Another good idea is empanadas. They freeze really well and are easy to pull out for quick dinners and lunches. I usually make one more involved kind (google for interesting recipes) and some simpler ones (e.g. just cheese, beans and corn, or ground beef) if there might be picky kids. You can buy the shells at a Latin American grocery store if you want to make your life easier. Serve with salsa, sour cream, etc. and a big salad.

Baked ziti, chili, and quiches are our other standbys (but maybe things to avoid if you're trying to avoid giving lots of the same!).

Anonymous wrote:I do this for our work and we find a local restaurant (Chinese, Chipotle, Deli) and we buy gift cards.

If there is not a calendar, receiving a whole bunch of meals at once can be overwhelming.

There is a Sign Up Genius. But people are not writing down what they're bringing (I get that people don't know what they'll make 3 weeks out). And I think people tend to over estimate how much food to make. I suppose the family is grateful for the help but it seems like an awful lot of casserole. The first round I send a beef stew with fresh bread. The roast chicken and fresh veggies are good ideas. I'll look into bringing restaurant a take out meal too. Thanks.

I do a taco/nacho bar. seasoned beef or chicken or all the fixings.

I make a really thick beef stew, almost more like beef chunks in sauce. Brown rice (can be served as a side, or spoon the beef over the rice). I also like to take a side salad. Everything can be stored easily and reheated as needed.

I do this for our work and we find a local restaurant (Chinese, Chipotle, Deli) and we buy gift cards.

If there is not a calendar, receiving a whole bunch of meals at once can be overwhelming.

Anonymous wrote:Lots of families are sharing dinner duties on a rotating basis for a family whose dad is recovering from a major health issue, mom works full time, 3 elementary aged school kids. Thanks.

We did a roast chicken, rice they could cook in 10 min, frozen veg and we always brought a dessert. The kids need something sweet and fun. We also did baked ziti and bagged salad and dessert. Agree with hummus and sliced up veg.

Chicken pot pie.

Hearty soups and stews. These reheat and store well.

I tend to do casseroles too. I know a ton of people do, but they are just so functional. I try to bring something fresh to contrast, so maybe a green salad with a lasagna, for example.

dip day - kids are always low on fruit and veggies - a big pile of fruit & veggies with dip. (also keeps for a few days if there are leftovers - or can supplement a "meat" dish that someone dropped off) If you are watching the kids, I'd bring over the fondue pot for fun with cheese.

Try also - bananas with dry nesquick or dry Jello

ditto lasagna if they need to keep it. I have a black bean/corn/ tex mex lasagna that I also make.

Chili and cornbread!

Things that reheat and store easily - lasagna, pasta bakes, soups, salads with dressing on the side.

Roast with sour cream, bread crumbs, horseradish, and herbs (leftovers taste great in a sandwich the next day), twice baked potatoes, green beans with toasted almonds.

Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans

I feel like people get a lot of casseroles, so I try to do something else

Lots of families are sharing dinner duties on a rotating basis for a family whose dad is recovering from a major health issue, mom works full time, 3 elementary aged school kids. Thanks.