20 Meals to Take to Someone In Need (Quick and Easy Ideas)

Whether it’s for a wonderful occasion like welcoming a new little one into the world or for a more difficult circumstance like sickness, surgery, loss, or grief – sometimes, you need to support those you love by providing dinner. This is why we made this list of 20 meals to bring someone when they need it most.

I cook all the time, but I can still have that “what is a good meal to bring someone?” anxiety hit me when I think about what to make.

A good meal to take to someone is not only tasty but diet-friendly, allergen-free (if applicable), and most of all, convenient. When done right, a home-cooked meal can be a truly meaningful gift for a loved one, because it’s something they may truly need!

Here are 20 of my tried-and-true healthy meal train ideas that check all the boxes. Of course, these all make great additions to any meal plan you have for yourself as well!

1. Three-cheese lasagna
2. Broccoli and cheese soup
3. Chicken fried rice
4. Chicken tortilla soup
5. Crockpot chicken or pork with potatoes & carrots
6. Italian lentil soup
7. Lemon chicken orzo soup
8. Chicken and spinach carbonara
9. Breakfast casserole
10. Chicken fajita
11. Hearty salads
12. Roasted kielbasa and cabbage dinner
13. Potato bar chili
14. Ground turkey sweet potato skillet
15. Beef ramen noodle soup
16. White chicken chili
17. Creamy sausage tomato pasta
18. Caribbean salmon quinoa bowls
19. Chicken and wild rice soup
20. Take-out or delivery (as a very valid back-up)

Jump to any recipe by clicking the links above, or read on to learn about simple ways to make your efforts go the extra mile.

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Preparing Meals to Take Someone

1. Check for an Organized Meal Train

A very common practice is using an online website to coordinate easy post-surgery meals to take to someone, especially after new babies. This is often called a “meal train”.

When inquiring with your friend or loved one, ask if there is one set up. If so, this is the easiest way to choose a day/time that has not already been filled – and it relieves your friend of the time and effort of coordinating.

You can use the information on the meal train’s page to:

• See on what days meals are still needed
• Review what others are planning to bring, so that you don’t bring the same thing and can mix it up 🙂
• See how many people are needed to fed, which helps you plan for portions
• View notes on allergies, diet restrictions, and/or general preferences
• Gather instructions for delivery

If a formal meal train has not been organized, you can offer to set one up yourself at MealTrain.com! (No need for the Plus plan.)

2. Find a Convenient Day and Time to Bring a Meal.

As mentioned above, meal train sign-ups help to do this automatically. However, if a meal train is not in use or isn’t appropriate for the situation, simply reach out to your loved one to find a day and specific time to bring a meal.

Use the list above to gather additional information needed such as any meal preferences, diet or allergy information, how many servings are needed, or anything else that might help them!

During this communication, I sometimes send over a few different meal train ideas so that they can choose the one they want!

3. Strictly Adhere to Food Restrictions or Preferences.

Don’t hesitate to ask your loved one specific questions if needed. As a mom of a son with severe food allergies, I know how happy I am to answer questions and ensure food is safe. 🙂

Based on any information you have for food allergies, diet restrictions, or general preferences – ensure that the recipe you choose adheres to this!

To help you in choosing appropriate meals to take to someone, all of the recipe suggestions below are labeled based on common diet restrictions. Many of them can easily be adjusted to accommodate restrictions, as well.

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Gluten free
• Egg free
• Dairy free

*Very important* According to the specific allergy, be sure to check the bottle or container of any ingredient – even spices!

Even if the recipe doesn’t call for an ingredient that obviously contains that allergen, you can check the ‘warning’ area of the nutrition label to ensure nothing sneaks in.

And although not specifically indicated in this list, be sure to check on any soy or nut allergies.

4. Make Sure you have Easy Supplies on Hand

One REALLY helpful thing to do is to deliver a meal in a container that doesn’t need to be returned.

When someone needs a meal, they are usually dealing with a major life change or adjustment. By using a disposable container or a plastic one that you’re willing to pass along, you eliminate the time, effort, and mental energy need to return it.

