Classic meal train staples have always been the following: pasta, casseroles, enchiladas, and soups. And I get why! A good meal for a new mom travels well, can be reheated, is easy to make, and is kid-approved for siblings. I have also heard that a meal for a new mom “should be able to be eaten with one hand”; well, let me tell you, I would set my baby down to use two hands on a good ribeye.
Please don’t misunderstand. When I was on the receiving end of a meal train, I LOVED the classic dishes delivered to my doorstep. The pastas, soups, and enchiladas we were gifted were delicious and very much appreciated, but if you are looking to add a little variety to a mom’s meal train line-up, I’ve got you covered with some scrumptious meal train ideas that are a little off the well-worn track.
15 Meal Train Recipes That Aren’t Casseroles, Pasta Bakes, or Soups
1. Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes
2. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Side suggestions: coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, green beans
3. Roast Beef Sliders
Side suggestions: roasted tiny potatoes, corn on the cob, potato Salad
4. Bruschetta Chicken
Side suggestions: rice, asparagus, pasta in garlic olive oil
5. Apple Gorgonzola Salad
Side suggestion: warm rolls and honey butter
6. Store-bought Rotisserie Chicken
Side suggestions: rolls, steamed veggies, twice baked potatoes, Little Potato Company quick potatoes
7. Pre-seasoned Pork Loin or Ribs
Side suggestions: mac’n cheese, potato salad, cheesy corn
8. Broccoli Beef Stir Fry
Side suggestions: fried rice, egg rolls, dumplings (all can be found in the frozen aisle)
9. Sausage Sheet Pan Meal
Photo and Recipe from Mackenzi Pitman at Zinnia Lane
Ingredients:
Polish Sausage
Carrots
Brussels sprouts
1 chopped apple
3 sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
1/2 sautéed yellow onion
Two sprigs of rosemary for garnish
Directions:
Chop + Dice
Drizzle + coat with olive oil
Add salt and pepper to taste
Top with Rosemary
Bake @425 degrees for 45 minutes
10. Baked Potato Bar
Toppings: cheese, sour cream, butter, bacon, chives, olives, beans, bbq pork, etc.
Side suggestions: roasted broccoli or Brussel sprouts
11. Chicken Caesar Wraps
Side suggestions: roasted sweet potatoes, roasted squash
12. Breakfast For Dinner
Meal suggestions: pancakes/waffles, sausage, eggs, hash browns, etc.
13. Zucchini Pizza Boats
Side suggestions: French baguette with dipping oil and spices
14. Carnitas Taco Bar
Toppings: pineapple corn salsa, Mexican cabbage slaw, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, onions, lime
Side suggestions: beans, rice, chips and salsa, Mexican corn
15. Paprika Chicken
Side suggestions: Spanish rice, Spanish mushrooms
Bonus Food Items to Bring a New Mom:
- Grazing (Charcuterie) Board
- Clean cut fruit and veggies
- Breakfast burritos/muffins
- Dessert
Final Meal Train Tips
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- Always check out the current meal train line-up so you don’t bring them their fourth night of lasagna.
- Know your audience. Are they looking for easy meals? Healthy meals? Dairy-free? Vegetarian? Kid-friendly? Picky or adventurous eaters?
- Pack it in disposable containers that they don’t have to return. Not a waste-conscious choice, unfortunately, but definitely a sanity-conscious choice for the new mom and a stress-saver so she won’t have to think about returning anything to you. Paper plates and silverware aren’t a bad idea either!
- I’ve read that you should just drop a meal off and leave immediately. I personally would have hated this. I was craving social interaction! Again, know your audience. Do they want you to hang around or head out?
- When all else fails, get them a gift card for takeout from their favorite restaurant!
Whether you bring a classic meal train dish or try out something new, any parent in the trenches of new-kid-land will be grateful for the love and support of their friends and family, even if it is their fourth lasagna!
