What To Know
- These versatile meals can be prepared in advance and simply reheated when you’re ready to eat, making weeknights a breeze.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in a skillet.
- Place pork shoulder in a slow cooker with onion and garlic.
Meal prepping can be a daunting task, especially when time is of the essence. However, with make ahead skillet meals, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious dinners without the hassle of last-minute cooking. These versatile meals can be prepared in advance and simply reheated when you’re ready to eat, making weeknights a breeze.
Benefits of Make Ahead Skillet Meals
- Time-saving: Prepare your meals in advance and save precious time during the week.
- Effortless weeknights: No more scrambling to cook dinner after a long day.
- Healthy eating: Plan and prepare nutritious meals to support your well-being.
- Meal variety: Experiment with different flavors and cuisines to keep meals interesting.
- Budget-friendly: Prepare meals in bulk to save money and reduce food waste.
Essential Tips for Make Ahead Skillet Meals
- Choose the right ingredients: Opt for vegetables that hold their texture well, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
- Cook thoroughly: Ensure meats and vegetables are fully cooked before storing.
- Season well: Enhance flavors with herbs, spices, and sauces.
- Cool completely: Allow meals to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
- Store properly: Store meals in airtight containers to prevent spoilage.
Delicious Make Ahead Skillet Meal Ideas
1. One-Pan Chicken and Veggie Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides.
4. Add vegetables and cook until tender.
2. Spicy Sausage and Potato Hash
Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 lb potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add potatoes and cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños (if using).
4. Cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
Instructions:
1. Cook lentils in vegetable broth until tender.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in a skillet.
3. Add peas and tomato paste.
4. Spread lentil mixture into a skillet and top with mashed potatoes.
5. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
4. Creamy Chicken and Spinach Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook chicken in a skillet until golden brown.
2. Add spinach, onion, and garlic.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
5. Breakfast Burrito Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 12 eggs
- Tortillas (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Brown sausage in a skillet.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and potatoes.
3. Cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Pour in eggs and cook until set.
5. Top with cheese and tortillas.
6. Italian Sausage and Kale Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Brown sausage in a skillet.
2. Add kale, onion, and garlic.
3. Pour in chicken broth and cook until kale is tender.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
7. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 pork shoulder (4-5 lbs)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Place pork shoulder in a slow cooker with onion and garlic.
2. Combine barbecue sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar in a bowl.
3. Pour sauce over pork.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
5. Remove pork and shred.
6. Return shredded pork to the skillet and simmer until heated through.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Effortless Dining
Make ahead skillet meals are a lifesaver for busy individuals and families. By planning and preparing these meals in advance, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious dinners without the stress of last-minute cooking. Experiment with different flavors and cuisines, and discover the convenience of having home-cooked meals ready to savor at your fingertips.
What You Need to Learn
Q: How long do make ahead skillet meals last in the refrigerator?
A: Most make ahead skillet meals can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Q: Can I freeze make ahead skillet meals?
A: Yes, many skillet meals can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow meals to cool completely before freezing.
Q: How do I reheat make ahead skillet meals?
A: Reheat meals in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
