[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #9b9b9b;”] R[/dropcap]ecently I had a trip to Sydney to catch up with my business partner and some friends and to see The Minimalists speak.
With two small boys in the house, the logistics of a solo trip to the ‘big smoke’ are a little more complicated than they used to be.
Anyway I was reminded how handy it can be to have some good do-ahead meals in your repertoire. For those days when there’s not going to be much (if any) time to cook.
Here are some of my faves…
15 DELICIOUS DO-AHEAD DINNERS
1. Sausage & Macadamia Stuffing Loaf
Inspired by my favourite part of Christmas lunch… the stuffing! Essentially this is a more delicious version of meatloaf. One of those fab dishes that can be served warm or cold.
2. Cheesey Tuna & Spinach Bake
If you normally go for a pasta bake when you need a do-ahead meal, this little dish ticks the same boxes AND won’t way you down with a load of carbs. It also uses mostly ingredients that keep in the pantry and freezer so great to have as a backup meal too.
3. 5-Ingredient Shepherds Pie
A simple version of the comfort classic. Made a little lighter (and more delicious) by using cauliflower mash instead of good old potato.
4. Broccoli Hummus with Spicy Sausage
The trick with this one is to keep the broccoli hummus and meat separate. Then just let the hummus come up to room temp while you heat the sausage in a pan and dinner is ready in a flash!
5. One Tray Chicken & Broccoli with Blue Cheese Dressing
This little number also saves on washing up with only one tray! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
6. Smoky Roast Mushroom Bowls
One of the most popular recipes among my cooking school members last year! A great one pot meal that also happens to be vegetarian.
7. One Pot Cauliflower, Chicken & Peanut Curry
It’s hard to go past a good curry for a quick filling weeknight dinner. Plus with the do-ahead factor you can make this whenever you have an extra 30 minutes.
8. Lebanese Roast Ratatouille with Hummus
Fab for when you know you’re going to be craving a big bowl of veggies with a flavour twist.
9. Magic Sausage & Cabbage Supper
This is currently the most popular recipe among my meal planning members. Which makes me so happy. I love cabbage and I love sausages and I love bringing them together in this easy one-pot meal.
10. Fast Roast Chorizo with Hot Feta & Veg
Another winning one pot dinner that just needs a spell in the oven.
11. Turkish Cauliflower & Yoghurt Soup
An easy, creamy vegetable soup saved from being too virtuous by lashings of melted butter and a spike of chilli.
12. Yuuummy Spiced Tomato Soup
While we’re talking soup, I had to include this one. Even my 2-year-old thinks it’s delicious. And that’s saying something! Plus all the ingredients keep in the pantry so a brilliant emergency meal.
13. No-Cry Roast Onion Soup
Another fave soup. This one takes a little longer to roast the onions but you won’t have to spend hours crying while you chop up onions. And you’ll be rewarded with the most rich delicious soup to reheat whenever you’re ready.
14. Cheesey Tuna & Broccoli Bake
It’s got protein, it’s got veggie and it’s got cheese! What more do you need.
15. Simple Baked Meatballs
This is usually the first thing that pops into my mind when I’m thinking of do-ahead meals. It’s hard not to love a good meatball. Love how they can be eaten warm, at room temp or cold from the fridge. Super versatile!
More Do-Ahead Ideas
+ See the Do-Ahead Archives
+ 3 Golden Rules of Do-Ahead Meals
+ What I Do When I Want a Night Off Cooking
+ The Pregnant Cook: 12 Meals to Stock Up While Waiting for Baby
Have fun in the kitchen!
With love,
Jules x
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