30 Clever Meal Train Ideas with Recipes
The only list of meal train ideas you'll need to take them a meal they'll deeply appreciate. There's an art to bringing meals for new moms. Great list of healthy meals that travel well and our favorite meal train website.
When Little Pea was born I was blessed with the World's Greatest Playgroup who stepped forward to bring meals for new moms in our group for SIX WHOLE WEEKS. Yes, 6 entire weeks of post-baby bliss where I could focus solely on Little Pea and some health stresses that came with her delivery and not have to give a passing thought about what would be hitting the dinner table at night.
Little Pea turns 4 this May and still those 6 weeks' worth of ladies stepping forward to show their love through casseroles and a friendly visit remains one of the most generous things I've ever experienced in my life.
I was more than pleased to participate in our group meal train and provide dinners for new moms home with their sweet babies but being on the receiving end of the dinner deliveries was humbling and heartwarming in a way I'm unable to adequately describe.
While every single crumb of food was appreciated beyond words, I also learned a thing or two on how to make sure the meals I delivered to others were the best they could be. Today I'm sharing those lessons in this "The Ultimate Meal Train Ideas List" in hopes that it makes that task easier for you and tastier for the recipient.
Does your playgroup or church have a mommy meals or meal train program? What do you call it? Seems everyone has their own special name!
Do you have a favorite meal you like to bring to new moms? Leave a note in the comments and add to the resource!
P.S. This post is dedicated to each of my dear friends in playgroup. You know who you all are. And to the ladies of my Book Club who extended those 6 weeks with another week and half with the meals you brought. And lastly to my friend Kristina, who knows way more about mommy meals than I ever wish she did. Thanks so much for your advice and help on this post.
Easy Meal Train Set Up
Step 1: Learn how to set up a meal train to support your friend.
If you've never done a meal train before, be sure to read my helpful meal train set up tips here:
Follow the Meal Train Etiquette
A meal train is only as successful as its members. Make sure you're following this important meal train etiquette:
What Makes the Best Meal Train Menu
This is the area I had the most to learn about the whole concept of mommy meals.
I used to be more concerned about:
- food that would travels well
- food that's easy on the recipient to get to the table
To me, the thing that fit that criteria best was ALWAYS a casserole, but then my friends arrived bearing truly creative meal train ideas.
I realized how wonderful a wide variety of dinners can be after a few too many nights of pasta-themed dishes.
The list below does feature some pasta and some casseroles, because that's just tasty stuff!
But look closely at the list of meal train dinner ideas and you'll find some great unique recipes for mixing in if you find your recipient's calendar has too many noodles.
A mix of ready to eat tonight dinners with a few meals to freeze and reheat later is a thoughtful approach to a meal train.
And don't forget you'll still have your own family to feed that evening. These big family dinner ideas are great if you want to split a big batch of food to share with a friend.
Things to Consider Before You Pick a Recipe
- EASY Prep: Your meal train recipient should not have to do anything more than simply reheat the food or pop a pan in the oven.
- Wash and Chop EVERYTHING: If you're providing a salad or fresh fruit or raw veggies, be sure to wash and chop and completely prep every single thing for easy eating.
- Consider Casserole Alternatives: Be that thoughtful person that brings a delicious meal that will give the family comfort without being monotonous.
These are some of our all time favorite meal train recipes, you'll spot a few casseroles but lots of creative dishes to bring to new moms or friends who need help.
30 Meal Train Recipes for Dinner
The best meal train ideas for families in need. You will find a wide mix of dinner kits to bring that cover traditional casseroles, freezer-friendly meals they can save for later, warm soups and breads to bring them comfort, and healthy dinners to mix into rotations that are too heavy on pasta.
Healthy Chicken Chili
PREP TIPS:
Another big-batch recipe, this healthy chicken chili is perfect for those who don't like beans.
Also bring along:
- A bag of tortilla chips for dunking
- A bag of shredded cheese
- A container of sour cream
Baked Meatball Subs
PREP TIPS:
Deliver the meatballs and sauce separately from the buns. Leave them instructions on how to toast the buns and heat up the meatballs before serving.
