If your friends are anything like mine, you get invited to contribute to a Meal Train at least once a month. I’m always happy to join, because when you’re going through a difficult time or bringing a new baby home, it’s SO nice not to have to worry about dinner.

Long before I had my first son, and before any of my friends were having babies, I came across a post on The Kitchn about a “Taco Box” to bring to new moms. I pinned that article and filed it away in my memory. I still love the idea of a taco box, but I don’t really have the time to decorate a box when I bring dinner to a friend. My main motivation is to try to be very thoughtful about what I’m bringing.

Meal Train Tips

Before I get to my favorite recipes, here are a few tips I’ve found to make things easier on both you and the meal recipient:

Disposable Containers

I always try to have a stash of disposable containers in various sizes in my pantry; this makes delivery easy, and the recipient doesn’t have to worry about returning anything to you. (Pro-tip: You can find them at the dollar store!)

Double Your Recipe

If you’re going to go through the trouble of making dinner, go ahead and double it and feed your family the same thing that night.

Label/Date Containers

This is very helpful, especially if your friend is getting meals every day. It can cut down on food waste and save an exhausted brain from having to work too hard. You can also include heating instructions as needed.

Text

I like to give my friend a heads up with an estimated delivery time to make sure someone will be home and ready to receive the food. I usually follow up when I’m actually leaving the house, because you never really know how long it will take to get out the door with three kids.

Favorite Recipes

These recipes are all easy to double and easy to deliver!

Tacos

I always go back to the trusty Taco Box—everybody loves tacos, right? What really makes this an awesome delivery meal is the toppings and extras. I generally make a big crock pot of either chicken or carnitas taco meat. Additionally, I like to bring corn and flour tortillas, a bag of shredded cheese, small container of sour cream, store-bought guacamole, salsa, washed and dried cilantro, and a bag of tortilla chips.

Shepherd’s Pie

A favorite in the winter (or around St. Patrick’s Day) is Shepherd’s Pie. This is also a good option for friends who are gluten- and/or dairy-free. My husband would insist I clarify that I make Cottage Pie, because I use ground beef. Traditional Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb. To make this dairy-free, omit butter, sub half the potatoes with steamed cauliflower, and add a little salt before you mash. The cauliflower has enough water in it that you don’t need to add dairy, and it still tastes great!

Breakfast Casserole

My mom always likes to remind me that people need to eat breakfast, too! This is my favorite breakfast casserole that reheats really well and can also be frozen to eat later. Here is an awesome gluten-free option.

Lettuce Wraps

This is another good gluten/dairy-free option. You can also make it soy-free by subbing in coconut aminos. These are really tasty!

Don’t forget dessert!

Lactation Cookies

This recipe is awesome for new mamas (or really anyone, because they are delicious). My whole family loves them! Here is an excellent gluten-free lactation cookie.

Brownies

If you don’t have time to make cookies, you can always grab a box of brownie mix to whip up quickly. Ghirardelli is my favorite, but I recently bought the Specially Selected Double Chocolate Brownie Mix from Aldi, and it is pretty darn good too!