Make-Ahead Dinners
I am so excited about this post! There is nothing I love more than a make-ahead dinner! I love making dinner earlier in the day when I still have the energy and then come dinnertime all I have to do is heat something up! During the summer, we go to our neighborhood pool all day, and when we get home at 7 everyone is tired and hungry! Our pool doesn’t open until 12, so I love preparing dinner in the morning while my kids are sleeping or playing so I don’t have to cook a full dinner after a day at the pool! I put up a question box on instagram asking what everyone’s favorite make ahead dinners are, and I compiled a list so we can all have delicious dinners all summer without the chaos!
My favorite make ahead dinners! (These are my tried and true make ahead dinners that i make on a regular basis!)
Lasagna- I love making this in the morning and throwing it with a bagged caesar salad. Easy dinner that everyone likes.
Shepherds pie- This might be my kids favorite dinner of all time. I cook mine in my le creuset braiser so there is only one dish to clean. Even my 1 year old scarfs down an entire bowl of this!
Enchiladas- These are like tacos that can be made in advance, which is amazing. Make some guac while you heat the enchiladas and you’re good to go!
Baked ziti- Honestly this is a new one for us. It reminds me of lasagna but easier because there is no layering involved. Super kid friendly and perfect for hungry kids!
Chicken cutlets- I love taking an hour in the morning and making a bunch of these. My kids love them and the leftovers are amazing on salads or sandwiches. I also feel like they pair well with anything!
Chicken soup-This is definitely a winter staple for us, but would be nice on a cold or rainy summer night.
Stuffed peppers- I love a stuffed pepper and they are a great make ahead dinner. I do a taco version and my kids love them!
Easy Slow Cooker Favorites (This is going to be the summer of the crockpot!!!)
1. Salsa Chicken (This was #1 response)
Just chicken thighs and a jar of salsa slow-cooked for 8 hours—shred and serve over rice, in tacos, or in a bowl with beans and veggies. I make this all year round and its amazing and so versatile.
2. Creamy Italian Chicken
Chicken breasts slow-cooked with cream cheese and Italian seasoning—rich, flavorful, and perfect over rice or pasta. Cant wait to try this one.
3. Buffalo Chicken
Tangy buffalo chicken made in the crockpot—ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or quesadillas. There is nothing better than Buffalo chicken.
4. Taco Soup
A hearty, zesty soup with ground meat, beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Freezes beautifully.
5. Pulled Chicken or Pork Sandwiches
Classic slow-cooked BBQ meat—pile high on buns with coleslaw for an easy meal. My kids also love it on tacos!
6. Crockpot Beef & Broccoli
Tender beef simmered in a savory soy-garlic sauce. Steam broccoli and cook some rice when you get home and dinner is served!
7. Mississippi Pot Roast
A comfort food classic—beef roast slow-cooked with ranch, au jus, and pepperoncini for irresistible flavor. I have never heard of this but can’t wait to try!
8. French Onion Pot Roast
Pot roast cooked with caramelized onions and beef broth—rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.
Hearty Classics
9. Chili
A crowd-pleasing, make-ahead favorite—perfect with cornbread. Prepare all your toppings earlier in the day and dinner is done!
10. One-Pot Spaghetti
Everything cooks in one pot—pasta, sauce, and meat—making cleanup a breeze. Need to try this!!
11. Sweet & Sour Spare Ribs
Sticky, tangy ribs with just the right balance of sweet and savory. Put them on low heat in the oven all day, and dinner is done!
12. Traditional Pot Roast
A timeless slow-cooked roast with carrots and potatoes.
13. Salisbury Steak in the Crockpot
Juicy ground beef patties in a rich mushroom gravy—serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. This sounds so good!
Taco Night Upgrades (Tons of taco recommendations!!!)
14. Barbacoa Tacos
Shredded beef slow-cooked with chipotle, garlic, and spices—packed with flavor.
15. Carnitas
Crispy, tender pulled pork—perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos.
16. Brisket Tacos
Smoky, slow-cooked brisket tucked into warm tortillas—great for a make-ahead taco night.
17. Picadillo
A Cuban-style ground beef dish with olives and potatoes—serve with rice or in tacos.
18. Chicken Tinga
Shredded chicken simmered in a smoky tomato-chipotle sauce—ready for tacos, tostadas, or rice bowls.
Lighter Fare & Wraps (I never think to make sandwiches for dinner, but i think im going to start pulling out my panini press on a hot summer night)
19. Chicken Gyros
Marinated chicken served in pita with cucumber yogurt sauce and fresh veggies.
20. Paninis
Use pre-cooked meat or deli ingredients to build sandwiches that grill up quickly and easily.
21. Chicken Caesar Wraps
A quick, fresh option—combine cooked chicken, Caesar dressing, lettuce, and Parmesan in a wrap.
Casseroles & Bakes (love anything that can be assembled in the morning and heated right before dinner)
22. Cheesy Zucchini Chicken & Rice Bake (Half Baked Harvest)
Comforting and cheesy, with hidden veggies—bakes well and reheats beautifully
Talk soon,
Mary
I’m interested in trying the chicken and salsa. Is there a specific brand of salsa that you use? Maybe something not too spicy for the LO?