Also bring along:
- A green salad with dressing
- A bag of shredded mozzarella cheese
- A bag of chips
- A container of chip dip or seasoned sour cream
Chicken Gyro Wraps Kit
PREP TIPS:
This is an excellent meal kit for families with picky kids who can build their own dinner. Deliver all the elements for the dish in separate containers.
Bring along:
- The cooked chicken, already cut into slices
- Washed and cut tomatoes
- A sliced red onion
- A package of tzatziki sauce: Take the few minutes of extra time to make this easy homemade tzatziki sauce for gyros
- A couple of packages of wraps (Be generous and give more than they need, young kids LOVE them.)
- A package of washed lettuce greens, enough to build a salad for mom or dad
- A bag of frozen french fries or potato wedges
Italian Beef Sandwiches
PREP TIPS:
You can cook the shredded beef at home and deliver it in a container they can reheat it in. Keep the sandwich rolls separate.
Also bring along:
- A bag of frozen french fries or tater tots
- A jar of pickled jalapenos
- A package of sliced provolone or American cheese
- A large bunch of fresh washed grapes
Stuffed Potatoes with Chicken Taco Chili
PREP TIPS:
You can cook and prep the chicken taco chili and deliver in a disposable container.
Bring along the rest of these items to round out the meal kit:
- Baked Potatoes (already baked)
- A bag of frozen corn
- A bag of shredded cheese
- A container of sour cream
- Already chopped fresh green onions
Lighter Chicken Pot Pie
PREP TIPS:
Deliver the "crustless chicken pot pie" as filling in a container for them to reheat.
Also bring along:
- A canister of biscuit dough or baked buttermilk drop biscuits
- Some fresh fruit, already washed or cut
Tuscan Chicken Soup
PREP TIPS:
Soup is a little trickier to deliver, but if you have the right container it is such a blessing for the family to receive.
Also bring along:
- Fresh bread from the grocery or a loaf of something homemade like this Italian bread or fluffy focaccia
- You could also make these ham and cheese sliders for them to reheat if you know they need to bulk up the meal for a larger family.
Make Ahead Lasagna Roll-ups
PREP TIPS:
Far easier to make than a whole pan of lasagna, these roll-ups are freezer friendly and can be stashed away if your recipient has too much food on hand right now.
Also bring along:
- Frozen garlic bread or baked crescent dinner rolls
- A package of prewashed baby spinach and a bottle of Italian dressing
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
PREP TIPS:
Another easy, budget-friendly beef recipe is a prepared container of sloppy joe mix. This cheesesteak version has lots of peppers and onions inside which help increase the veggie intake for kids.
Also bring along:
- Sliced hamburger buns they can toast
- A package of sliced provolone cheese
- A bag of frozen french fries or tater tots
- A tray of raw veggies with dill dip
Homemade Chicken Soup
PREP TIPS:
If the family is struggling with illness in the home, this homemade chicken soup is our essential home remedy. Loaded with lemon and roasted garlic, it helps so much when you're under the weather.
Also bring along:
- A container of cooked jasmine rice for them to mix into the soup as desired
- Buttery crackers or saltines
- A bag of oranges
- A container of orange juice & a liter of Sprite for them to make homemade spritzers
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
PREP TIPS:
Make a batch of this shredded BBQ chicken in your crockpot and deliver it to them as part of a dinner kit.
You could pick a baked potato bar, homemade BBQ chicken sliders, or simply deliver it as a BBQ dinner with sides.
Also bring along:
- A pan of homemade baked mac and cheese
- Baked beans
- Coleslaw or Chow Chow
- Buttermilk Cornbread
Apricot Chicken with Herb Butter Rice
PREP TIPS:
You can make the apricot chicken in advance and just deliver it in a pan with the juices. The family can easily reheat it in the microwave or on the stove top.
Also bring along:
Roasted Sausages with Potatoes and Apples
PREP TIPS:
This is a perfect meal train dinner to bring in the fall. Chop up the potatoes, onions, and peppers, season them and toss with olive oil, and bundle them in a plastic bag.
Deliver the sausages cut veggies with instructions on how to bake them.
