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Finding solutions to simplify food preparation and manage busy schedules are common during back-to-school season. For busy families, make-ahead meals come in handy as they offer wholesome and ready-to-eat options that can be cooked ahead of time. With these dinners, kids can eat wholesome, well-balanced meals without having to hurry every day. Make ahead back to school meals can be customized to meet a variety of palates and dietary requirements, from filling casseroles to simple-to-reheat wraps. The best thing is that evening dinners are made easy because these recipes may be kept in the refrigerator or freezer. Meal planning is a useful strategy for people with hectic schedules because it reduces food waste and helps control portion sizes.
BAKED ZITI
This cheesy baked ziti is a filling, family-friendly supper that reheats easily because it can be made ahead of time and baked when it’s ready.
CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
These enchiladas are a quick and easy option for a filling and tasty dinner after a hectic day because they can be prepared in advance and frozen.
VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This lasagna, which has layers of cheese and vegetables, is a healthy and simple supper choice that can be prepared in advance and frozen.
STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
These stuffed peppers, which are made with a combination of rice, beans, and cheese, are a healthy, pre-made dish that can be saved for later use.
MINI MEATLOAFS
These single meatloafs are a great alternative for meal prep ahead of time because they are easy to reheat and provide a quick dinner.
FROZEN BURRITOS
Easy and nutritious dinner options are homemade burritos made with beans, rice, and vegetables that can be frozen and easily reheated.
CHICKEN POT PIE
This cozy pot pie makes a tasty, convenient dinner that’s ideal for hectic weeknights because it can be prepared in advance and frozen.
SLOW COOKER CHILI
Make a big pot of chili in the slow cooker, then portion it out and freeze it for healthy, flavorful, and convenient meals.
SHEET PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS
These fajitas are simple and quick to prepare on hectic school nights since they can be prepared in advance and frozen.
BREAKFAST BURRITOS
These breakfast burritos, loaded with eggs, cheese, and vegetables, are perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack because they can be prepared in advance and frozen.
CASSEROLE WITH RICE AND VEGETABLES
This casserole, which pairs rice with veggies to create a wholesome and filling dish that can be frozen and reheated, is a flexible and simple prepare-ahead meal.
PASTA SALAD
This pasta salad is a simple, light lunch option that can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.
QUICHE
For quick and simple meals, bake ahead of time and freeze or refrigerate a flavorful quiche loaded with cheese and veggies.
TURKEY MEATBALLS
Turkey meatballs are a flexible addition to spaghetti, salads, and sandwiches; just prepare and freeze.
SLOPPY JOES
To make creating quick and hearty sloppy joes for dinner easier, prepare a batch of the filling in advance and freeze it.
SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SALAD
This high-protein salad is a fresh and nutritious option for school lunches because it can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.
FROZEN VEGETABLE SOUP
Make large amounts of vegetable soup in advance, then freeze them for a quick and easy dinner option that’s great for hectic school nights.