That said, an insulated casserole carrier like this one from OXO is great for transporting most of the meals on this list — especially if you know they’ll be eating it right away!

If you want to add a special touch when making a dinner to take to friends, consider adding:

• paper plates & napkins for easy clean-up
• a favorite dessert or treats
• a fun gift like one of these treat boxes!

Without further ado, let’s get into the best meals to deliver to friends and family, regardless of the occasion.

1. Easy Homemade Lasagna

I feel like lasagnas are such a classic easy meal to take to someone in need. While they may seem intimidating, this recipe taught me that it’s WAY easier than I thought.

Meatless/Vegetarian, Gluten-Free if using GF pasta

PS – A handy casserole tote makes it so easy to transport hot dishes like this!

2. Broccoli and Cheese Soup

While there aren’t many easy meals for 20 people or more, soup is your best bet for bigger groups. This is why this recipe is one of the best meals to take to a family with a bunch of people.

If it’s cooler outside, this is such a cozy soup to serve! Make sure to bring some great bread that only needs a quick toast. You can also bring a salad if you want- although this soup is already packed with veggies!

Meatless/Vegetarian, Egg-free, Gluten-Free if using GF flour or other thickening agent

3. Chicken Fried Rice

I love this recipe because Asian food doesn’t often come to mind when thinking of meals for someone home from hospital, or any other time of need. It gives some great variation to the soups & pastas, plus is a homemade version of some awesome takeout!

Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free if you use GF soy sauce (my friend recommends this one*!)

4. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Recognize this from the Top 10 Starter Recipes? Easy, cheesy- can’t get enough of it. This recipe can be done in the crockpot or quickly on the stove-top. Just don’t forget the toppings!

This is also one of the easiest, tastiest, and most comforting gluten-free meals to take to someone in need!

Gluten-Free, Egg free, Dairy-Free if you don’t add cheese, sour cream, etc.

5. Crockpot Chicken or Pork with potatoes & carrots

Crockpot is the way to go for an easy meal if you don’t have too much time on your hands. Whether you use chicken, pork, or even a chuck roast, it will be falling to pieces by dinner time and perfect to take over to a friend!

I love using a crockpot that has clips for the lid because it makes it so easy to unplug and take over! We’ve had this one for 4 years and it is absolutely perfect!

Egg-Free, Can also be Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free if cream of mushroom soup is substituted appropriately

6. Italian Lentil Soup

Again, soup is one of the most comforting and easy meals to take to someone after surgery.

Consistent with every recipe I’ve ever made from Gimme Some Oven, I found this recently and LOVE it. I’ve also tried adding a little bacon to the recipe early on to give it some extra flavor and love it that way, too. Of course, it wouldn’t be vegetarian then, but it’s an option!

Meatless/Vegetarian, Vegan if not garnished with cheese, Gluten free, Dairy free if not garnished with cheese,Egg free

6. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

An amazing twist on classic chicken noodle, it is so comforting and can be frozen if needed. This is especially good for your sniffly or achy loved ones as they get better! Pair with a great bread (or maybe some Sleepy Time Sinus Soother)

Gluten-Free if using GF orzo, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free

8. Chicken & Spinach Carbonara

This is how you do pasta. Seriously so tasty & such an easy meal to make!

Gluten-Free if using GF pasta (egg noodles work well if not avoiding egg!)

9. Breakfast Casserole

What’s better than breakfast for dinner?

While breakfast casserole can be done many ways – there are two takes that are my favorite. First is the sausage-crescent roll combo like this one. And also amazing is more potato-focused like the one here. Pair either of these comfort foods with some fresh fruit – totally golden.

Potato-Based Casserole is Gluten-Free (but the crescent roll recipe is not)

10. Chicken fajitas

This recipe is wonderful for both baking in the oven or using the crockpot, and I’ve received tons of compliments.

I tend to make this on my favorite baking sheet rather than a glass dish to cut down some of the moisture.