Also bring along:
- A jar of spicy mustard or a container of homemade raspberry mustard dip
- A batch of homemade pretzels or a bag of store bought crunchy ones
- A jug of apple cider
Easy Stovetop Beef Stew
PREP TIPS:
Most meal trains are an endless line of chicken, surprise them with a hearty beef stew that uses budget-friendly cut of sliced beef stew meat.
Also bring along at least one of these starches:
- Plenty of fresh bread or biscuits
- A container of prepared mashed potatoes
- A container of prepared rice
Slowcooker Turkey and Gravy
PREP TIPS:
Make a batch of my easy slowcooker turkey and gravy, you can have it cooking with just minutes of hands on time. Then deliver the turkey and gravy in a pan and let the family make open face sandwiches or enjoy it over mashed potatoes.
Also bring along one of:
- Fresh sliced Italian bread: You can make it from scratch in a bread machine or get a nice loaf at the bakery.
- Mashed Potatoes: You can buy a container in the refridgerated section of the grocery store or pop a batch of these Crockpot mashed potatoes in at the same time you make the turkey.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: My make ahead sweet potato casserole can be frozen.
A batch of my homemade microwave applesauce would also make a lovely side. It takes just 5 minutes.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
PREP TIPS:
You can bake these chicken thighs before delivering, or simply prepare the marinade and deliver the raw chicken with instructions on how to bake. This lets them freeze the meal if necessary.
Also bring along:
- A container of cooked jasmine rice
- A container of fresh chopped green onions
- A steam-in-bag green veggie like asparagus, broccoli, or pea pods
Chinese Noodles with Pork and Spicy Peanut Sauce
PREP TIPS:
Prepare the ground pork sauce but leave the boiling of the pasta to the dinner recipient. This allows them to freeze the meal and enjoy it fresh when they are ready. They simply have to boil the pasta and toss with reheated sauce.
Also bring along:
- A bag of prewashed broccoli florets
- A bag of clementine oranges
- A container of chopped fresh green onions
Chicken Fried Rice
PREP TIPS:
This kid-friendly chicken fried rice reheats very well. It would be a healthier version of take-out for the family.
Also bring along:
- A frozen bag of potstickers or egg rolls
- A mandarin orange and lettuce greens salad with sliced almonds
Shredded Chicken Tacos Kit
PREP TIPS:
Even easier than the enchiladas, this chicken taco mix is my kids' favorite. You could also spoil them with a pan of my Mexican pulled pork carnitas if they've had too much chicken.
Also bring along:
- A large package of tortillas
- A bag of shredded cheese
- A container of sour cream
- A container of hot sauce or taco sauce
- Freshly chopped cilantro, packaged separately in case some don't prefer it
- A bag of frozen corn
- A batch of Mexican rice
- Chips and salsa
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
PREP TIPS:
This big batch casserole recipe will give you one really large pan to feed a crowd or you can split it in half into two dishes. This lets you make dinner for your own family AND the family you're helping!
You may also want to leave the almonds off the top and deliver them in a separate container. Let the family decide whether or not to use them.
Also bring along:
- A green vegetable to go with it, I recommend green beans or broccoli and carrots
- A package of dinner rolls or biscuits
Chicken Enchiladas
PREP TIPS:
This casserole is a nice twist instead of another pasta dish. My shortcuts make it easy to prepare for you and it is freezer friendly for them.
Also bring along:
- A container of sour cream
- Freshly chopped cilantro, packaged separately in case some don't prefer it
- A batch of Mexican rice
- Chips and salsa
Freezer-Friendly Sausage Pasta Casserole
PREP TIPS:
This casserole is so delicious, we sometimes serve it at Christmas time. Sausage, spinach, and pasta in a delicious sauce.
Also bring along:
- Fresh pineapple -- this is ESSENTIAL, it pairs so well with this dish for some reason
- Fresh bread
- A simple green salad
Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole
PREP TIPS:
This creamy rice casserole is perfect for an all-in-one dinner. Assemble it but let them bake it. They'll love the freshly browned bread crumbs on top.
