Healthy Make-Ahead Dinner Recipes for Hassle-Free Nutritious Eats
Salsa and Pork Fajitas
With juicy fresh mango, tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder, and a spicy bite from jalapeño chile peppers, these fajitas are tasty and ready to save the day during a busy week. This zesty make-ahead dinner can be frozen for up to three months and will still be bursting with bold flavor.
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Orange-Rosemary Shrimp
Packed with nutrient-rich veggies and marinated in fragrant rosemary and orange juice, this healthy make-ahead meal is sure to win over the table. Best of all, the shrimp and veggies can be frozen in their marinade for up to a month, allowing ample time for the development of delicious flavor.
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Coffee and Smoked Paprika-Rubbed Steak with Buttermilk Dressing
Who knew a healthy steak dinner could be made in advance? This brown sugar-espresso-paprika-rubbed steak is chilled for up to 24 hours before broiling. Bonus: The mushroom, tomato, and zucchini skewers are also prepped early to complete your healthy make-ahead dinner.
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Honey Chipotle Chicken Meal Kit
Get a jump start on the weekly menu with this healthy make-ahead dinner. Juicy chicken thighs, carrots, and onions are marinated in a spicy-sweet marinade of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, and honey. Serve over hot cooked rice and a drizzle of hot honey.
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Veggie-Filled Hamburgers
Filled with nutritious veggies, the patties for this healthy make-ahead meal can be frozen for up to three months before being tossed on the grill. When serving, top with fresh lettuce, tomato, and zucchini to add even more delicious veggies to these flavorful burgers.
Related: 11 Protein-Packed Veggie Burger Recipes for Your Meatless Menu
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Slow-Cooked Beef and Veggies
Combine all the ingredients for this make-ahead family meal and stash it in the fridge for up to 3 days. All you'll have to do is toss the ingredients in the slow cooker for a seriously delicious meat-and-potatoes meal. Carrots and celery are also in the pot for added nutrients.
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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.
Related: Meatless Dinner Ideas That Taste Just Like Your Favorite Comfort Foods
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Make-Ahead Taco Salad Cups
You'll always be prepared to satisfy a taco craving with these tasty taco salad cups on hand. The turkey mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months, so all that's needed to serve these tiny taco salads is to bake the shells and top with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa.
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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 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
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Make-Ahead Turkey-Lentil Sloppy Joes
Delicious ground turkey and nutritious brown lentils combine to create these healthy make-ahead sandwiches. With a freezer life of up to 6 months, these sloppy sandwiches are great to have on hand in a pinch.
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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.
Related: 38 Make-Ahead Recipes to Stock Your Freezer with Right Now
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Two-Tomato and Chile Stew
Green chile peppers and crushed red pepper give this zesty stew a powerful flavor that no amount of time in the freezer could diminish. To store this hearty stew ahead of time, freeze in a bag for up to three months, then just simmer it in crushed tomatoes and water to serve.
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Make-Ahead Mediterranean Pork Chops
Classic Mediterranean flavors (lemon, oregano, olives, and parsley) are bursting in every bite of this delicious healthy make-ahead dinner idea. Store the pork chops in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready, thaw them in the fridge for up to 48 hours before a quick reheat on the stove.
Related: Cook a Big Batch of Grains for the Week with Our Handy Guide
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Make-Ahead Smoked Turkey and Grilled Onion Panini
What's better for dinner than a quick and healthy sandwich? A sandwich that's already been prepared ahead of time, of course. These mouthwatering sandwiches can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their bold flavor—when you're ready to serve, just add cheese and grill.
Related: The 9 Best Indoor Grill Pans to Make Your Summer Favorites from Your Stove Top
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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.
Related: These Easy Make-Ahead Casseroles Take the Stress Out of Prepping Brunch and Dinner
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Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
Full of delicious zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and peppers, this healthy make-ahead vegetarian meal is rich in nutrients. Extra healthy and yummy, this veggie-and-cheese-packed lasagna can be frozen for up to a month.
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Southern Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Green Grape Relish
The spicy bite of Worcestershire sauce and chili powder team up with your favorite barbecue sauce to give these sandwiches their Southern-inspired charm. Combined with a cool and zesty green grape relish and cucumber, honey, and fresh jalapeño pepper, this make-ahead meal is both daring and delicious.
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Mini Meat Loaves with Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes
These adorable mini meat loaves are a great freeze-ahead family meal for when everyone needs a plate of (healthier) comfort food. For a twist on traditional meat loaf, we use a tangy teriyaki glaze rather than tomato.
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Make-Ahead Tortilla Soup
This amazing soup is perfect for using up leftover turkey and is packed with zucchini, spicy salsa, and tasty corn. Not a turkey fan? Substitute shredded cooked rotisserie chicken for a different spin on this make-ahead soup.
Related: 31 Healthy Mexican Recipes for a Mexican Night Made Light
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Vegetable-Cheese Strata
Enjoy breakfast for dinner with this easy healthy meal to make ahead of time. To keep the overnight egg casserole light on calories we a combo of whole eggs plus egg whites along with a slew of fresh veggies. Use whole-wheat bread for added nutrients such as fiber and protein.
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Meal-Prep Shredded Chicken Base
Don't like eating the same thing multiple days in a row? Fix that issue stat with some delicious shredded chicken as the base for all sorts of healthy make-ahead meals. Store 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).
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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 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Plus, it's filled with garlic, onion, and other seasonings. Feel free to make a double batch!