Make Ahead Meals for Two: Easy and Delicious Recipes

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Benefits of Make Ahead Meals
3. Planning and Preparation
   • 3.1 Meal Selection
   • 3.2 Ingredient Preparation
   • 3.3 Storage Containers
4. Breakfast Make Ahead Meals
   • 4.1 Overnight Oats
   • 4.2 Egg Muffins
   • 4.3 Breakfast Burritos
5. Lunch and Dinner Make Ahead Meals
   • 5.1 Chicken Enchiladas
   • 5.2 Beef Stew
   • 5.3 Pasta Bake
6. Side Dishes
   • 6.1 Roasted Vegetables
   • 6.2 Quinoa Salad
   • 6.3 Garlic Bread
7. Snacks and Desserts
   • 7.1 Energy Balls
   • 7.2 Chocolate Chip Cookies
   • 7.3 Fruit Parfait
8. Tips for Successful Make Ahead Meals
9. Conclusion
10. FAQs

Introduction

Preparing meals in advance can be a lifesaver, especially for busy individuals or couples. Make ahead meals are a convenient and time-saving solution that allows you to enjoy delicious homemade dishes without the stress of daily cooking. In this article, we will explore various make ahead meal ideas specifically tailored for two people. From breakfast to dinner, side dishes to snacks, we’ve got you covered with easy and flavorful recipes that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed whenever you desire.

Benefits of Make Ahead Meals

Make ahead meals offer numerous benefits for couples looking to streamline their meal planning and save time. Here are some advantages:

1. Time-saving: By preparing meals in advance, you can significantly reduce the time spent in the kitchen on a daily basis.
2. Cost-effective: Bulk cooking and freezing ingredients can help save money by minimizing food waste and taking advantage of sales and discounts.
3. Healthier choices: When you plan and prepare your own meals, you have more control over the ingredients, allowing you to make healthier choices.
4. Portion control: Cooking for two can often result in leftovers. Make ahead meals help to portion your dishes appropriately, avoiding food waste.
5. Stress reduction: Having meals ready to go reduces the stress of last-minute cooking and decision-making.

Planning and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe ideas, it’s essential to consider a few key factors to ensure successful make ahead meals.

3.1 Meal Selection

Choose recipes that are suitable for make ahead preparations and can be reheated without compromising taste and texture. Opt for dishes that can be easily portioned, such as casseroles, soups, or stews.

3.2 Ingredient Preparation

To save even more time, consider prepping ingredients in advance. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, or cook grains ahead of time. This way, when it’s time to assemble the meal, you can simply grab the pre-prepared components and start cooking.

3.3 Storage Containers

Invest in good quality airtight containers that are freezer-friendly and microwave-safe. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are ideal for storing make ahead meals, as they help maintain the freshness and prevent any transfer of flavors.

Breakfast Make Ahead Meals

Begin your day off right with a delicious and nutritious breakfast that can be prepared in advance. Here are three ideas for make ahead breakfast meals for two:

4.1 Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• Toppings of your choice (berries, nuts, coconut flakes)

Instructions:

1. In a jar or container, combine oats, milk, chia seeds, and sweetener.
2. Stir well and refrigerate overnight.
3. In the morning, give it a good stir and add your favorite toppings.
4. Enjoy cold or heat in the microwave for a warm breakfast.

4.2 Egg Muffins

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup diced vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, onions)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetables, cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture evenly into the muffin tin.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the egg muffins are set.
5. Allow them to cool before storing in the refrigerator.
6. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

4.3 Breakfast Burritos

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 4 eggs, scrambled
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• Salsa or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Lay out the tortillas and divide the scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and cheese among them.
2. Roll up each tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides.
3. Wrap each burrito in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.
4. When ready to eat, unwrap the burrito and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve with salsa or hot sauce if desired.

Lunch and Dinner Make Ahead Meals

When it comes to lunch and dinner, make ahead meals can be a real game-changer for couples. Here are three flavorful options:

5.1 Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Chopped cilantro and sour cream for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with half of the enchilada sauce.
3. Lay out the tortillas and divide the chicken mixture among them.
4. Roll up each tortilla and place them seam side down in the baking dish.
5. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream.

5.2 Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or slow cooker, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic.
3. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender.
5. Allow the stew to cool before transferring it to storage containers.
6. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave when ready to serve.

5.3 Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or sausage
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ground beef or sausage, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
6. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Side Dishes

To complement your make ahead meals, here are three simple and tasty side dish options:

6.1 Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs or spices of your choice (rosemary, thyme, paprika)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper, and desired herbs or spices.
4. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Let them cool before transferring to a container for storage.

6.2 Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• Assorted vegetables (cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions)
• Feta cheese or goat cheese
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, and crumbled cheese.
2. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

6.3 Garlic Bread

Ingredients:

• French baguette
• Butter, softened
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).