Also bring along:
- A package of dinner rolls or frozen garlic bread
- A Caesar salad kit
Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole
PREP TIPS:
This easy casserole recipe can be prepared in advance and frozen. Deliver it completely frozen with the easy baking instructions.
This is a perfect recipe for the family to just stash in their freezer if they have too much food on hand right now.
Also bring along:
- Homemade applesauce: they can warm it up in the microwave but it also freezes well.
- Cranberry orange muffins: A nice alternative to bread and they can also be frozen for later.
Lemony Orzo and Tomato Salad
PREP TIPS:
This is a great dish to bring during a warm weather month. Cook a batch of frozen shrimp or broiled chicken tenderloins to add as a protein to this lemony pasta salad. The whole thing can be delivered chilled.
Also bring along:
- A simple green salad with dressing OR prepared asparagus for roasting
- Fresh strawberries or cantaloupe, already washed and cut
Asian Chicken Pasta Salad
PREP TIPS:
Another perfect warm weather meal, this cold chicken salad has lots of fresh veggies to bulk it up.
Deliver the pasta mix and chicken separately in case the family prefers the chicken to be warm and wants to heat it up.
Also bring along:
- Prepared and cut fresh pineapple
Creamy Pesto Chicken Casserole
PREP TIPS:
For the families that really need some rich comfort food, this casserole is absolutely delicious. You'll definitely want to bring along some fresher sides to balance it out.
Also bring along:
- A simple green salad
- Fresh tomatoes, washed and sliced or these easy marinated tomatoes
- Fresh cantaloupe, pineapple, or strawberries, already washed and cut
Freezer-Friendly Chicken Spaghetti
PREP TIPS:
A huge hit with kids, this is one of the easiest casseroles to prepare. It's perfect if you know there are some pickier eaters in the family.
Also bring along:
- A tray of fresh veggies with dip
Oven Baked Salmon
PREP TIPS:
After a long meal train filled with pasta, it is very possible your friend is craving something extra-healthy. Buy the salmon fresh the day you plan to deliver it, but prepare it in a disposable baking dish by melting the butter and seasoning it so they only have to pop it into the oven and bake.
Also bring along:
- Washed and prepared asparagus that can bake for the same amount of time as the salmon.
- Copycat Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- A simple rice side dish, my sticky butter rice or herb butter rice would be perfect.
- This sunny citrus salad
Tandoori Chicken
PREP TIPS:
You could bake this tandoori chicken in your own air fryer and let the family simply reheat it. It makes amazing wrap sandwiches with pitas or used as a topper for a salad.
Also bring along:
- A bag of pita wraps
- A greek yogurt based dip from the grocery store
- Fresh tomatoes, washed and sliced
- This roasted carrot and wild rice salad
Saucy Pork and Noodle Bake
PREP TIPS:
One of my husband's all-time favorite meals, this casserole uses cooked pork as the protein. It is comfort food in a pan.
Also bring along:
- A simple green salad
- Any prepared fresh fruit
Ham Slab Pot Pie
PREP TIPS:
A nice change of pace from chicken, this ham pot pie has a wonderful flaky crust. You can either bake it and let them reheat, or deliver it ready for the oven and let them bake it fresh.
Also bring along:
- Baked biscuits
- A simple green salad
- Some prepared fresh fruit
Breakfast for Dinner Burritos
PREP TIPS:
Surprise the family with a breakfast for dinner night. These breakfast burritos are baked and can be frozen. This is perfect because the family could freeze leftovers for a hearty grab-and-go breakfast for the kids later.
Also bring along:
- A jar of hot sauce
- This strawberry mango salsa with cinnamon pita chips
Spicy Sausage Lentil Soup
PREP TIPS:
This soup makes a very large batch which is perfect if you want to cook for your own family and have enough to share with your friend. Or, if they have a large family the whole batch can be for them knowing they can easily freeze leftovers.
Also bring along at least one of these starches:
- Fresh bread
- Buttery crackers
- A can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
Easy Meal Train Side Dishes
Guaranteed: Your meal train recipient is going to be swimming in prepared bags of salad before this is over.
Side dishes are a perfect opportunity to make your meal train delivery shine.
