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    Home » Blog » Meal Planning

    30 Clever Meal Train Ideas with Recipes

    Published: Feb 28, 2014 · Modified: Aug 4, 2023 by Tiffany Dahle · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    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.

    A meal train dinner kit featuring supplies for tacos sits in an aluminum tray for easy delivery.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Easy Meal Train Set Up
    • Follow the Meal Train Etiquette
    • What Makes the Best Meal Train Menu
    • Things to Consider Before You Pick a Recipe
    • 30 Meal Train Recipes for Dinner
    • Easy Meal Train Side Dishes
    • Easy Meal Train Desserts
    • Awesome Meal Train Extras
    • Meal Train Breakfast Treats
    • Meal Train Transportation
    • 💬 Comments

    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:

    • The photo collage shows a calendar for a meal plan next to several meal train dinner ideas.
      Easy Meal Train Set Up Tips for Helping Friends

    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:

    • A photo collage shows cooking utensils on a doily, next to photos of food being brought to a family.
      12 Essential Meal Train Etiquette Tips

    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

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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

    Red Chicken Chili with No Beans
    Light and healthy red chicken chili with tons of tomatoes and fresh peppers but no beans. Top it with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and serve with tortilla chips for dunking.
    4.42 from 24 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A white bowl of tomato-based chicken chili has shredded cheddar and a dollop of sour cream on top.

    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

    Baked Meatball Subs
    This delicious and heart meatball sub recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight. You can have a hearty meal on the table in just minutes.
    5 from 46 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A blue plate has a long baked meatball sub with tomato sauce and melted cheese.

    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

    Chicken Gyro Pita Wrap
    Love classic gyros but want a healthier spin on those tasty handhelds? Grilled chicken with a homemade tzatziki sauce wrapped in a toasted pita bread is a fantastic dinner for warmer evenings.
    5 from 42 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A pita is wrapped around chicken gyro meat with fresh tomatoes and slices of red onion. The sandwich sits next to some fresh lettuce.

    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

    Crock Pot Italian Beef
    This zesty shredded Italian beef gets incredibly tender with a long, slow cook in the Crockpot. Serve it on toasted buns with melted cheese and spicy peppers for a deliciously easy dinner for a crowd.
    4.94 from 48 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    Italian beef sandwich has toasted bread, melted provolone cheese, and pepper relish on top of the shredded beef.

    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

    Crockpot Chicken Taco Chili
    This quick and easy crockpot chicken chili is perfect for stuffing a baked potato or assembling a homemade burrito bowl with leftover rice.
    5 from 1 vote
    GET THE RECIPE
    A baked potato is stuffed with crockpot chicken taco chili and then topped with corn and a dollop of sour cream.

    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

    Light Chicken Pot Pie
    This quick and easy chicken pot pie is made healthier with lots of veggies and lightened sauce.
    5 from 2 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A purple baking dish has the chicken pot pie filling ready to be topped with crust and baked.

    PREP TIPS:

    Deliver the "crustless chicken pot pie" as filling in a container for them to reheat.

    Also bring along:

    1. A canister of biscuit dough or baked buttermilk drop biscuits
    2. Some fresh fruit, already washed or cut

    Tuscan Chicken Soup

    Tuscan Chicken Soup
    This tomato-based tuscan chicken soup is deceptively easy to make for a busy night dinner. Filled with healthy veggies and a shredded rotisserie chicken, it's a delicious soup for families.
    4.49 from 29 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A bowl of Tuscan chicken soup with round noodles, tomato broth, and fresh veggies chopped up inside.

    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

    Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups
    This easy lasagna roll-up recipe is filled with a delicious spinach and cheese filling and rich meaty tomato sauce. It's the perfect make-ahead meal for busy families since you can assemble and freeze it for an easy dinner later.
    5 from 49 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A serving of beef lasagna rollups is next to a simple green salad with a fork.

    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

    Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
    The perfect busy night family dinner: these delicious philly cheesesteak sloppy joes come together in a pinch and have lots of chopped veggies in the mix.
    4.41 from 5 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A blue plate has a sloppy joe sandwich next to baked french fries with fresh veggies in the back.

