8 Make-Ahead Winter Weeknight Dinners

Mini Sausage Pies: These individual-sized sausage pies are a family-favorite dinner option, boasting simple ingredients and a flavor loved by all. Recipe by Kerry Dingwall from Ponte Vedra, Florida.

Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup: Quick to prepare and brimming with healthy ingredients, this soup is a favorite featuring tortellini and savory sausage, adaptable with turkey sausage or ground turkey breast. Recipe by Tracy Fasnacht from Irwin, Pennsylvania.

Sausage-Rice Phyllo Casserole: A versatile casserole utilizing kitchen-staple ingredients, with customizable herbs and spices to suit any palate, offering a flavorful twist with additions like rosemary or cayenne. Recipe by Jenn Tidwell from Fair Oaks, California.

Kung Pao Sloppy Joes: A fusion dish combining the flavors of Chinese cuisine with the classic American sloppy joe, creating a colorful and kid-friendly meal that's both budget-friendly and healthier than takeout. Recipe by Julie Peterson from Crofton, Maryland.

Pork and Green Chile Casserole: A zesty casserole dish born from a community recipe exchange, featuring pork and green chiles, perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. Recipe by Dianne Esposite from New Middletown, Ohio.

Ham & Swiss Stromboli: An ideal dish for sharing at potlucks or delivering to someone's dinner table, easily customizable with preferred meats and cheeses, delivering a comforting meal. Recipe by Tricia Bibb from Hartselle, Alabama.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: A hearty stew infused with warm flavors like cinnamon and apricots, perfect for slow cooker convenience and guaranteed to stand out at any potluck. Recipe by Angela Buchanan from Longmont, Colorado.

Three-Cheese Jumbo Shells: A comforting casserole featuring beef and three cheeses, offering a deliciously satisfying dish made with easily accessible ingredients from the pantry and fridge. Recipe by Marjorie Carey from Alamosa, Colorado.