The magic of make-ahead dinners is that when time is of the essence, they feel like lifesavers. They are lifesavers. Whether you're prepping for a month-long, all-consumingwork project or helping stock a friend's freezer for when her imminent triplets (!!!) arrive, these 20 Make-Ahead Vegetarian Meals help fill thedinner table in no time at all.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili with Porter
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (2) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (2)](https://i0.wp.com/i1.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Crock_Pot_Butternut_Squash_Chili_with_Porter_featured.jpg?fit=600%2C840&ssl=1)
One of our favorite tips for make-ahead meals is to freeze the components of a slow cooker recipe BEFORE cooking it. This comforting beer-enhanced bowlful lends itself perfectly to the method.
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Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese & Herb Pie
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (3) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (3)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Caramelized-Onion-Goat-Cheese-and-Herb-Pie-from-The-View-from-Great-Island.jpg?fit=600%2C599&ssl=1)
This lighter-than-quiche savory pie from The View from Great Island is packed full of fresh herbs and creamy goat cheese. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time and frozen for an easy meal any time you want it.
Tempeh Tacos
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (4) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (4)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/tempeh_tacos.jpg?fit=450%2C675&ssl=1)
If you miss ground beef taco filling, these Tempeh Tacos will be your new favorite taco recipe. Make the filling up to a week in advance and refrigerate it or freeze it for up to 2 months.
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Meatless Zucchini Enchilada Casserole
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (5) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (5)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Zucchini-Enchilada-Casserola-from-Flavor-Mosaic.jpg?fit=550%2C771&ssl=1)
Layers of zucchini take the place of tortillas in this veggie-heavy enchilada casserole from Flavor Mosaic. It can be made ahead and kept in the fridge until ready to bake, and leftovers are fabulous.
Cheese & Roasted Vegetable Baked Manicotti
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Loads of roasted veggies stuffed into pasta tubes and covered in cheese? Heck yes! Assemble ahead of time and either refrigerate or freeze and you're good to go.
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Curried Carrot, Apple & Peanut Soup
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (7) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (7)](https://i0.wp.com/i1.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Curried-Carrot-Apple-and-Peanut-Soup-from-The-Law-Students-Wife.jpg?fit=575%2C862&ssl=1)
This stunning curry-spiced soup from The Law Student's Wife brings loads of flavor and two make-ahead options -- refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Quesadillas
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (8) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (8)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Breakfast_quesadillas4.jpg?fit=600%2C395&ssl=1)
Breakfast for dinner strikes again! These hearty make-ahead quesadillas are perfect for the freezer, and even though they're officially a breakfast recipe, they're also pretty perfect for dinner too.
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Easy Refried Bean & Cheese Burritos
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (9) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (9)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Easy-Refried-Bean-and-Cheese-Burritos.jpg?fit=600%2C840&ssl=1)
Make a huge batch of these simple bean and cheese burritos from Kitchen Treaty and freeze them for easy-peasy dinners down the road. Prefer less cheese and more veggies? They're easy to customize and make your own.
Vegetable Baked Ziti
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (10) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (10)](https://i0.wp.com/i1.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/vegetable_baked_ziti_casserole1.jpg?fit=600%2C400&ssl=1)
Zucchini and mushrooms bulk up traditional baked ziti for a freezer-friendly, satiating dinner. Pure comfort, right here.
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Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (11) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (11)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Cauliflower-Mac-and-Cheese-The-Lemon-Bowl.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1)
This lightened-up macaroni and cheese from The Lemon Bowl is a rich-tasting, kid-friendly make-ahead option. Just prep the components ahead of time then assemble right before baking.
Broccoli Parmesan Meatballs
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (12) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (12)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/broccoli_parmesan_meatballs.jpg?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1)
This reader favorite can be made in big batches and frozen for future spaghetti and meatball dinners. We also love using them for meatball subs!
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White Mushroom Lasagna
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (13) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (13)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/White-Mushroom-Lasagna-from-The-View-from-Great-Island.jpg?fit=600%2C867&ssl=1)
Wow unexpected company when you pull this pan of gloriousness out of the oven. The View from Great Island brings us this decadent cheesy lasagna that can be assembled and either refrigerated or frozen before baking. Life just got infinitely better.
Mediterranean Calzones
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (14) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (14)](https://i0.wp.com/i1.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/mediterranean_calzones.jpg?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1)
Calzones are quite possibly the perfect food for freezing. After you've assembled them, wrap them in plastic wrap and stick them in a freezer bag. To heat the calzones, you'll just need to add a few minutes to the original cooking time.
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Baked Quinoa Falafel Sandwiches
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (15) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (15)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Baked-Quinoa-Falafel-Sandwiches-Connoisseurus-Veg.jpg?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1)
What's better than the brilliance of falafel made with quinoa? The fact that you can make them ahead of time and freeze them for these scrumptious vegan sandwiches anytime you want them. Connoisseurus Veg shows you how.
Greek Farro Salad
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (16) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (16)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Greek-Farro-Salad-Cookie-Monster-Cooking.jpg?fit=400%2C600&ssl=1)
Fresh veggies, hearty farro and an irresistible dressing. We'd be happy to dine on this delicious dish from Cookie Monster Cooking any day of the week! Just make ahead and refrigerate.
Chipotle Black Bean Quinoa Burgers with Sweet Corn Relish
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (17) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (17)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/chipotle_black_bean_quinoa_burgers_with_sweet_corn_relish.jpg?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1)
Next time you're making veggie burgers, double the recipe and freeze the extra patties for later! Baking or pan-frying them in a small amount of oil will help them hold together before you freeze them.
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Vegetable & Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (18) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (18)](https://i0.wp.com/i1.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Vegetable-and-Quinoa-Stuffed-Zucchini-Taste-Love-and-Nourish.jpg?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1)
Zucchini boats filled to the brim with satisfying fare -- loads of veggies and quinoa to boot. Taste, Love, and Nourish brings us this easy dish that can be assembled up to two days ahead of time.
Creamy Spinach & Cheese Green Chile Enchiladas
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (19) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (19)](https://i0.wp.com/i1.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Creamy-Spinach-Enchiladas-Two-Peas-and-Their-Pod.jpg?fit=550%2C825&ssl=1)
Packed to the brim with spinach, these tasty enchiladas from Two Peas and Their Pod can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until ready to bake. Especially perfect for new parents!
One Skillet Vegetarian Quinoa Fajitas
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (20) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (20)](https://i0.wp.com/i2.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Quinoa-Fajitas-from-Cook-the-Story.jpg?fit=600%2C400&ssl=1)
Not only do these fantastic fajitas from Cook the Story use only a single skillet, much of the work can be done ahead of time. Less dishes AND can be made in advance? Win win.
Sloppy Lentil Sandwiches
![Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (21) Make Ahead Vegetarian Meals (21)](https://i0.wp.com/i0.wp.com/ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/sloppy_lentil_sandwiches.jpg?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1)
A batch of these sloppy lentils will last in the fridge for several days or even longer in the freezer. All you need to do is heat, serve and spoon onto a crusty sandwich roll.
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More Tasty Vegetarian Ideas
If you love these make ahead vegetarian meals, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:
- 13 Make Ahead Vegan Dinner Ideas
- 30+ Vegan Meal Prep Recipes
- Quick Guide to Meatless Meal Prep