    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

    Homemade Chicken Soup for the Flu
    This delicious homemade chicken soup is perfect for fighting the flu. It is filled with all the home remedies you'd need: roasted garlic, lemon, cayenne, and spices to get you feeling better in no time.
    4.66 from 83 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A bowl of homemade chicken soup with chicken and carrots has a spoon scooping up a bite.

    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

    BBQ Crockpot Chicken Thighs
    Tender BBQ Crockpot chicken thighs make excellent pulled chicken sandwiches or an easy barbecue main dish with sides. Serve the chicken warm straight out of the slowcooker for an easy buffet entree.
    5 from 46 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A Crockpot is filled with shredded bbq chicken thighs and bbq sauce.

    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

    Instant Pot Apricot Chicken
    This sweet and savory apricot chicken is fall-apart tender and a very easy weeknight dinner. Serve it over herb butter rice with the apricot sauce drizzled over the top.
    5 from 35 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A baking dish is filled with saucy apricot chicken sprinkled with fresh herbs.

    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:

    • Herb Butter Rice
    • Roasted Green Beans or a pan of Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

    Roasted Sausages with Potatoes and Apples

    Roasted Sausages, Potatoes & Apples
    This fall comfort food classic is a hit with kids and parents alike. The easiest weeknight dinner with some fresh apples and spicy sausages from the market.    
    5 from 45 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A baking dish is filled with roasted sausages, potatoes, and apples. A jar of mustard and a platter of baked pretzels are in the background.

    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

    Easy Weeknight Beef Stew
    This easy beef stew only takes a few minutes of hands-on time to cook and can easily be frozen for busy weeknights.
    5 from 47 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A blue dutch oven has a wooden spoon stirring 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

    Open Face Turkey Sandwich
    These open face turkey sandwiches with gravy are the perfect way to use up leftover turkey breast and Thanksgiving gravy but also make a delicious and easy dinner any night of the year.
    5 from 32 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A piece of sourdough bread has chunks of turkey meat and gravy on top.

    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

    Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
    Prep this honey garlic chicken in 5 minutes for an easy oven baked dinner your family will love. Serve over rice or peanut butter noodles for a special treat.
    4.98 from 46 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A white plate has jasmine rice and a pile of honey garlic chicken thighs sprinkled with fresh green onions.

    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

    Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles with Pork
    This super easy 20-min meal is perfect for a busy weeknight. The creamy  Chinese pork with spicy peanut butter noodles is delicious with rice noodles or regular pasta. Whatever you have on hand!
    4.41 from 20 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A serving of Chinese noodles with ground pork has green onions sprinkled over the top.

    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

    Easy Chicken Fried Rice
    This easy stove-top fried rice recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken with a bag of frozen veggies. Quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner, kids will gobble it right up!
    5 from 3 votes
    GET THE RECIPE

    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

    Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken
    This easy Mexican shredded chicken taco recipe is so ridiculously easy to make, even your kids could cook it! Dump everything in the Instant Pot (or slow cooker / crockpot) and you're ready to go. Leftovers freeze well, so be sure to make a big batch.
    4.50 from 2 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A bowl full of shredded chicken with a spoon. There's a bowl of red tomatoes, a green napkin, and a bottle of hot sauce sitting nearby.

    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

    Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
    This warm and delicious chicken wild rice casserole has tender chunks of chicken breast in a creamy herb sauce mixed with wild rice and Monterey Jack cheese. Top the baked casserole with crispy bread crumbs and sliced almonds for crunch. You can make it ahead and freeze for a special family dinner down the road.
    5 from 1 vote
    GET THE RECIPE
    A white baking dish has chicken wild rice casserole topped with bread crumbs and almonds. A scoop is missing.

    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

    Easy Chicken Enchiladas
    Chicken enchiladas are always a hit with kids who love Mexican food but they usually take a lot of time to prepare. This fast and easy recipe comes together quickly with several busy-parent shortcuts.
    4.99 from 50 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A baking pan filled with tomato sauce covered 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

    Italian Sausage Pasta Casserole
    This delicious Italian sausage pasta casserole mixes Jimmy Dean bulk sausage with fresh spinach for a perfect make-ahead dinner.
    4.60 from 42 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A pan of baked Italian sausage pasta casserole has a pair of oven mitts in the background.

    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

    Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole
    This comfort food classic is a big hit with kids who love the rich and creamy chicken Alfredo rice. Adults will love the Italian spin on an American casserole. Perfect for a cold and blustery winter night.
    4.67 from 3 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A blue plate has a serving of chicken rice alfredo casserole. You can see the red peppers and peas popping up through out the serving.

