Did you recently sign up on a Meal Train calendar? Now it’s time to brainstorm a meal that you can prepare for your friend or family member in need. When considering the best Meal Train recipes, consider the following 5 factors. The meal should be…
- Easy to transport and reheat
- Convenient to prepare
- Labeled with recipe ingredients
- Healthy recipes that meet the dietary needs of the Recipient
- Complete with appetizer, dessert, drinks, condiments, etc.
Here are a few recipe ideas that may fit your needs.
Pan-roasted chicken and vegetables
This is a one-dish chicken and vegetable recipe that won’t have you bound to the kitchen. It requires only a 15-minute prep time plus a 45-minute bake time, which you can include on instructions for the recipient. It’s perfect for a family that needs something healthy and gluten-free. See the recipe.
Potential sides: Bread and butter (for non-gluten-free households), side salad, grilled corn on the cob, asparagus
Dessert: Homemade chocolate chip cookies
Baked mac & cheese
This may not be the healthiest meal on the list, but it’ll be a home run for kids and vegetarians alike! This recipe required just 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cook time. See the recipe.
Plus, if you’re not serving a vegetarian family, you can also spice it up with add-ins like bacon or ham.
Potential sides: Asparagus or green beans, side salad, bacon, applesauce
Dessert: Chocolate covered strawberries
Taco kits
A taco kit is the perfect Meal Train idea. All you have to do is buy, prepare, and deliver all the favorite fixings for tacos. We suggest making a big pot of either chicken or carnitas taco meat and then bring corn and flour tortillas, a bag of shredded cheese, a small container of sour cream, salsa, guacamole, washed and dried cilantro, and a bag of tortilla chips.
Potential sides: Chips and guacamole
Dessert: Brownies
Strawberry salad with poppy seed dressing
This strawberry salad is a great meal to bring to new parents or someone recovering from surgery because it’s so full of nutrients. As it’s a bit lighter, you may consider this for a lunch recipe. Add a plant-based protein for something more substantial. See the recipe.
Potential sides: Air-fried bananas chips, bread and butter
Dessert: Cupcakes
Baked ziti
Baked ziti is an easy and delicious recipe that includes about an hour of preparation time and 30 minutes of baking and standing time. It’s an ideal freezer meal if you’re looking to drop off something extra for the recipient in addition to a fresh meal. See the recipe.
Potential sides: Side salad, asparagus or green beans, bread and butter
Desserts: Peach cobbler
Final thoughts
Of course, there are thousands of great recipes available. What are your go-to recipes? Let us know by sharing it on Instagram with #MealTrain.
Want more recipe ideas? Find more recipe articles here
