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The Spruce
Even busy people need to get dinner on the table. These make-ahead casserole recipes are just what the doctor ordered for nights when you just don’t have time to cook. Clear out some freezer space for these great recipes and stop worrying about supper while at work.
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Pizza Spaghetti Pie
The Spruce/Julia Hartbeck
What's better than pizza and trumps plain spaghetti? Why, putting the two together and making it ahead of time so you can have both on a weeknight, of course! This pizza spaghetti pie recipe also sneaks a little spinach into your kids' diet. To freeze, just assemble completely and wrap in plastic wrap. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
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Pumpkin Lasagna
The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
This pumpkin lasagna uses canned pumpkin puree and dried sage for quick and easy hit of fall flavor. It freezes well, so make it on a weekend and have it ready for a busy night later. Just assemble it up to the baking step, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Allow for an extra 10 to 15 minutes of bake time to get it bubbling and gooey.
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Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
No need to spend the night hovered above the stove stirring—this make-ahead creamy baked macaroni and cheese cooks in the oven. Just bake it, let it cool completely, then tightly wrap and freeze. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then sprinkle additional breadcrumbs over the top before reheating for that crunchy goodness.
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Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
You're just a couple of cans of tuna away from this easy, satisfying easy tuna noodle casserole. Just assemble, wrap tightly in foil, then defrost completely in the refrigerator before baking. It also lends itself well to experimentation: Switch up the breadcrumbs for French fried onions, cheese crackers, or potato chips; use cream of celery instead of cream of mushroom soup. You can also make your own sauce, add sliced mushrooms, mixed vegetables, or chopped pimentos.
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Quick Quiches
James And James / Stockbyte / Getty Images
Quick quiches are perfect for making ahead of time. They keep well in the freezer and are easy to reheat either in the oven or even the microwave. Use any type of cheese you have on hand, add veggies like broccoli or asparagus, and mix up the type of meat or even leave it out for a vegetarian breakfast-for-dinner. The sky’s the limit!
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Fancy Phyllo Egg Bake
Helovi / E+ / Getty Images
Don’t be intimidated by the length of this company-worthy brunch fancy phyllo egg bake—it’s much easier than it looks. Assemble the casserole and wrap before baking, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before you stick it in the oven. It will take about 60 to 75 minutes uncovered to get nice and golden brown.
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Chicken and Stuffing Bake
Leah Maroney
When in the mood for a comforting dish, you will thank yourself you made this chicken and stuffing bake ahead of time and put it in the freezer. The combination of chicken, cream of chicken soup, onion, garlic, and stuffing mix makes for a creamy casserole with a crunchy topping that the whole family will love.
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Hearty Pork and Noodle Casserole
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Whip up this simple, hearty pork and noodle casserole ahead of time for an easy weeknight meal. If making from the refrigerator, take it out half an hour ahead of time and then bake as directed. You can also bake and freeze it, but sprinkle extra breadcrumbs over before reheating, for a crispy topping.
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Breakfast Sausage Egg Bake
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Feel free to sleep in with this simple breakfast sausage egg bake. Use your favorite smoked sausage flavor and just wrap tightly and freeze after it’s assembled. Let it thaw completely before baking until it's browned around the edges.
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Chicken Potato Casserole
The Spruce / Katarina Zunic
For a stick-to-your-ribs meal, this chicken potato casserole checks all the boxes. You can also use cubed turkey instead. Bake it completely, freeze, and thaw in the fridge overnight for a comforting weeknight dinner.
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"Unstuffed" Peppers Casserole
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Enjoy the flavor of stuffed peppers in half the time with this delicious "unstuffed" pepper casserole. Make it ahead and let it cool before freezing, tightly wrapped. Let it come to room temperature and reheat with extra cheese sprinkled on top.
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Cottage Pie
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
If you’ve got leftover mashed potatoes on hand, you’re already halfway to this hearty and affordable cottage pie. Just sauté the beef, assemble the pie, and stick the wrapped dish in the freezer. Let it come to room temperature before baking until hot and bubbly. Stick it under the broiler afterward for a few minutes to crisp up the top.
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Easy Tuna Alfredo Casserole
Lauri Patterson / E+ / Getty Images
When making pasta-based casseroles, undercook the noodles just a little so it doesn’t get mushy when you finish it off. This versatile, five-ingredient easy tuna Alfredo casserole dish lends itself well to experimentation. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before reheating it from the freezer.
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Five-Ingredient Tortellini Casserole
PoppyB / E+/ Getty Images
Making this five-ingredient tortellini casserole ahead of time couldn’t be easier. Just assemble it with the still-frozen tortellini, wrap and freeze the whole thing, then bake as directed when you’re ready. For a more substantial meal, add a package of frozen meatballs.
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Chicken Enchiladas
The Spruce / Qi Ai
If making these zesty chicken enchiladas with green sauce ahead of time, let them cool completely before sticking it in the freezer. For this Central Mexican dish, wrap it tightly before freezing, and let it thaw completely before warming in the oven, covered with foil.