One of the kindest things people did for us when we had our babies was bring us food. It didn’t have to be fancy, and it may not have been as fun as cute baby clothes and toys, but receiving a meal made us feel so loved and cared for. It was so helpful and so appreciated.

And it made me passionate about doing that for others. When my friends have a baby or are going through a hard time, I know what an encouragement a meal can be.

Can you relate? Is there a new Mama in your life in need of a meal?

If so, there are a few criteria meals sometimes need to meet. Let’s break them down.

What Makes a Good Meal Train Recipe?

1. They’re at least somewhat nutritious.

Support your friend’s physical health and healing by giving them a somewhat nutritious meal. Incorporating broth, red meat, a vegetable or whole grains can be great ways to support their healing.

2. They can be allergy-friendly (gluten-free and dairy-free).

Meal train meals sometimes need to accommodate those with allergies. Make sure to ask if anyone has intolerances, so that you know what kind of meal to prepare.

3. They work for picky eaters.

Often times when a family has a new baby, there are older siblings as well! Toddlers can have strong preferences. Big kids and adults can too! Feel free to ask if the family has any preferences you should keep in mind.

4. They’re transportable.

Meal train meals need to be transportable. If they’re too complicated or too cumbersome, they will be challenging to move from Point A to Point B.

5. They’re served in disposable or gifted dishes.

Give your friends the gift of not having to return your dishes. This will take a load off their plate (pun not intended). Pick up some cheap aluminum pans at the dollar store. Utilize bags and paper plates. Or, you can decide to part with some mason jars or Tupperware. But if you do, make sure to clearly say you don’t need them returned.

6. They’re easy to make.

Let’s face it: we’re busy. Though we’re happy to bring meals to those in need, it does take work. Recipes need to be easy in order to be doable. Food needs to be simple if we’re actually going to have the margin to make and deliver it.

With these criteria in mind, here are 20 Meal Train Meal Ideas. Each recipe can easily be modified for gluten and dairy sensitivities, picky eaters, and transport. Hopefully they spark some inspiration!

20 Meal Ideas

1. Taco Salad

Taco salad is a classic in my family. Full of hearty vegetables, delicious meat, flavorful sauce, and best of all – taco chips – this meal is certainly a crowd-pleaser.

2. Chicken Fried Rice

This meal is simply scrumptious and full of healing broth, veggies, and meat. A new Mama would benefit greatly from this gut healing dish, and the sauce can be served on the side if kids don’t prefer it.

Chicken Fried Rice – Thankful Little Mama

3. Hamburgers

This isn’t your typical meal train dish, but it should become a norm! Who doesn’t love hamburgers? Simply fry, bake, or barbeque your meat, send along a bag of buns and cut up veggies and cheese. Include some bottles of ketchup and mustard, and you’ve got one delicious, family friendly meal.

4. Chicken Noodle Soup

The ultimate get well food – chicken noodle soup is both healing, nutritious, and a crowd pleaser. Even most kids will enjoy this dish, especially if it’s paired with some fresh buns, biscuits, or bread!

5. Spaghetti

While this might not seem very nutritious, a postpartum Mama is probably needing all the iron, protein, and easy meals she can get! Spaghetti checks all these boxes! Plus, it’s just tasty.

Beef Lentil Spaghetti – Thankful Little Mama

6. Breakfast For Dinner

Everyone loves breakfast for dinner. This meal can take on many forms. From pancakes and waffles to eggs, sausage, and hashbrowns to breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and casseroles. You could make smoothies, muffins, biscuits and gravy or baked oatmeal. Just make sure to include enough protein if it’s going to be served for dinner.

7. Lasagna

What’s more comforting than lasagna? Make it nutritious by adding in iron-rich ground beef and maybe even some red lentils, spinach, or Greek yogurt in place of the mascarpone! Transport it easily by cooking it in an aluminum pan.

Fail-Proof, Protein Lasagna – Thankful Little Mama

8. Sheet Pan Dinner

This meal is so simple to make. You just need to chop some veggies and meat, throw it in the pan with some oil and salt – maybe some herbs or spices – and roast! I’ll share a really tasty-looking recipe below!

Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

9. Perogies and Sausage

A pan of perogies and a pan of sausage? Yes please! Send some sour cream, bacon bits and fresh herbs along, and you’re all set!

10. Homemade Pizza

Pizza dough is surprisingly easy to make and can be topped with a variety of sauces, meats, veggies, and cheese. This would make a delicious meal for a friend and a great snack for those around the clock feeds.

Receiving a meal is such a blessing, and giving one is too (see Acts 20:35b). We are encouraged when we encourage others. Proverbs says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered” (Prov. 11:25).

And so I challenge you, Mama. Is there someone in your life going through a hard or new season? Perhaps you can offer to bring them some love in the form of a delicious meal.

FAQ About Meal Train Meals

1. How do I find the time to bring a meal to a friend?

Make a double batch of whatever you choose, so your own family can eat it too. Enlist your family to help too!

2. Do I need to bring a gift or say anything specific at drop-off?

If you want to bring a gift, that’s great! But your friend will appreciate the meal regardless. Seek to listen, to serve, and not to overstay your welcome. New Mamas are tired. Unless they tell you otherwise, keep your visit brief. Perhaps offer to pray with them. See the baby if they are awake. And then go, knowing you were a blessing!