20 Healthy Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Weeknights

Salsa and Pork Fajitas

With juicy fresh mango, tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder, and a spicy bite from jalapeño chiles, 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 burst with bold flavor.

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.

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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 steak is rubbed in a mix of brown sugar, espresso, and paprika and chilled for up to 24 hours before broiling. Bonus: The mushroom, tomato, and zucchini skewers can also be prepped early.

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 blend of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, and honey. Serve them over hot cooked rice with a drizzle of hot honey.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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 six months, these sloppy joes are great to have on hand in a pinch.

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.

Two-Tomato and Chile Stew

Green chile peppers and crushed red pepper give this zesty stew a robust flavor that no amount of time in the freezer could diminish. To store this hearty stew, freeze in a bag for up to three months, then 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 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.

Make-Ahead Smoked Turkey and Grilled Onion Panini

What's better for a quick dinner than a healthy sandwich? A sandwich that's been prepared ahead of time, of course. These mouthwatering sandwiches can be frozen for up to three months without losing their bold flavor. When you're ready to serve, just add cheese and grill.

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.

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.

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Southern Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Green Grape Relish

The spicy bite of Worcestershire sauce and chili powder blend with your favorite barbecue sauce to give these sandwiches their Southern-inspired charm. Combined with a cool and zesty green grape relish, cucumber, honey, and fresh jalapeño pepper, this make-ahead meal is both daring and delicious.

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.

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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 add a combination of whole eggs and egg whites, along with a slew of fresh veggies. Use whole wheat bread for added nutrients, fiber, and protein.

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).

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.