Meal train ideas you’ll want to save


Hi Reader,

If you’ve ever signed up for a meal train and then immediately thought…what do I even make? you’re not alone.

When someone’s going through a hard season (new baby, surgery, loss, or just life piling on), dinner shouldn’t be one more thing they have to figure out. And the truth is, the right kind of meal makes all the difference.

I recently signed up for two and put together a list of my ideas:

🥘 For picky eaters + families
Crockpot "baked" ziti, mac & cheese, or chicken pot pie — simple, comforting, and guaranteed to get eaten.

❄️ Freezer-friendly options
BBQ pulled chicken, salsa chicken, or enchiladas — perfect for now or later.

🍝 Drop-off ready meals
Chicken alfredo, shepherd's (cottage) pie, or a hearty casserole — no assembly required.

🥣 For sickness or recovery days
Chicken noodle soup or any cozy slow cooker soup — warm, easy, and comforting.

🍪 And don’t skip this… dessert
Cookies, brownies, or a simple cake. It matters more than you think.

A few little extras can go a long way too:
• bagged salad or fruit
• bread or rolls
• drinks (so underrated!)
• paper plates + utensils

It’s those small touches that make the biggest difference.

And a reminder I always come back to:

“Carry each other’s burdens…” 🤍

Because sometimes a simple meal is exactly how we do that.

What's your go-to meal for these types of situations?

Persnickety Plates - Easy Family Recipes

I share easy, family friendly recipes with everyday ingredients. Slow cooker meals, desserts, dips, 30 minute meals - something for everyone! Join over 90,000 other

Read more from Persnickety Plates - Easy Family Recipes

Hi Reader, Eating out can add up fast, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up the meals you love. There are certain dishes I used to order out for all the time until I figured out how to make them myself at home. Something about making it yourself just makes it taste better. Fresh ingredients, your own kitchen, and you can tweak them in exactly the way you like. My Best Copycat Recipes Cracker Barrel's Famous Casserole (homemade version) The Chick-fil-A Salad I Used to Crave No-Reservation...

Hi Reader- Hello from North Carolina! I'm here for the rest of the week for a blogging retreat. Look how beautiful the view is from my window: Recipe Inspiration ✨ My pot pie recipe is super popular but have you tried my mini pot pies? They're a KFC copycat but sooo much better homemade. Peanut butter balls aren't just for the holidays! Chick-fil-A has an excellent tortilla soup but it's seasonal. If you make my crockpot version, you can have it whenever the craving hits. These brookie...

Hi Reader, We are a lemon loving family, so it's no surprise that I have a whole collection of lemon desserts I love. I’ve been making some of these for years, some are newer favorites, but they all have one thing in common – they never last long. This lemon recipe collection is worth saving for spring, and honestly, way beyond it too! A Collection of My Best Lemon Desserts Copycat Girl Scout Lemon Wedges My Favorite Lemon Cupcake Recipe Simple Lemon Quick Bread 6-ingredient Ice Cream Pie...