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Make-Ahead Weeknight Recipes - from Vikalinka

Published 12 days ago • 2 min read

Dinner, Handled: Make-Ahead Weeknight Recipes

Hello Reader

Weeknights can be a lot. Between work, school runs, and everything else life throws at us, getting dinner on the table can feel like one task too many. That’s where make-ahead meals really shine.

These are the dinners I rely on when I want future-me to feel smugly organised 😉 Recipes you can prep earlier in the day (or even the night before), stash in the fridge, and simply bake, reheat, or finish off when it’s time to eat. Less stress, fewer dishes, and zero last-minute panic.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or anytime you just want dinner handled.

Hearty and Slowly Cooked

Cook these the day before and let the flavours intensify overnight!

👉 Beef Goulash - Warm and comforting, with tender chunks of meat in a rich, flavour packed sauce. Great for freezing, or making a day or two ahead!

👉 Braised Beef Short Ribs - Braised in red wine low and slow, these short ribs deliver bold and robust flavours and the meat that will melt in your mouth.

Baked Pasta

Always a winner! Assemble in advance so only the final bake is needed before it's time to serve.

👉 Best Lasagne - Or its vegetarian sibling! Just make the Bolognese sauce, layer it up and then save the final baking for when you are ready to enjoy!

👉 Baked Penne alla Vodka with Meatballs - A creamy sauce perfectly paired with savoury meatballs. Like lasagne, just get everything in the pan, then bake when you are ready.

Prep Ahead, Assemble Later

I love these for family dinners or entertaining. Make the meat ahead and let everyone assemble at the table.

👉 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork - One for your slow cooker! Jammed with flavour, great for making ahead, and perfect for tacos, burritos, or protein bowls. Freezes well too!

👉 Ground Beef Tacos - Easy and straightforward, you can make the taco meat so its ready when you are. We love this in make-it-yourself burritos, or taco salads!

Wishing you a flavourful week ahead!
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Love,
Julia x

small dish of stew with herbs and a serving spoon short rib in a rich sauce on mashed potatoes in a bowl
a pan of cooked but uncut lasgane baked pasta in a pan with meatballs and slices of basil
three tacos filled with pulled pork and strands of cabbage five tacos filled with ground beef and vegetables, on a table with lime and avocado

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Vikalinka

Julia Frey, a London-based recipe developer and photographer

I am Julia Frey, a London based recipe developer and photographer, and Vikalinka is my space to share my food with the world. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get tried-and-true recipes delivered to your inbox!

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