With just a tiny bit of extra effort, this dish gives you the chance to show you really cared enough about the details of the meal to make it tasty.
To encourage kids in the family to eat more fruit, prepare one of these dips and deliver it along with freshly washed and sliced apples, strawberries, pineapple, cantaloupe, or another seasonal fruit:
Want to Save This for Later?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
To encourage kids in the family to eat more vegetables, consider making one of these savory dips and delivering it along with washed and prepared raw veggies like baby carrots, celery, bell peppers, broccoli, or pea pods.
Easy Meal Train Desserts
Unless you are famous for your cookies or brownies, I really recommend surprising the family with something more unique for your meal train dessert.
Bonus points for a dessert that can be frozen and enjoyed in the future if they have too much on hand now.
Awesome Meal Train Extras
The single most memorable thing one of my friends brought on top of her meal was homemade strawberry scones, raw and ready to be baked or stuck in the freezer for the future.
Having something fresh and homemade out of my oven for breakfast with none of the kitchen mess was such a blessing. She also brought a jar of homemade strawberry freezer jam which was the trigger for my passion for making it myself every year since.
These extras are totally optional but for a friend who needs just a little extra special something, consider adding one of these crunchy snack mixes for them to enjoy over a few days:
Meal Train Breakfast Treats
Yes, you're agreeing to bring dinner. But if the family you're serving is going through an especially difficult time, it is an amazingly thoughtful touch to bring something easy for a delicious breakfast the next morning, too.
You could bake up one of these simple breakfast treats so they have something sweet to look forward to at the start of a really difficult day.
My lemon blueberry baked oatmeal is prepped the night before and then baked in the morning. You could deliver it ready to be put in the fridge and they just bake it when they wake up. It lasts for several days.
A batch of homemade granola can be used to snack on or to make yogurt parfaits with fresh fruit. (Bring the yogurt and pre-washed fruit!)
Any of these easy breakfast treats could be used for a mini meal all day long.
Meal Train Transportation
Knowing I'd be making a steady stream of these Mommy Meals for my playgroup meal train, I got into the habit of keeping these disposable kitchen supplies on hand at all times:
- Aluminum casserole pans, bought in bulk at Costco: I use them for baking the casseroles and as a delivery system for meals with lots of pieces
- Disposable storage containers in various sizes
- Zip-top baggies
- A roll of masking tape: for marking food with baking instructions, storage tips, and the date so the recipient can figure out the expiration date
- Sharpie
The most important tip is to deliver your meal train dinner in 100% disposable containers. The last thing you want to do is burden your recipient with worrying about returning a special dish to the proper giver.
Extra thoughtful touch: If you know the family is going through an especially trying time, you might even consider delivering a pretty package of disposable plates and utensils to give them a night off from dishes.
Have a great suggestion for me to add to the list of meal ideas? Leave me a note in the comments and add to this resource!
The Pastors wife at my church had a stroke, she recovered well but she has a tremor in her hand bow which makes it difficult to cook without making a huge mess so there's 7 women from the church who take turns making them a meal every Friday. This is brilliant and helpful.
A friend of the family lost a loved one. We took over a crockpot of hotdogs in chili sauce and buns. While there, we was told that someone else had brought them a set of gladware. So they could put leftovers in. What a great idea.
One suggestion would be go to goodwill and find a cheap crockpot to take food in and leave with the family that your taking the meal to. This way your not out a lot and they don’t have to return it.
When my brother passed suddenly, the local church brought over a spare clean refrigerator and unloaded it to the garage. It was on loan for six weeks and we simply called the phone number (clearly marked) to have them pick it up. That was such a blessing.
When my brother in law died unexpectedly, one friend dropped off at my sister’s door a styrofoam cooler filled with ice, juice boxes and small bottles/ cans of water and sodas. The cooler was welcome because the fridge was full & the variety of drinks was so helpful to have on hand.
When my father died 20 years ago, one of our family friends that did not cook brought a large set of disposable plates, napkins, cutlery and cups. She also included paper towels and toilet paper. With all of the additional visitors, this was an absolute blessing.
What a thoughtful and much appreciated gesture! I will remember this idea.
Thanks.