Make sure to take over some tortillas, cheese, and sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt if your friends roll like that).

Egg-Free, Gluten-Free if using GF tortillas, Dairy-Free if you don’t add cheese, sour cream, etc.

11. Hearty salads

Oddly enough, I craved salads after my first son was born. Don’t shy away from a good salad, especially in warmer months! I loved this recipe in particular that was made for me.

Make a quick salad with grilled chicken! I love putting together a green salad with lettuces, spinach, cucumber, cheese & marinated grilled chicken. Include a bottle of their favorite dressing or your own quick homemade recipe and you’re good to go!

The recipe above is:

Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Vegetarian as long as no meat is added

12. Roasted Kielbasa and Cabbage Dinner

I’ve included this because (1) it’s a family favorite, (2) it’s a great way to mix up the meals someone is receiving and (3) it is chosen very often when I send several recipes for someone to choose from.

Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free

13. Potato Bar Chili

Not only is this delicious, comforting and easy to make – it is also perfect for a large family or crowd.

It can be customized so easily to meet different dietary needs, as well. If dairy is not a concern, cheese and sour cream are the perfect additions – but it’s also great on its own!

Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free

14. Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet 

Similar to the last recipe, many of my friends have requested this meal! It is unique but healthy and flavorful.

Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free if you omit cheese

15. Beef Ramen Noodle Bowl

This is an amazing soup for cold weather while still mixing up the flavors! There are a lot of variations out there – adding mushrooms, shredded cabbage, celery, and more – but this is a great beginner recipe.

In cooking this meal for our son, we’ve had to be careful with sneaky ingredients in Ramen, soy sauce, pastes, etc. Be sure to review sauces, spices, and noodles if you’re cooking for someone with severe food allergies.

Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Could be easily modified to be vegetarian by replacing beef with more vegetables

16. White Chicken Chili

Also a family favorite, this is a great spin on normal tortilla/taco soup. With only 5 ingredients, ability to cook on the stove or in the crockpot, and very customizable with toppings – it’s a definite winner.

Egg-Free, Gluten-Free if using GF chips for topping, Dairy-Free if omitting cheese and sour cream toppings

17. Creamy Sausage Tomato Pasta

This is the ultimate comfort food! While dairy may be prohibited during surgery recovery (always be sure to ask), this is one of the most comforting meals to take to someone for postpartum or other times.

As a personal suggestion, you can easily replace tortellini with farfalle pasta for a slightly-less-cheesy option.

Gluten free if using GF pasta/tortellini, Egg-Free if using EG pasta (check ingredient warnings)

18. Caribbean Salmon Quinoa Bowls

If you know your friend typically enjoys lighter and healthier, this is a fresh, easy, delicious option!

Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free

19. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

I first made this soup when my husband had the flu, and it is hands-down the coziest, heartiest meal. While it takes a little time to put together, it is full of flavor and nutrients. (Do yourself a favor, double the recipe, and have dinner for yourself!)

Gluten-Free (but check spices and canned soup to be sure!), Egg-Free

20. Take-Out or Delivery!

Do not feel bad about this option! Whether you live out of town or are just super busy, take-out meal can be a real treat and fun change for your friend at home.

These can also be some of the best kid-friendly meals to take to someone if you know you’ll be bringing foods to young ones as well.

With services like UberEats or the many restaurants that offer delivery, you are sure to find a great meal for dinner.

Any Other Ideas for Easy Meals to Take to Someone in Need?

I hope you found some ideas for easy meals to to take to someone in need! If you have any other ideas or favorite recipes to share, please let me know in the comments below!

You’re making the world a better place by meeting the needs around you. ❤️

By: Brennan Brown

More Meal Planning Articles:

• 28 Healthy Meal Prep Ideas (+ Tips & Tools to Help!)
• The Complete Guide to Making a Meal Plan (+ Free Workbook!)
• 4 Time-Saving Tips to Make Easy Freezer Meals (+ 12 Recipes)
• 10 Easy Recipes for Beginners