    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

    Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish
    This old fashioned hamburger tater tot casserole has been a family favorite in Minnesota for generations because it is so easy to prep and is a hearty dinner for a cold night. You can make it ahead and freeze it to get prepared for a busy night.
    5 from 1 vote
    GET THE RECIPE
    The tater tot casserole has a spoon scooping a serving, you can see the ground beef, green beans, and corn with golden brown tater tots on top.

    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

    Lemon Orzo Salad with Tomatoes & Dill
    This simple Greek orzo pasta salad made with fresh tomatoes and feta is bright and zesty from the fresh squeezed lemon juice. Serve it warm or chilled with shrimp or chicken.
    5 from 2 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A white bowl is filled with the lemon orzo pasta salad. Tomatoes and dill are sprinkled throughout.

    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

    Asian Chicken Pasta Salad
    This refreshing chicken pasta salad is loaded with raw veggies and a delicious savory Asian marinade. Make a batch for easy work week lunches or for serving at a party.
    4.67 from 3 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    The finished salad is in a white bowl with 2 chicken tenderloins on a bed of pasta salad with baby spinach.

    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

    Pesto Chicken Casserole
    This rich and creamy pesto chicken casserole can be prepared in just 20 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner. Simple enough for a weeknight, but festive enough to serve for the holidays.
    4.61 from 23 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A blue baking dish filled with alfredo pesto pasta and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. A slotted spoon has scooped out a serving.

    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

    Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
    This make-ahead chicken spaghetti casserole is perfect for stashing in your freezer for a busy night. Split the dish into two 8x8-in pans for a small serving dinner or easy side dish.
    5 from 1 vote
    GET THE RECIPE
    A square pan of chicken spaghetti is ready to be frozen in aluminum foil wrap.

    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

    Oven Baked Salmon
    This simple oven baked salmon is perfect for beginner cooks or for a busy weeknight. Just 3 ingredients and 15 minutes to a delicious and healthy dinner.
    5 from 39 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A platter of oven baked salmon next to roasted asparagus has a fork showing the flaky pink fish.

    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

    Tandoori Chicken in the Air Fryer
    Tender and juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a spicy yogurt sauce and then roasted to perfection in just minutes with your air fryer. Serve this savory chicken with spiced vegetables, a simple green salad, and some warmed naan bread.
    5 from 2 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken on a white plate. Salad sits in the background.

    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

    Saucy Pork and Noodle Bake
    Kid-friendly comfort food at it's best! Cheesy noodles mixed with corn and leftover pork, it's the perfect casserole to make ahead and keep prepped in your freezer. This recipe is older than dirt, provided by my mom!
    4.40 from 261 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A white baking dish is filled with wavy egg noodles, chopped pork, and corn and red peppers to show the final baked saucy pork and noodle bake casserole.

    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

    Ham Pot Pie with Buttery Crust
    This easy ham and veggie slab pie is the perfect make ahead recipe for a special dinner with your family. Break the prep work down into simple steps and have an amazing pot pie to toss in the oven at the last minute.
    5 from 2 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A slice of ham slab pot pie sits on a plate with a serving spatula. Big chunks of fresh veggies peek out from under a flaky pie crust.

    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

    Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
    This big batch of spicy egg and sausage breakfast burritos are perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping on hand for busy weekday mornings.
    4.47 from 121 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A blue plate has a stack of breakfast burritos, one is sliced open to show the sausage, eggs, and potatoes inside.

    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

    Spicy Sausage and Lentil Soup
    This hot and spicy sausage and lentil soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Freezer friendly, kid friendly, perfect for a big crowd with a big appetite.
    5 from 2 votes
    GET THE RECIPE
    A bowl of sausage lentil soup sits on an orange napkin with a spoon ready for eating.

    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:

    • A ruffled bowl of pina colada dip has shredded coconut on top and is surrounded by fresh strawberries, pineapple, and gingersnap cookies.
      Creamy Piña Colada Fruit Dip
    • A serving bowl has creamy peanut butter apple dip and is topped with salted peanuts. There are green apple slices in the dip and on the plate with pretzels.
      Creamy Peanut Butter Apple Dip
    • A bowl of strawberry mango salsa has a blue spoon and cinnamon pita chips on the plate next to it.
      Strawberry Mango Salsa
    • 2 crostini toasts are topped with diced strawberries and a sprinkle of fresh basil to show the strawberry bruschetta appetizer. A plate of crostini sits in the background.
      Fresh Strawberry Bruschetta

    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.

