15 Make-Ahead Dishes Every Smart Host Swears By
Every great host knows that make-ahead dishes are the secret to calm, confident entertaining. They free up your time and keep meals tasting incredible.
These recipes stay fresh, flavorful, and party-ready, no matter when you make them. Dinner feels effortless, and your guests will think you planned for days.
Venison Vegetable Soup
This venison vegetable soup is hearty, flavorful, and packed with tender deer meat and vegetables. It’s slow-cooker friendly and works with any of the tougher cuts.
Get The Recipe: Venison Vegetable Soup.
Chorizo Tacos
Chorizo Tacos are a fast, easy, delicious meal for any night of the week! Cook extra chorizo so that you don’t have to cook tomorrow! Cook once, eat twice!
Get The Recipes: Chorizo Tacos.
Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
In the world of easy and delicious weeknight dinners, few dishes rival the mouthwatering appeal of a Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole. This Mexican-inspired creation combines the convenience of slow cooking with the irresistible flavors of enchiladas, making it the perfect recipe to satisfy your family’s cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole.
Venison Enchiladas
These Venison Enchiladas are one of our favorite ways to enjoy venison! The venison is slow-cooked, so it is tender and juicy every time!
|Get The Recipe: Venison Enchiladas.
Venison Chorizo
Nothing beats the satisfaction of adding top-quality chorizo to your dishes. Have you ever tried making your own? Now’s your chance! We’re introducing Venison Chorizo – a spin on the classic recipe – crafted with lean venison and essential spices. It’s perfect for enhancing your favorite Mexican meals. Bring this irresistible chorizo to your table, from tacos to chili and more.
Get the Recipe: Venison Chorizo.
Chili Bar
Spice up your next gathering with the ultimate comfort food station: a DIY chili bar. This fun and interactive party experience allows guests to customize their favorite bowl of hearty chili with various delicious toppings and sides.
Get the Recipe: Chili Bar.
Slow Cooker Venison Chili
Chili con carne, often referred to as chili, is believed to have originated in the American Southwest, particularly in Texas, during the 19th century. This version embraces venison’s lean profile – contrasting with traditional recipes -creating a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Venison Chili.
Oven Braised Meatball Stew
This classic oven meatball stew is a vintage dish that’s incredibly simple to prepare and absolutely tasty! It’s a full meal served in one pot, combining hearty meatballs with a rich, savory stew. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe offers both ease and flavor, ensuring a satisfying dining experience with minimal cost and cleanup.
Get the recipe: Oven Braised Meatball Stew.
Chili for a Crowd
This beef and chorizo chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a large group! Its hearty mix of rich beef and spicy chorizo simmered with a blend of tomatoes and beans creates a robust flavor ideal for chilly autumn days.
Get the recipe: Chili for a Crowd.
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
If you’re looking for a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that the whole family will love, this Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is the perfect choice. Juicy, flavorful meatloaf topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese makes for the ultimate one-pan meal. It’s hearty, easy to make, and packed with smoky, tangy flavors your family will love.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole.
One Pan Cheesy Taco Skillet
An easy taco skillet that’s like a gourmet version of Hamburger Helper. Perfect to make on busy weeknights. Plus, you can make it as spicy (or not) as you want!
Get The Recipe: One Pan Cheesy Taco Skillet.
Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
If you’re looking for a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that will last you the whole week, this Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole is the perfect choice. It’s hearty, easy to make, and packed with smoky, tangy flavors.
Get The Recipe: Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole.
Arroz con Pollo (Latin One-Pot Chicken and Yellow Rice)
This Arroz con Pollo is an easy one-pot meal full of Latin flavors, combining juicy chicken, fluffy yellow rice, and vegetables for a complete meal. With savory spices like cumin and paprika, plus smoky bacon, each bite bursts with rich, flavorful goodness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and comes from my Venezuelan family.
Get the Recipe: Arroz con Pollo (Latin One-Pot Chicken and Yellow Rice).
White Lasagna
White Lasagna offers a delightful twist on the classic red sauce variety. This version features layers of creamy, cheesy goodness combined with savory Italian sausage and Romanesco, a unique and tasty cruciferous vegetable. The Italian sausage adds a rich, robust flavor, while the Romanesco provides a slightly nutty, fresh taste and a beautiful pop of green color. Perfect for dinner parties or family meals, this white lasagna is sure to impress with its flavorful ingredients and elegant presentation. Get the Recipe: White Lasagna, Romanesco & Sausage.
Boeuf Bourguignon (French Beef Stew)
This Boeuf Bourguignon is straightforward and tastes like none other. We’ve simplified the instructions while retaining the same classic flavors of Julia Child’s famous Boeuf Bourguignon.
Get the Recipe: Boeuf Bourguignon (French Beef Stew).
