Busy weeks are easier when meals are ready before they start. These 25 make-ahead dishes let you prep on Sunday and have food set for the days ahead. Each one holds up well, reheats smoothly, and keeps weeknight stress off the table. As you scroll, you'll see meals that bring comfort, ease, and flavor to every part of the week.
1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken And Rice
1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken and Rice simmers juicy chicken with rice, spices, and pomegranate until tender in about an hour. This make-ahead dish is perfect for Sunday since it's a full meal that reheats well. The sweet and savory balance keeps it interesting for multiple days. Having this prepared means a complete dinner is always on standby.
Get the Recipe: 1-Pot Pomegranate Chicken And Rice
The Perfect Rice Pilaf
The Perfect Rice Pilaf simmers rice with vegetables and spices in about 40 minutes until fluffy and flavorful. This make-ahead dish pairs well with chicken, beef, or vegetarian meals, making it versatile across the week. It keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated quickly without losing texture. Prepping this on Sunday gives you a reliable side dish ready for several meals.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Rice Pilaf
Tomato And White Bean Soup With Harissa
Tomato and White Bean Soup with Harissa simmers tomatoes, beans, and spices into a hearty soup in about 40 minutes. This make-ahead dish is practical for Sunday prep since it freezes and reheats well. It works for lunches or as a base alongside grains like couscous. Having this in the fridge keeps weeknight meals simple and filling.
Get the Recipe: Tomato And White Bean Soup With Harissa
Argentinian Empanadas
Argentinian Empanadas bake into golden hand pies filled with vegetables or meat in under an hour. This make-ahead dish is excellent for Sunday since they store well and can be reheated quickly. Each empanada works as a full meal or snack, giving flexibility through the week. Having these ready helps cover both quick dinners and lunches.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers bake in about 40 minutes with seasoned meat, herbs, and grains inside bell peppers. This make-ahead dish is perfect for Sunday prep because it reheats without losing texture. Each pepper serves as a complete meal, making weekday lunches quick to pack. Having these ready means no scrambling when hunger hits midweek.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Vegetarian Biryani Rice
Vegetarian Biryani Rice simmers rice with spices and vegetables into a fragrant meal in about 50 minutes. This make-ahead dish is excellent for Sunday prep since it reheats quickly and stays flavorful. It works as a standalone dish or paired with meat or legumes. Having this stored makes weekday meals easier to plan and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Biryani Rice
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks are seasoned in spices and lime juice, then roasted until crisp and juicy. This make-ahead dish works well for Sunday prep since the marinade can be done in advance. They reheat easily and work as mains for dinners or with salads for lunches. Keeping a batch ready makes weekday meals easier to plan.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf cooks in about 50 minutes, combining nutty rice with sweet squash pieces. This make-ahead dish is great to prepare on Sunday since it pairs easily with chicken, fish, or beans. It reheats without losing texture, making it useful for several meals. Having this dish ready keeps sides stress-free during busy days.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Chicken Pumpkin Risotto
Chicken Pumpkin Risotto cooks slowly with broth until creamy, balancing savory chicken with pumpkin's sweetness. This make-ahead dish holds up well when stored, making it useful to prepare ahead of the week. It reheats nicely with a little extra broth, keeping its rich texture. Having this ready from Sunday makes weeknight dinners more comforting and easy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pumpkin Risotto
Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts simmers chicken in a sauce of pomegranate molasses and ground nuts until tender. This make-ahead dish is practical to prepare ahead because the flavors deepen after chilling. It can be reheated for easy dinners and pairs well with rice or bread. Prepping it on Sunday gives you a flavorful meal ready to enjoy later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe forms seasoned plant-based meat into patties or skewers and cooks them in under 30 minutes. This make-ahead dish works well for Sunday prep since the mixture can be shaped and stored until cooking. They reheat easily and can be paired with rice, pita, or salad for quick meals. Keeping these ready makes weekday dinners feel much simpler.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes marinates overnight and bakes in about an hour for crisp skin and juicy meat. This make-ahead dish is easy to portion and keeps well, making it useful for busy weeknight meals. The potatoes absorb the flavors while cooking, creating a complete plate with little extra work. Having this ready from Sunday means dinner stays stress-free all week.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes
Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe)
Ajiaco Colombiano simmers chicken, potatoes, and corn with herbs into a thick soup that cooks in about an hour. This make-ahead dish is perfect for Sunday since the flavors deepen when reheated. It's hearty enough to be served alone or with rice and avocado. Having this stored makes weekday meals feel complete with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe)
Baked Creamy Salmon
Baked Creamy Salmon cooks in about 30 minutes with potatoes and a garlic cream sauce all on one pan. This make-ahead dish is helpful for Sunday prep since it portions easily and reheats gently during the week. The sauce keeps the fish moist, making leftovers taste fresh. Having this dish prepped ensures seafood is part of your weekly meals without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Baked Creamy Salmon
Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov
Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov simmers rice with dried fruits, vegetables, and spices until colorful and fragrant. This make-ahead dish is excellent for Sunday because it keeps well and adds variety to weekday meals. It pairs easily with chicken, lamb, or can stand alone as a vegetarian option. Preparing this in advance means your week includes something both hearty and practical.
