If you're looking for ways to streamline and organize your meal planning and preparation, this page is for you! Using make ahead meals as part of your menu planning process is a huge time saver.

make ahead meals

I spend a little bit of extra time doing a meal prep day (which isn't really a day, it's just about two extra hours for me), and that takes a lot of the stress out of figuring out what we're going to eat for dinner.

Make Ahead Meals 

Making meals ahead of time doesn't have to be complicated.

It can be as simple as doubling recipes when you're cooking dinner and freezing one meal.

Or it can be as complicated as putting together all of your meals for a month in one day. (It's a lot of work, but totally worth it!)

Be sure to read through this entire page to see all of the different ways you can meal prep make ahead meals.

Make Ahead Meals – Freezer Meals

A close up of frozen food freezer meals in plastic bags

The ultimate in make-ahead meals, freezer meals are perfect for when you know you're going into a busy season of life.

Save time and money by getting a ready-made freezer meal plan that includes a grocery list, assembly instructions, and step-by-step directions to help you get dinner on the table.

Here are some tried and true options:

6-Week Freezer Meal Plan – includes all the information you need to prep 30 freezer meals. Imagine how amazing it would feel to have thirty meals already prepped and waiting for you in your freezer!

Favorite Pre-Made Meal Plans

Image of One Pot Meal Plan ebook cover. Text - Meal Plans by Budget Bytes. Menus, Grocery Lists, and More. Button that says Learn More. All on yellow background. 

Budget Bytes Meal Plans – These are my absolute favorite because they are simple recipes that end up tasting better than takeout! If you're trying to break the takeout habit, or you just want to cook at home more, you'll love these menu plans.

Make Ahead Meals – For Lunch at Home

Meal Prep Tools

crock pot for meal prep

Using the right tools at the right time makes meal prep so much easier. Here are some useful kitchen tools that will work hard in your kitchen:

More Meal Planning Ideas

Meal Prep Tips That'll Save You Hours Next Week

How to Make a Meal Plan You'll Love

 

how to conquer dinner with make ahead meals