead meal. Store the pork chops in the freezer for up to two months. Then, when you're ready, thaw them in the fridge for up to 48 hours before a quick reheat on the stove.

08 of 12

Green Chile Chicken Tortilla Casserole

With fresh poblano chile peppers and a jar of zesty salsa, this casserole is far from plain. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours for an easy, delicious dinner. Garnish with tomatoes and cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.

09 of 12

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

Full of delicious zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and peppers, this healthy make-ahead vegetarian meal is rich in nutrients. This extra-healthy and tasty veggie-and-cheese-packed lasagna can be frozen for up to a month.

10 of 12

Mini Meat Loaves with Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes

These mini meat loaves are a great freeze-ahead family meal when everyone needs a plate of (healthier) comfort food. We use a tangy teriyaki glaze instead of tomato to twist traditional meat loaf.

11 of 12

Meal-Prep Shredded Chicken Base

If you don't like eating the same thing days in a row, fix that issue with some delicious shredded chicken as a base for all sorts of healthy make-ahead meals. Store the chicken in the fridge or freezer to make a quick sandwich or salad. You can also try some of our delicious suggestions, including chicken masala and chicken melts (pictured).

12 of 12

Two-Pea Soup with Pork

This protein-packed two-pea soup is perfect for a healthy make-ahead dinner—you can keep it in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. It's filled with garlic, onion, and other seasonings—feel free to make a double batch.

Related Article

Homemade Noodles
12.8K
127
44

Homemade Noodles

Homemade noodles are easier than you think! With this easy recipe, you can have delicious homemade pasta in just an hour.
Mexican-Inspired Chili
1.3K
39
4

Mexican-Inspired Chili

Flip on your slow cooker to make this easy Mexican chili recipe for your next tailgate or potluck. We'll show you how to make chili that's the perfect balance of beef, beans, chili seasoning, and peppers.
Why Your Cake Sank in the Middle—Plus How to Fix It
12.3K
123
23

Why Your Cake Sank in the Middle—Plus How to Fix It

It's happened to every baker—you check on a cooled cake and wonder, "Why did my cake sink in the middle?" Here's the reason and tips for fixing it.
Do You Really Need to Use a Cooling Rack for Cookies?
1.9K
56
5

Do You Really Need to Use a Cooling Rack for Cookies?

A cookie cooling rack is a staple of most kitchens. Read our Test Kitchen insights into whether this is a must-have baking tool for the best cookies.
What You Need to Know About Sun Tea Safety
25.6K
766
237

What You Need to Know About Sun Tea Safety

Is sun tea dangerous? Find out what you can do to keep enjoying this sweet beverage in the summer and what food safety rules to follow.
13 Breakfast Sandwich Recipes to Keep You Satisfied Until Lunch
36.6K
2.9K
1.2K

13 Breakfast Sandwich Recipes to Keep You Satisfied Until Lunch

Start the day with a breakfast sandwich recipe. Featuring satisfying eggs, savory sausages, and deli-style bagels, these are the best breakfast sandwiches to grab and go.
10 Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes You Can Make on Chaotic Mornings
15.8K
1.6K
695

10 Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes You Can Make on Chaotic Mornings

With the help of your pressure cooker, you can leave behind your worries about fitting a nutritious breakfast into a jam-packed morning. You can make each of these pressure cooker breakfast recipes quickly, and every single one is hearty enough to keep you going all morning long. These Instant Pot breakfasts will make getting out of bed something to look forward to.
Omelet for One
42K
3.8K
718

Omelet for One

Once you master the classic omelet recipe, tailor it to your taste with our omelet ingredient suggestions including veggie and seafood options.
Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
17.2K
686
205

Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

Enjoy these moist healthy muffins for breakfast or with your afternoon tea.
Zoe's Creme Fraiche Pancakes
6.6K
199
19

Zoe's Creme Fraiche Pancakes

Add richness to fluffy pancakes with a touch of creme fraiche and sour cream.
Bacon-Cheddar Chipotle Chicken Panini
33.1K
1.7K
661

Bacon-Cheddar Chipotle Chicken Panini

This panini sandwich is a lighter take on a deli shop favorite. Think of it like a BLT with bonus ingredients!
Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo
41.4K
2.9K
1.5K

Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo

A creamy lime dressing provides a cooling counterpoint to gutsy jerk-seasoned pork.
What Is Natural Flavor? Here’s What It Means on Food Labels
6K
239
107

What Is Natural Flavor? Here’s What It Means on Food Labels

What does “natural flavors” mean when you see it on a food or drink label? A flavorist explains how your favorite strawberry drink gets that taste.
19 Fourth of July Picnic Ideas for a Tasty Outdoor Celebration
13.3K
1.1K
106

19 Fourth of July Picnic Ideas for a Tasty Outdoor Celebration

There's something for everyone on this list of Fourth of July picnic ideas, from star-spangled-salads to patriotic desserts.
10 Traditional Hanukkah Side Dishes You'll Want to Make All Year
35K
3.5K
1.3K

10 Traditional Hanukkah Side Dishes You'll Want to Make All Year

From latkes and kugel to brisket and challah, these traditional Hanukkah sides will spark old memories and new traditions—and leave only empty plates behind.
5 Football-Shaped Snacks That Will Score Big on Game Day
16.1K
160
80

5 Football-Shaped Snacks That Will Score Big on Game Day

Kick back and cheer for your favorite team while munching on these fun, football-shaped snacks. No fumbles here, only total touchdowns.
Japanese Christmas Cake Is Filled with Fluffy Whipped Cream and Strawberries
26.8K
2.7K
322

Japanese Christmas Cake Is Filled with Fluffy Whipped Cream and Strawberries

Classic Japanese Christmas Cake is made with layers of vanilla sponge cake, fluffy whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. We'll walk you through how to make the airy sponge cake, including tips for making it ahead and storing the finished holiday dessert.
How to Make Boba Pearls for Bubble Tea
23.7K
947
369

How to Make Boba Pearls for Bubble Tea

Here's how to make boba pearls for homemade bubble tea (boba milk tea), the final touch for this deliciously sweet drink.
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipes You'll Be Making on Repeat
13.9K
139
22

Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipes You'll Be Making on Repeat

From all-American casseroles to Korean-style suppers to Italian chicken Parm, these chicken and broccoli recipes show how that combo *can* be something you eagerly anticipate. We’ve rounded up our best healthy chicken and broccoli recipes (as well as a few more decadent options) to help remix your weeknight menu.
Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Marinade
3.2K
32
8

Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Marinade

A mint marinade infuses each bite of this lamb chops recipe with fresh flavor. Once you learn how to cook lamb chops at home, you'll never want to splurge on ordering them out at a restaurant again.