23 Make-Ahead Dinners to Pack for a Fall Cabin Weekend

A fall cabin weekend is much more relaxing when dinner is already planned. These hearty casseroles, comforting pasta dishes, slow cooker favorites, and warming soups are practical choices for planning meals before you leave home. With a little preparation and proper cold storage for the trip, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the weekend.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole (No Canned Soup)

A homemade cream sauce, tender chicken, bacon, and a buttery cracker topping make this casserole a comforting dinner. It's a satisfying option to plan for a weekend away when everyone wants a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole (No Canned Soup)

Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

Turkey and vegetables are tucked beneath a golden puff pastry crust for a comforting family-style dinner. Preparing the filling in advance can help make dinner easier once you reach the cabin.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken, Hatch green chiles, and melted cheese make these enchiladas a flavorful choice for a cool evening. Serve them with rice or a simple salad for a filling dinner after a day outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce

Layers of pasta, Italian sausage, and creamy béchamel sauce make this lasagna a rich, satisfying dinner. A large baking dish is ideal for sharing with family or friends during a weekend getaway.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce

Easy Thick Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce

Ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings cook into a rich, hearty spaghetti sauce. Bring the prepared sauce along and cook fresh pasta at the cabin for a straightforward dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thick Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with Egg Noodles

Chicken and tender egg noodles bake together in a creamy sauce for a familiar comfort-food dinner. It's a welcome meal when everyone returns hungry after a full day of fall activities.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with Egg Noodles

Creamy Turkey Rice Casserole for Cozy Leftovers

Tender turkey, rice, and a buttery topping make this creamy casserole a comforting family dinner. It's a useful way to turn leftover turkey into another meal for the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turkey Rice Casserole for Cozy Leftovers

Baked Cast Iron Skillet Spaghetti Pie

Spaghetti, savory sauce, and cheese bake into a sliceable pasta pie that's a fun change from traditional spaghetti. Serve it with a green salad for a relaxed cabin dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cast Iron Skillet Spaghetti Pie

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole (Easy Make Ahead Recipe)

Fluffy potatoes, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon turn into a hearty baked casserole. The make-ahead preparation is useful when you want part of your cabin meal ready before the trip.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Casserole (Easy Make Ahead Recipe)

Baked Mac and Cheese with Tender Pulled Pork

Smoky pulled pork adds plenty of savory flavor to creamy baked macaroni and cheese. This hearty combination makes a satisfying dinner after hiking, sightseeing, or exploring the area.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese with Tender Pulled Pork

Easy Baked Turkey Pasta Casserole

Turkey and pasta bake together in a creamy sauce for a comforting meal that feeds several people. It's a practical option when you want a filling dinner without preparing multiple dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Turkey Pasta Casserole

Eggplant Lasagna

Eggplant replaces traditional pasta noodles in this layered dish with tomato sauce and melted cheese. It's a hearty vegetable-forward option for a relaxed family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Lasagna

Cheese and Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce

Chicken and cheese wrapped in tortillas bake beneath a flavorful red enchilada sauce. It's a comforting dish for serving a generous family-style dinner after a day outside.
Get the Recipe: Cheese and Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken and rice bake together into a comforting one-dish meal that doesn't need complicated sides. It's a good choice when you want to keep cooking and cleanup simple during a weekend away.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Baked Meatballs With Gravy (In the Oven)

Tender baked meatballs with savory gravy make a comforting dinner served over mashed potatoes or noodles. Prepare the components ahead when possible to simplify mealtime at the cabin.
Get the Recipe: Baked Meatballs With Gravy (In the Oven)

White Chili Recipe With Chicken: Crock Pot

Chicken, beans, and warming spices simmer into a creamy white chili. Serve generous bowls with tortilla chips or cornbread for a cozy dinner on a chilly fall night.
Get the Recipe: White Chili Recipe With Chicken: Crock Pot

Pepperidge Farm Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Tender chicken and a creamy sauce bake beneath a buttery stuffing topping. This casserole brings familiar comfort-food flavors to a casual weekend dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pepperidge Farm Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Ham

Chicken, ham, and melted cheese bake beneath a buttery breadcrumb topping in this hearty casserole. It has the flavors of chicken cordon bleu in a family-style dish that's easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Ham

Creamy Loaded Baked Chicken Potato Casserole

Chicken, potatoes, cheese, and bacon combine in a hearty casserole that makes a satisfying main course. It's a comforting meal for a group returning from a full day of outdoor activities.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Loaded Baked Chicken Potato Casserole

Short Rib Chili Without Beans

Slow-cooked short ribs give this bean-free chili a deep, savory flavor. It's a warming meal for a cool evening, especially when served with cornbread and favorite chili toppings.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili Without Beans

Tex-Mex Chicken Taco Soup Recipe (Crock Pot Make-Ahead)

Chicken, vegetables, and Tex-Mex seasonings simmer together into a flavorful slow cooker soup. Its make-ahead approach is especially useful when you want dinner to require less attention during your getaway.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Chicken Taco Soup Recipe (Crock Pot Make-Ahead)

One-Pot Rich And Savory Vegetable Stew

A generous mix of vegetables cooks into a rich, savory stew that makes a satisfying meatless dinner. Pair it with crusty bread for a simple meal after spending the day outside.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Rich And Savory Vegetable Stew

Baked Ham Cheese & Potato Casserole (No Canned Soup)

Tender potatoes, chunks of ham, and melted cheese make this casserole a hearty comfort-food dinner. It's a practical way to turn cooked ham into a satisfying meal for the whole group.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ham Cheese & Potato Casserole (No Canned Soup)