9 Prep-Ahead Recipes to Make Weeknights Easier

By Jenn Segal

From chicken nachos to baked ziti with sausage, take the stress out of weeknight meals with these family-pleasing, prep-ahead recipes.

Beef Bulgogi Burgers

Inspired by Korean beef bulgogi, these juicy burgers are easy to make, packed with flavor, and family-friendly to boot. You can make the patties ahead; come dinnertime, just throw them on the grill.
Chicken Nachos

Loaded with pulled rotisserie chicken in a spicy sauce and ungodly amounts of cheese, these prep-ahead nachos are hearty and satisfying – and everyone is happy when you say, “Nachos for dinner!”
Vietnamese-Style Meatballs with Chili Sauce

My husband calls these Vietnamese-style meatballs “flavor bombs.” Roll the meatballs and make the sauce in advance, then just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Stacked Beef Enchiladas (AKA Mexican Lasagna)

With layers of corn tortillas, ground beef, roasted salsa, and cheese, this delicious stacked beef enchilada casserole can be made entirely ahead of time. It freezes well, too.
Baked Ziti

This dish is a MAJOR family pleaser. It’s similar to meat lasagna but without the fuss, easy enough for a weeknight but also special enough for company — and it also makes a great prep-ahead potluck dish.
Middle Eastern Kofta

Made with fragrant spices, roasted nuts, herbs and aromatics, this make-ahead lamb kofta recipe will take your taste buds on an adventure.
Slow-Roasted Salmon with French Herb Salsa

This slow-roasted salmon with a fresh herb salsa is wonderful at room temperature, making it the perfect main course to do ahead.
Spinach Quiche

Made with heavy cream and Gruyère, this rich spinach quiche is classic French. It can be made a day ahead of time and reheats beautifully.
Easy Chicken Parmesan

This recipe takes a few shortcuts, making it doable on a weeknight, yet tastes as good as the chicken parmesan from your favorite Italian restaurant. You can bread the chicken in the morning, then do the rest at dinnertime.