A Month of Weekday Meals From Rachael Ray

Looking for an easier way to get dinner on the table? Rachael Ray’s make-ahead meals from Week in a Day make dinner planning simple.

Related To:

Make Ahead Comfort Food Main Dish

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Braised Pork Tacos

Rachael braises pork shoulder when she has time off on the weekends, then uses the tender meat for quick weekday meals like these tasty tacos.

Get the Recipe: Braised Pork Tacos

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Puttanesca

This flavor-packed pasta makes a satisfying vegetarian main course.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato and Roasted Garlic Puttanesca

Portuguese Fish Supper

Hearty stews are one of Rachael's go-tos. For this one, she makes the base sauce ahead of time and then adds freshly cooked seafood.

Get the Recipe: Portuguese Fish Supper

Braised Chicken With Mushrooms

This plate of comfort food hits the spot after a long day — you'll thank Rachael when you've made it ahead and all you have to do is reheat.

Get the Recipe: Braised Chicken with Mushrooms

Ceci Chickpeas Sauce With Penne

If you're a hummus fan, you'll love Rachael's chickpea sauce over pasta.

Get the Recipe: Ceci (Chickpeas) Sauce with Penne

Spinach-Stuffed Braciole

Reserve the sausages and any remaining spoonfuls of sauce from this dinner party-worthy dish for make-ahead pasta later in the week.

Get the Recipe: Spinach Stuffed Braciole in a Sunday Sauce with Pappardelle

Chipotle Chicken Thighs With Guacamole

Rachael kicks up weeknight meals with this chile-spiked chicken and homemade guac.

Get the Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Thighs with Chunky Guacamole

Crab Cake Mac-n-Cheese

Try combining two classics into Rachael's crowd-pleasing casserole.

Get the Recipe: Crab Cake Mac N Cheese

Roasted Pepper and Eggplant Marinara

To make a pasta sauce hearty and healthy, Rachael bulks it up with lots of veggies.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Pepper and Eggplant Marinara

Sausage, Pepper and Onion One-Pot

Hate cleaning the kitchen? One-pot meals are the way to go. Fortunately, Rachael has lots of them in her recipe box.

Get the Recipe: Sausage, Pepper and Onion One-Pot

Everything Gumbo

Gumbo is one of those dishes that taste even better on the second or third day. Rachael makes the base ahead, then adds seafood before serving.

Get the Recipe: Everything Gumbo

3-Bean Minestrone

Make soup into a main course with this hearty combo of cannellini, garbanzo and green beans.

Get the Recipe: Hearty and Healthy 3 Bean Minestrone

Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Bring your favorite Italian restaurant fare to your kitchen with Rachael's easy take on eggplant parmesan.

Get the Recipe: Eggplant Parm Stacks

Red Pork Posole

Posole is a hearty Mexican stew that reheats beautifully. Rachael tops hers with pickled onions and queso fresco.

Get the Recipe: Red Pork Posole with Pickled Onions and Queso Fresco

Stuffed Peppers With Lamb and Eggplant

Rachael's stuffed peppers can be completely assembled ahead of time. Just pop them in the oven for 30 minutes and dinner is served.

Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers with Lamb and Eggplant

Argentine Chili

When you think of one-pot, make-ahead meals, chili is an absolute classic. Rachael jazzes it up with chorizo and a bright chimichurri topping.

Get the Recipe: Argentine Chili With Chimichurri

Roast Chicken Enchiladas Suizas

Make this Mexican casserole with leftover chicken or pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.

Get the Recipe: Roast Chicken Enchilada Suizas Stacked Casserole

Double-Batch Classic Bolognese

Rachael doubles her recipe for this flavorful meat sauce because it freezes well, so you can eat half tonight and half next week when you're craving it again.

Get the Recipe: Double-Batch Classic Bolognese

Smoky Spanish Hunter's Chicken

Whip up some quick-cooking polenta to serve with Rachael's make-ahead "Spanish Cacciatore" — it's perfect for soaking up all of the smoky sauce.

Get the Recipe: Smoky Spanish Hunter's Chicken

Spinach and Artichoke Baked Whole Grain Pasta

Inspired by a favorite dip, Rachael created a delicious baked pasta.

Get the Recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Baked Whole Grain Pasta

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