Carving out some time to whip up one simple, scrumptious recipe isn’t enough to give you meals all week. You can’t go wrong by prepping large, freezer-friendly dishes. Dinner becomes an afterthought when you remember that mouthwatering veggie casserole waiting for you in the fridge, or that leftover savory stew you popped in the freezer a few days ago.

If you’re keeping a close eye on your budget or have no time to squeeze any cooking into your schedule, these make-ahead meals will remove added stress and have you covered throughout the week. With their easy prep and affordability, these dishes bump any amateur in the kitchen up to smart-chef status.