Simple Weeknight Dinners to Make Before and After the Holidays

Only six days until Christmas! With the big day fast approaching, it’s easy to focus all of your energy on planning the holiday meal itself — the shopping lists, the special groceries, and the decorations. But one thing that often gets overlooked is the weeknight meals leading up to and following the holiday. When family comes home for the holidays (yay!), having a few make-ahead and freezer-friendly dinners on hand makes life so much easier.

Why Plan Weeknight Meals During the Holidays?

When the house fills up and schedules change, ordinary weeknight dinners can become a source of stress. Preparing double batches and freezing portions in advance saves time, reduces last-minute shopping, and helps you enjoy more relaxed evenings with your family. Whether you need simple, kid-friendly meals or something comforting for cold winter nights, make-ahead recipes free up your time and let you focus on good company.

I started preparing doubles of main dishes so we could have one for dinner and tuck the other into the freezer. That way, we get a delicious meal tonight and an easy, ready-to-reheat option for another busy evening.

Make-Ahead Favorites: Meatloaf and Lasagna

Classic comfort foods like meatloaf and lasagna are perfect for doubling and freezing. For meatloaf, make two loaves: bake one, and wrap the other tightly to freeze raw or cooked. When you need a quick dinner, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat. Serve with mashed potatoes and a green vegetable for a full, satisfying meal.

Another great option to prepare ahead is lasagna. I shared my favorite freeze-ahead lasagna recipe on Sweet Tea and Saving Grace, showing how assembling ahead and freezing can make holiday evenings much less hectic. A frozen lasagna can be baked straight from the freezer (with a bit more time) or thawed overnight and reheated the next day. Layering, proper sealing, and labeling with dates will keep your freezer meals organized and delicious.

(Reference: recipe originally shared at Sweet Tea and Saving Grace — look for freeze-ahead lasagna tips if you want step-by-step instructions.)

Comforting, Quick Meals: Taco Soup and More

Hearty soups are another excellent make-ahead choice. Taco soup, for example, is simple to prepare in a large pot, freezes well, and is very forgiving if you want to add extra vegetables or spices. It’s a satisfying, one-pot meal that pairs well with cornbread or warmed tortillas and makes for easy, crowd-pleasing dinners when everyone is home.

Taco Soup — a cozy, freezer-friendly option for busy holiday evenings (recipe inspiration featured at Sweet Tea and Saving Grace).

Practical Tips for Freezing and Reheating

Label each container with the dish name and date so you can rotate meals easily.
Cool foods completely before freezing to reduce ice crystals and preserve texture.
Use freezer-appropriate containers or heavy-duty foil wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Portion into family-sized or single-meal servings so reheating is simple and quick.
When reheating from frozen, add extra time in the oven or slow cooker and check internal temperature to ensure food is hot throughout.

Share Your Favorites

I’d love to hear what you’re cooking these days. Are you doubling main dishes, making casseroles to freeze, or relying on hearty soups? If you’re using recipes you found online or family favorites, feel free to mention their names or the blogs where you found them — I’m always looking for fresh ideas to add to our holiday meal plan.

With just a little extra planning, you can enjoy the holidays without being stuck in the kitchen. Freeze ahead, organize your freezer, and keep a few comforting, ready-to-heat dinners on hand — you’ll be grateful for those stress-free evenings when the holiday bustle is in full swing.