10 Make-Ahead Meals to Bring to Family or Friends

By Melanie Haiken, Caring.com senior editor

When a family member or friend is sick or in need of help, it’s a time-honored tradition to deliver a home-cooked meal. But it can be daunting to think about what to bring to another family, and it’s all too easy to make unintentional mistakes when you’re just trying to be helpful. Here are ten ideas for meals that even the most kitchen-challenged can manage:

1. Perfect pasta
For many of us, pasta is the first thing that comes to mind when there’s a big group to feed, and no wonder — who doesn’t like pasta? Spaghetti with tomato sauce is safest if there are kids in the household, but any bowl of pasta with sauce will go over well. Ravioli is always a hit; for a more exotic version, try cheese tortellini with tomato or pesto sauce. Make a big loaf of garlic bread to go with it, and add a simple Caesar or garden salad if you want to make it a complete meal.

2. Chicken soup for the soul
Studies show chicken soup really does give the immune system a boost, but it’s also delicious and appeals to all ages. Easy to digest, it’s perfect for someone with cancer or just home from the hospital. Keep it simple with some potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, and add noodles or rice for heartiness. Or, if it’s in your family tradition, share Grandma’s matzo ball soup. All you need to add is a loaf of crusty bread and possibly a green salad.

3. The classic casserole
There’s a reason your mom always brought a casserole when the neighbors had a new baby; casseroles are convenient to transport and easy to heat. Times have changed and most of us don’t make casseroles as often today, but their advantages still hold. Kids love macaroni and cheese, so you can’t go wrong with a homemade macaroni and cheese casserole. Scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese is also always a hit.

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10 Make-Ahead Meals to Bring to Family or Friends originally appeared on Caring.com.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Alison A.

4:22PM PST on Feb 24, 2012

Great ideas, thanks for posting.

send a green star

Elizabeth O.

12:19PM PST on Feb 24, 2012

Thanks for sharing.

Valerie A.

1:00AM PST on Feb 21, 2012

Thanks

Christina B.

6:47AM PST on Feb 20, 2012

Back in my university years, a sure-hit dish my then bf and I used to cook was a marvellous pasta with tomato sauce, garlic, green peppers, a little bacon and lots of grated cheese on top. Perfect to boost our energy after we had donated blood, perfect to soothe break-up heartaches.

LMj S.

12:36PM PST on Feb 17, 2012

thank you for sharing.

Lois M.

11:34PM PST on Feb 12, 2012

It's bedtime for me, but now I have to go and make a casserole....can't wait till someone else needs one!! All these dishes sound wonderful!!

Brittany F.

Thanks for the amazing ideas!

Joan M.

10:24PM PST on Feb 12, 2012

Thanks for sharing

David L.