Between homework, after school activities, and the nightly “what’s for dinner?” panic, weeknights can get chaotic. That’s why make ahead dinners are a total lifesaver. They let you prep once, heat when needed, and enjoy a stress-free, homemade meal that everyone (yes, even the picky eaters) will actually eat.
I’ve been making these on rotation lately, and they’ve truly made my weeknights so much easier so I had to share them with you! 🍽️
Kid-friendly Make Ahead Dinners
🍝 Cheesy Baked Ziti
The ultimate comfort food! Easy, hearty, and a guaranteed hit with kids every single time.
You’ll need:
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: a handful of chopped spinach (they’ll never notice!)
How to make it:
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce, ricotta, half the mozzarella, parmesan, and seasoning.
- Add the pasta and stir until coated.
- Spread into a 9×13” baking dish, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top, and cover with foil.
- Refrigerate until ready to bake (up to 24 hours).
- Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, uncover, and bake another 5 minutes until bubbly.
Why kids love it: It’s cheesy, cozy, and full of flavor, plus it reheats perfectly for lunch the next day.
Make-ahead tip: Assemble in the morning or the night before, cover tightly, and bake when you’re ready. It’s even freezer-friendly for up to a month!
🧀 Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese
Classic comfort with a healthy twist! Perfect for toddlers and big kids alike.
You’ll need:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 1 cup pureed cauliflower or butternut squash
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt + pepper
How to make it:
Cook pasta. In a pot, melt butter, whisk in puree and milk, stir in cheese until creamy. Toss with pasta.
Why kids love it: It tastes like regular mac & cheese and they’ll never guess there are veggies inside.
Make ahead: Store covered and reheat with a splash of milk to keep it saucy.
🍗 BBQ Chicken Sliders
The easiest dinner to pull together on a busy night! No fuss, no mess, and everyone goes back for seconds.
You’ll need:
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- Slider buns
- Optional: sliced cheese or pickles
How to make it:
Mix chicken with BBQ sauce, warm it up, and spoon onto buns. Optional: add cheese and cover with foil until melty.
Why kids love it: They can hold them with one hand and BBQ sauce makes everything better.
Make ahead: Store the chicken separately and reheat before assembling.
🍲 Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Hearty, cozy, and secretly full of veggies.
You’ll need:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can beans (any kind)
- 1 cup corn
- 1 packet mild chili seasoning
How to make it:
Brown turkey, then toss everything into the slow cooker. Cook 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 on high.
Why kids love it: Add cheese, chips, or sour cream and let them “decorate” their bowl.
Make ahead: Freeze single portions for quick heat-and-serve nights.
🍕 English Muffin Pizzas
DIY dinner that doubles as an activity!
You’ll need:
- English muffins, split
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella + favorite toppings
How to make it:
Let kids top their own pizzas, then bake at 400°F for 10 minutes until cheese melts. The best pizza recipes according to both kids and adults are listed here. And if you’re short on time or want to skip cooking altogether, pizza delivery Belmontt makes it easy to get a hot, fresh pizza straight to your door.
Why kids love it: They get to “make” dinner themselves.
Make ahead: Assemble, freeze, and bake straight from frozen.
🍯 Honey Soy Chicken Bowls
Sweet, savory, and totally kid-approved, these bowls are a great way to sneak in some protein and veggies!
You’ll need:
- 1½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli or green beans
How to make it:
Whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, and garlic in a bowl. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor). Cook in a skillet over medium heat until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked. Serve over rice with veggies on the side or mixed in.
Why kids love it: The sweet honey glaze makes it taste like their favorite takeout.
Make ahead: Store in individual containers and reheat for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
Browse my favorite cookers and serveware below!
I hope these kid-friendly make-ahead dinners make your weeknights a little easier (and a lot more delicious)!
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