Make-Ahead Meals

Save time with our top make-ahead recipes and meal ideas, including casseroles, soups, and even dessert! Casseroles are the classic make-ahead dish, and we've got casserole recipes for any night of the week. Try our ethnic-inspired casseroles to introduce world flavors in familiar ways to picky eaters. Or turn to our best-loved casserole recipes for classics the family is sure to love. If you're keeping a close eye on budget, casseroles can be inexpensive and wholesome; try our ideas that all cost under $10. Putting your slow cooker to work is another great make-ahead method. Prep your meal in the morning, and come home to a savory, filling dinner. If you have an entree already in mind, you can also use your slow cooker to make a tasty side dish. It might seem difficult to get ready in the morning and make your lunch, too, but a dozen easy-prep, make-ahead lunch ideas will quickly convince you otherwise. For a delicious dessert, try our make-ahead bar cookies perfect for potlucks and gatherings.

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Mouthwatering Make-Ahead Desserts
Make-Ahead Cakes, Pies, and Tarts

Follow our make-ahead tips and have dessert ready before dinner.

Potluck-Perfect Desserts

Make our delightful desserts ahead of time to bring along.


Make-Ahead Weeknight Meals
Slow Cooker BBQ Recipes

You can enjoy delicious barbecue anytime with help from your trusty slow cooker. Throw the ingredients together in the morning and come home to slow-cooked BBQ dishes.


Make-Ahead Slow Cooker Meals
Our Best Slow Cooker Chicken

Transform chicken into a memorable slow cooker meal.

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes

Start with a few items to make bold-flavored slow cooker meals.

Ethnic Slow Cooker Suppers

Take your taste buds on a trip with our global slow cooker recipes.

Everything in Make-Ahead Recipes & Meal Ideas
Easy Meal Ideas
  • 11 Easy Rice Dishes

    Let rice be your guide as you explore a sampling of international cuisine, and a few favorites from right here at h...

  • 12 Mouthwatering, Make-Ahead Lunch Ideas

    These super-easy sandwich, wrap, salad, and pasta recipes are ideal for hectic workweeks. Give one a try today!

  • 15 Double-Duty Slow Cooker Recipes

    Set aside a portion of these recipes to help create a second, delicious meal the next day. Your family will love th...

  • Easy Ethnic Recipes

    Bringing great global flavors to your table doesn't take complicated techniques. Our international menu guide prove...

  • Classic Comfort Food Recipes

    When you need feel-good food fast, turn to these updated classics to get you out of the kitchen and at the dinner t...

  • Fabulous 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes

    You are only five ingredients away from a delicious slow cooker meal with these recipes for sandwiches, chili, past...

  • Quick & Easy Casseroles

    From No-Bake Tuna-Noodle Casserole to hearty Shepherd's Pie, these go-to supper solutions require minimal prep and...

Must-Try Recipes
  • 26 Satisfying Slow Cooker Side Dishes

    From potatoes and vegetables to rice, corn bread, and even mac and cheese, these easy side dish recipes are ideal f...

  • 8 Casseroles Under $10

    Looking for a great way to stretch your dinner dollar? Whip up one of these scrumptious casseroles filled with bud...

  • Ethnic-Inspired Casserole Recipes

    For a fuss-free dish with a fresh twist, try one of our simple make-ahead casseroles for dinner tonight.

  • 7 Companyworthy Casseroles

    Hosting a casual get-together? Pop one of these crowd-pleasing casseroles in the oven for a fuss-free meal the whol...

  • How to Make Bread & Butter Pickles

    In his American Classics series, cooking guru Scott Peacock offers the inside scoop on making the ideal bread and b...

  • 18 One-Dish Beef Recipes

    Ideal for busy weeknights, these fuss-free dinners will quickly become recipe box stand-outs. Bonus: Clean-up is a...

  • Quick and Easy Party Foods

    From spicy chicken fingers to Asian-inspired lettuce wraps, these recipes are sure to dazzle your crowd.

  • Our Best Casserole Recipes

    Make one of these hearty casserole recipes ahead to reheat for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or serve one as par...

  • Toss-Together Side Dish Casseroles

    These hearty and delicious sides are so convenient. You can make every recipe here ahead and simply pop the dish i...