What To Know
- Arrange on a sheet pan and roast until the chicken is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
- Warm up on a chilly evening with a nourishing bowl of chicken and rice soup.
- Let it simmer overnight and wake up to a savory and satisfying meal.
Sunday dinners are a cherished tradition that bring families and friends together. However, the thought of preparing a lavish meal after a busy week can be daunting. That’s where “make ahead sunday dinner ideas” come to the rescue. These ingenious recipes allow you to savor delectable meals throughout the week without sacrificing precious weekend time.
1. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Prepare a mouthwatering feast with minimal effort. Simply combine pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, and spices in a slow cooker. Let it simmer overnight and wake up to tender, flavorful pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, and salads.
2. Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
This fuss-free dinner is a symphony of flavors. Toss chicken breasts, potatoes, carrots, and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange on a sheet pan and roast until the chicken is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
3. Lasagna Roll-Ups
Indulge in classic Italian comfort without the hassle. Cook lasagna noodles and layer them with ricotta cheese, spinach, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. Roll up, bake, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and enjoy.
4. Shepherd’s Pie
This hearty and comforting dish is a crowd-pleaser. Prepare a savory ground beef and vegetable filling and top with creamy mashed potatoes. Make it ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
5. Chicken and Rice Soup
Warm up on a chilly evening with a nourishing bowl of chicken and rice soup. Simmer chicken, vegetables, and rice in a large pot. Let it cool and store in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and enjoy.
6. Pasta Salad
Prepare a refreshing and versatile pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics or potlucks. Cook your favorite pasta and toss with chopped vegetables, cheese, and your preferred dressing. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
7. Baked Ziti
Enjoy a classic Italian dish without the last-minute rush. Cook ziti noodles and combine them with a creamy sauce, cheese, and ground beef. Bake and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and serve with a side of crusty bread.
8. Roasted Turkey Breast
Celebrate any occasion with a tender and juicy roasted turkey breast. Season the breast with herbs and spices and roast until golden brown. Let it cool and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice and reheat.
9. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Indulge in a hearty and comforting beef stew without the fuss. Brown beef cubes and add them to a slow cooker with vegetables, broth, and spices. Let it simmer overnight and wake up to a savory and satisfying meal.
10. Chili
Prepare a warm and flavorful chili that’s perfect for game days or cold evenings. Combine ground beef, beans, vegetables, and spices in a large pot. Let it simmer and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and top with your favorite toppings.
11. Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
Add a twist to the classic shepherd‘s pie by using a sweet potato topping. Prepare the ground beef filling as usual and top with a layer of mashed sweet potatoes. Bake and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and enjoy.
12. Chicken Pot Pie
Warm up on a cold night with a comforting chicken pot pie. Prepare a creamy filling with chicken, vegetables, and herbs. Pour into a pie crust and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake until golden brown.
13. Baked Ham
Enjoy a festive and flavorful ham without the hassle. Season a ham with your favorite spices and roast until golden brown. Let it cool and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and glaze with your preferred sauce.
14. Roasted Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
Indulge in a healthy and flavorful roasted salmon dish. Season salmon fillets with lemon, herbs, and olive oil. Roast until cooked through and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and enjoy.
15. Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
Prepare a versatile and savory pulled chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, and tacos. Combine chicken breasts, barbecue sauce, and spices in a slow cooker. Let it simmer overnight and wake up to tender and flavorful pulled chicken.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Make-Ahead Sunday Dinner Success
- Choose freezer-friendly dishes: Opt for recipes that can be frozen and reheated without losing their flavor or texture.
- Plan your meals: Determine which dishes you want to prepare in advance and make a grocery list accordingly.
- Prepare in bulk: Cooking in large quantities saves time and effort during the week. Divide the meals into individual portions for easy reheating.
- Use slow cookers and sheet pans: These appliances make it easy to cook meals while you’re away or busy with other activities.
- Label and refrigerate properly: Store your make-ahead meals in airtight containers and label them with the date and contents.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. How long can I refrigerate make-ahead meals?
- Most make-ahead meals can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.
2. Can I freeze make-ahead meals?
- Yes, many make-ahead meals can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. How do I reheat make-ahead meals?
- Reheating methods vary depending on the dish. Most can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop.
