12 Healthy Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Weeknights (2024)

32 One-Pan Meals that Make Healthy, Delicious, Fuss-Free Dinners

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.