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These make ahead dinners let busy nights take care of themselves with almost no last-minute effort.
Some weeks call for dinner to already be halfway done before the day even starts, and that’s exactly what this list is for. Each of these dinners can be prepped, cooked, or assembled ahead of time, then reheated when hunger hits.
From slow-simmered chilis to freezer-friendly casseroles, these recipes hold up beautifully after a day or two in the fridge, or even longer in the freezer. Batch cook on a slower day and future you will be grateful.
1.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast turns tougher cuts of beef into a fall-apart tender dinner that reheats just as well as it tastes the first night.
2.
Made ahead and reheated in a slow cooker, Creamy White Chicken Chili tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to settle.
3.
Slow Cooker Three Cheese Ziti can be assembled the night before and left to cook low and slow the next day for an effortless dinner.
4.
This freezer-friendly favorite, Turkey Chili, is easy to double so there is always a batch ready to pull out on a busy night.
5.
Beef Stew only gets better with a day in the fridge, making it one of the easiest make-ahead dinners to keep in rotation.
6.
Assembled ahead and baked when it is time to eat, Chicken Tetrazzini is a creamy, cheesy casserole that reheats beautifully.
7.
Baked in a covered baking dish, Pizza Casserole comes together in advance and bakes up bubbly and hot, no last-minute prep required.
8.
For a dinner that is just as good reheated, Tuna Noodle Casserole can be assembled a day ahead and popped in the oven when needed.
9.
Slow Cooker Lasagna skips the oven entirely and lets the slow cooker handle a classic, cheesy dinner while the day gets away.
10.
Stored in freezer-safe containers, Autumn Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup reheats into a smooth, comforting bowl any night of the week.
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