The life of a new mom brings a variety of emotions. They range from joy and excitement to exhaustion and being overwhelmed.
The last thing they want to worry about is creative meal ideas. It’s a great idea to help out by preparing some simple meals to bring her, and she will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
However, you should call or text to ask if you can stop by before dropping off the dish. Unexpected visitors can be draining when trying to work around the newborn’s sleep schedule.
Where to Begin and Thoughtful Preparations
Prepared casseroles or slow cooker ingredients are great. But freezer meals are convenient creations that will dump into a slow cooker or instant pot when mom needs that quick meal.
They do not require much attention, so mom can still focus on their bundle of joy. Whatever you make, use disposable containers or resealable plastic bags.
Not worrying about washing dishes or keeping track of who they belong to will help keep mom from stressing out.
Recipes
There are some things to consider when bringing a meal to someone. Each meal should have a main dish and a side of grains, fruits, or veggies.
Everything should be fully cooked and assembled, so the only thing that needs doing is heating. Bringing a dessert isn’t a bad idea either, especially if you know that mom or her significant other has a sweet tooth!
Here are ten suggestions for meals to prepare for new moms.
1. Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with delicious cheese and loaded with flavor are easily a classic comfort food.
Stuffed shells can be made in advance and delivered hot, but they also make a great freezer meal for the new mom to use when she’s ready.
Check out this recipe from Happy Money Saver for freezer-friendly stuffed shells.
2. Chicken Pot Pie
The comfort food of all comfort foods! The warm and flaky crust mixed with tender chicken and creamy vegetables often makes a top ten list of favorite meals.
Chicken pot pie is another easy recipe that can be enjoyed fresh or out of the freezer. Try this recipe from Moms Without Answers.
You can easily purchase a gluten-free or vegan-friendly frozen crust from your local health foods store for anyone with food sensitivities and preferences.
Also, the beauty of this meal is that there is so much room for creativity!
3. Pot Roast
The beauty of bringing a pot roast to a new mom is the versatility it offers. After its marinated all day in a slow cooker and eaten with a side of corn and mashed potatoes, leftovers are handy in the following days.
Pot roast doubles as fajitas, shepherd’s pie, or a simple sandwich, to name a few. Get more great ideas for leftover pot roast at Living on a Dime. Leftovers can also be frozen and thawed for another day.
4. Chili Mac
Another enjoyable meal to bring that leaves leftovers is chili mac. It is incredible as a meal on its own, or if you pair it with some broccoli as a side, it could stretch into another day.
All She Cooks has a great recipe to try out. Covering the casserole dish with foil and an air-tight lid will let this meal keep in the freezer until she’s ready to eat it.
5. Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Spaghetti squash doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It has a neutral taste and becomes the flavor that you want by adding spices and herbs.
Spaghetti squash is very versatile and can be included in various Italian recipes, Mexican-inspired dishes, and even Greek recipes!
The versatility of spaghetti squash makes it a great choice to cook for a new mom. This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole from Jar of Lemons can store in the freezer for up to three months.
6. Lasagna
If you asked a group of moms what food they’d like to be delivered, lasagna is sure to appear on the list.
It’s an easy recipe to prepare but with endless vegetable combinations to create a uniquely simple microwavable meal.
You shouldn’t get caught up in the ingredients and quiz them for their favorites. Whatever you prepare will likely be enjoyed.
Sincerely Jean has a great lasagna recipe with only five ingredients that will get you started.
7. Soups and Stews
Soups can be comforting and are another adaptable item that can last for a few days or freeze later.
A few examples include Loaded Baked Potato Soup, Creamy Tomato Soup, Chicken and Vegetable Soups, and Broccoli Cheese Soup.
Send extra toppings or supplies that might be needed, like extra cheese, cilantro, or canned broth.
The addition of bread or dinner rolls would make this the perfect comfort food meal.
8. Dessert
Chocolate chip cookies or brownies are a fail-safe dessert, but those can get boring too.
Poke cakes, fruit crisps, and dessert breads are easy recipes to assemble and satisfy any sweet tooth. Another option is a cobbler like this No-Fail Fruit Cobbler from Pear Tree Kitchen.
9. Breakfast
Everyone thinks about dinner, but what about breakfast? Dropping off a few items for breakfast is a great idea to help mom get fuel to take on the day.
Granola, yogurt, bagels, and oatmeal are simple options that don’t even require you to cook them.
You can stop by the store on the way and grab a few items off the shelf to stock up the pantry.
If you decide to make something, banana bread (like this recipe from Homemade and Yummy) is enjoyable hot or cold.
Make it in classic loaf form, or make some grab-and-go muffins. If you want to go the extra mile, make two since this is another recipe that will freeze well.
10. Fruits and Veggies
This one doesn’t require a recipe but is sure to be appreciated. Fresh fruits and veggies are simple snacks that are easy to grab between feedings.
They offer a quick way to get much-needed fiber and nutrients in their bodies that will keep them and their baby healthy.
Remember that you want to simplify life, so they should be washed and cut before you drop them off. A few ideas include fruit salads, prepared lettuce salads, and fresh vegetable trays.
Bonus Tips!
There are lots of things to consider when cooking for others. The recipe is the main factor but isn’t the only thing to consider.
Here are a few bonus tips to help deliver the best meal to the family.
Be Mindful of Allergies
While you don’t need to ask the preference of mozzarella to provolone cheese, it’s necessary to consider allergies.
Before preparing a dish, make sure there aren’t any special needs. It wouldn’t be helping much if you delivered a meal that no one in the house could eat due to allergies or other dietary restrictions.
The most straightforward approach is to ask if there are any preferences or allergies to consider when you let them know you will be dropping a meal or two by!
Consider Family Size
If this is the family’s first baby, any meal you provide will be large enough for the mom, partner, and baby.
Make it easy for the family to freeze by separating a casserole into two dishes. They can eat one today and the second frozen for later.
If there are two or three children, you may need to double recipes or buy duplicates.
Be Creative
Hopefully, lots of people are preparing meals to bring the new mom. The family will appreciate it, but what if everyone brought lasagna?
It’s easy for anyone to get burnt out on the same meal day after day. Communicate with others you know are participating and think outside the box.
If you’re not sure what others have brought, you can keep it simple. Ask the family what they want and deliver them food from their favorite restaurant.
One helpful website that will help friends and family members coordinate meals for new families is Meal Train.
No matter what you decide, they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