    • A bowl of cold spinach dip is served with bagel chips for dipping.
      Cold Spinach Dip
    • A bowl of dill dip has a baby carrot dipping in it. Cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs are on the platter behind it.
      Dill Dip for Veggies
    • A mason jar with creamy homemade ranch dressing has a spoon showing the texture in a drip.
      Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing
    • Fresh cilantro is about to be mixed into a homemade salsa recipe inside a food processor.
      5 Easy Homemade Salsa Recipes

    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.

    • A freezer-friendly metal pan holds an 8x8-inch apple crisp with crumble topping.
      Freezer Friendly Apple Crisp
    • A white bowl of fresh cherry crisp shows the juicy filling and golden brown crumble topping.
      The Best Fresh Cherry Crisp
    • A metal pan has an ice cream cake with red and white sprinkles over the top. A slice is missing so you can see the layers of ice cream sandwiches inside.
      Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
    • A stack of shortbread pecan pie bars on a cake plate for serving.
      Shortbread Pecan Pie Bars

    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:

    • Sweet and spicy honey sriracha chex mix has square pretzles, cereal, and peanuts mixed together.
      Honey Sriracha Chex Mix
    • A bag of sweet Chex Mix has nuts, cereal, and red and orange M&M candies.
      Sweet and Salty Chex Mix
    • A batch of birthday cake popcorn has pastel M&Ms and rainbow sprinkles with a white candy coating.
      Birthday Cake Popcorn
    • A pan of apple pie chex mix has yogurt covered raisins mixed in with a wooden spoon next to a green striped towel.
      Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix

    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.

    • A white baking dish is filled with the baked oatmeal. Blueberries are dotted over the top.
      Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
    • A bowl of yogurt topped with homemade granola and fresh strawberries sits on a blue napkin.
      Classic Homemade Granola
    • A platter of homemade granola bars has chocolate chips sprinkled over the top.
      Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars
    • Homemade banana zucchini bread has been sliced to show the inside and sits in a white ceramic bread basket with a grey striped napkin.
      Banana Zucchini Bread
    • A slice of cherry almond coffee cake shows the layer of big fresh cherries on the bottom and the crumbly streusel topping on top.
      Cherry Almond Streusel Coffee Cake
    • A blue plate has a pile of homemade blueberry scones on top.
      Easy Blueberry Scones
    • A cranberry orange muffin with cinnamon streusel is wrapped in a bright red muffin paper and sits on a pile of other muffins.
      Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel Topping
    • A slice of cinnamon swirl bread sits on a cutting board next to the bread pan it came from.
      Homemade Cinnamon Swirl Bread

    Meal Train Transportation

    All the meal train ideas you need to bring the best dinner ever

    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 ultimate list of meal train ideas: Bring the best dinner ever
    The best meal train ideas ever: how to bring a meal to new moms they'll never forget
    How to take them a meal train dinner. 30+ recipes for bringing the best dinner to a friend in need. Tips for how to pack a meal train dinner and how to avoid endless pasta.
    How to package up a meal train dinner for a new mom

    More Meal Planning Tips and Lists

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      40 Breakfast Ideas for a Crowd
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      30 Tasty Baby Spinach Recipes
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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Rhonda

      March 08, 2023 at 5:45 pm

      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.

      Reply
    2. Connie B

      January 30, 2022 at 8:38 pm

      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.

      Reply
    3. Tracy

      June 12, 2021 at 5:18 pm

      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.

      Reply
    4. Roni Higgins

      April 11, 2021 at 9:39 am

      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.

      Reply
    5. CJ

      February 05, 2021 at 5:26 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Melissa

        March 30, 2021 at 8:24 pm

        What a thoughtful and much appreciated gesture! I will remember this idea.
        Thanks.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

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    Hi, I'm Tiffany!
    I believe a great family recipe is one that makes everyone at the table happy, not just the kids. I'm the author of two bestselling cookbooks for kids that are chock full of recipes everyone in your family will love. I'm also the hostess of the best online book club for women.

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