11 Make-Ahead Recipes for When Future You Doesn’t Want to Cook

Let’s be real—there are nights when the last thing you want to do is cook dinner. These 11 make-ahead recipes are here to save future you from that dilemma. Just prep them now, and when the time comes, all you have to do is heat and eat—no stress, no hassle.

Tex Mex Ground Beef Casserole

A casserole dish with tex mex beef casserole. — Image Credit: The Honour System

This Tex-Mex ground beef casserole is a cheesy dish with taco spices, rice, beans, and peppers. It’s a great make-ahead meal—just prep, bake, and enjoy delicious leftovers all week. Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole

Stuffed Bell Peppers Without Rice

A dish of stuffed peppers. — Image Credit: Simple and Fraiche

Stuffed bell peppers without rice are the perfect easy-to-make recipe. With a blend of savoury ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Peppers Without Rice

One-Pan Roast Chicken with Potatoes

A dish of sheet pan roast chicken. — Image Credit: Chew Out Loud

This one-pan roast chicken with potatoes is full of classic flavors that are always popular. Fully prepare it a night (or two) beforehand, then simply pop it into the oven, and dinner is done. Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roast Chicken with Potatoes

Healthy Beef Stroganoff

A pan of beef stroganoff. — Image Credit: The Dizzy Cook

This healthy beef stroganoff recipe is made with ground beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles in a very light, creamy sauce. It’s a favorite 30-minute meal and reheats really well for making ahead. Get the Recipe: Healthy Beef Stroganoff

Vegetable Hash and Sausage Stew

Bowls of hash and sausage stew. — Image Credit: Little Black Skillet

This hearty vegetable hash and sausage stew is packed with savoury flavors and nourishing ingredients. A comforting mix of veggies and sausage in every bite, perfect to make ahead for cozy evenings. Get the Recipe: Vegetable Hash and Sausage Stew

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

A dish of chicken burrito casserole. — Image Credit: Haute and Healthy Living

If your family loves Mexican food, whip together this chicken burrito casserole recipe for an easy, low-prep and make-ahead dinner. It tastes like your favourite burritos yet can be made in one big casserole dish with simple ingredients. Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

A pan of thai fried rice. — Image Credit: Masala Herb

Thai pineapple fried rice is a real one-pot wonder stuffed with flavours thanks to the curry powder, pineapple chunks, and other amazing fresh ingredients. Perfect for making ahead. Get the Recipe: Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

Chinese Lemon Chicken Salad

A plate of chinese chicken salad. — Image Credit: Cooking with Lei

Inspired by the richness of Chinese cuisine, this Chinese Lemon Chicken Salad showcases the perfect balance of sweet, fragrant, and tangy notes, all while incorporating the goodness of tender chicken. Make ahead meal prep! Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Chicken Salad

Spicy Pork Noodles

Packed with veggies, this spicy pork noodles recipe comes together so quickly and easily! Ready in 30 minutes or less, these flavorful noodles are the perfect weeknight or make ahead dinner. Get the Recipe: Spicy Pork Noodles

Chicken Broccoli Bake

This chicken broccoli bake is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect for meal prep—make it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready for an easy, comforting dinner. Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Bake

20-Minute Beef and Broccoli

A bowl of beef and broccoli. — Image Credit: Make Healthy Recipes

Wave goodbye to takeout with this healthy beef and broccoli recipe that will become your go-to meal. With tender beef, perfect broccoli, and a sweet and salty sauce, this 20-minute meal is great for meal prep. Get the Recipe: 20 Minute Healthy Beef and Broccoli