Get the Recipe: Jeweled Vegetarian Rice Plov
Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe
Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe roasts in under 30 minutes with sausage, zucchini, and peppers tossed in herbs and olive oil. This make-ahead dish is perfect to prep on Sunday since it reheats quickly for weekday lunches or dinners. It's a balanced option that works well with rice or pasta on the side. Having this ready in the fridge means meals come together fast without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Recipe
Matzo Lasagna With Cottage Cheese
Matzo Lasagna with Cottage Cheese layers sauce, cheese, and matzo before baking to golden perfection in about 45 minutes. This make-ahead dish is convenient for Sunday prep since it can be reheated in portions all week. It's hearty enough to serve as a main and pairs well with a simple side salad. Keeping a pan ready makes weeknight dinners much easier to plan.
Get the Recipe: Matzo Lasagna With Cottage Cheese
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta cooks in under 40 minutes with feta cheese roasted alongside tomatoes and herbs before mixing with pasta. This make-ahead dish is simple to store and reheat for quick weekday meals. The sauce holds well, and pasta can be refreshed with a splash of olive oil. Having this ready means an easy dinner is only minutes away.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Pasulj Serbian White Bean Soup
Pasulj Serbian White Bean Soup cooks slowly with beans, paprika, and tomatoes for a rich, hearty flavor. This make-ahead dish is excellent for Sunday prep because it tastes even better after sitting a day. It freezes well in portions, making it practical for lunches throughout the week. Having a pot of this ready means comfort food is always within reach.
Get the Recipe: Pasulj Serbian White Bean Soup
Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Greek Vegetarian Moussaka layers vegetables and sauce before baking to a golden finish in about an hour. This make-ahead dish works well for Sunday since it reheats easily for quick meals. It holds its structure and tastes rich enough to serve as a main during the week. Preparing this ahead adds variety to weekday dinners without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Mujadara
Mujadara cooks lentils, rice, and onions into a hearty dish in under an hour. This make-ahead dish is a strong option for Sunday since it can serve as a main or side all week. The caramelized onions add depth, and it stores well for quick reheats. Having this prepared makes weekday meals both easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel bakes into a casserole of noodles, mushrooms, leeks, and dill in about an hour. This make-ahead dish is practical for Sunday prep because it holds its shape and reheats well. It can be sliced into portions for quick lunches or dinners across the week. Having this on hand ensures a filling option is always ready.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers
Instant Pot Chicken with Sweet Peppers cooks in under 30 minutes, combining chicken, tomatoes, and peppers in one pot. This make-ahead dish is helpful for Sunday prep since it can be portioned for lunches or dinners. It stores well and reheats with little loss of flavor. Having this ready means weeknight cooking takes almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers
Buckwheat Kasha With Caramelized Mushrooms And Onions
Buckwheat Kasha with Caramelized Mushrooms and Onions takes about 45 minutes, cooking grains with sweet, browned vegetables. This make-ahead dish works well for Sunday because it stores easily and reheats quickly. It's a versatile base for pairing with meat, eggs, or roasted vegetables through the week. Having this ready saves time while adding variety to everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Buckwheat Kasha With Caramelized Mushrooms And Onions
Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella marinates in garlic, vinegar, and prunes before baking until tender and flavorful. This make-ahead dish works especially well for Sunday prep because the marinade enhances the meat as it rests. It reheats easily and pairs with rice, couscous, or potatoes during the week. Preparing this ahead saves time while keeping dinners interesting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marbella
