Do you have a go-to meal that's nice for bringing to people who are indisposed? Something that doesn't have polarizing ingredients (like mushrooms), is nourishing or comforting, and can be transported easily in disposable tupperware. My usual is homemade mac and cheese in a deep-dish aluminum baking tin, but it's not the healthiest.
I know with PP meals it can get complicated by breastfeeding restrictions, but would love ideas for both PP and just people who need some TLC. Thx in advance 
cantaloupe / 6086 posts
Boring but i think pasta is hard to beat. Reheats well and easy to customize - you could even make a couple smaller tins if you knew they had a toddler who might be picky or a dairy issue etc. Like a basic pasta in tomato sauce, one with veggies and/or cheese, maybe some sausage on the side, throw in a salad bag.
I also love broccoli rice casserole with chicken added. Pretty kid friendly and there are less heavy versions out there.
I’m definitely following for more interesting ideas. I’m still dairy free for nursing an allergic toddler and my kids are semi picky and our food is so boring lately!
persimmon / 1082 posts
Chicken noodle soup, stuffed peppers and I’d say your mac and cheese. It’s comforting! It goes well with TLC!
persimmon / 1130 posts
Homemade pot pies are one of my go-to’s, although they aren’t exactly healthy either. Shredded chicken taco meat is also super easy (I make it in the crock pot) and always goes over well.
nectarine / 2180 posts
I usually go with some type of pasta, mac n cheese, lasagne, ziti or a chili (which can be polarizing but is easy). My mom made us beef stew and mashed potatoes which was great. I would have loved if someone made us breakfast type things or lunchier options too. I always include a cookie or a brownie or something else sweet but already portioned.
apricot / 410 posts
In the summer, I often do some kind of pasta salad and paired with some sliced grilled chicken that could top it off. In the winter, I usually do a soup and a salad, and maybe a loaf of bread. For the soup, I pack in a large Gladware or other plastic disposable container along those lines.
One of the things I appreciated most when someone dropped off a meal after my first baby was a container of sliced fruit along with the meal. It was so nice to have something healthy and convenient to eat. I've started including something like that along with any meals I drop off now.
nectarine / 2018 posts
The past few times I dropped of meals I made twice baked chicken caesar stuffed potatoes. You can reheat as many as you want and/or freeze them individually for re-heating. It is gluten free, soy free, and dairy free - so it works for basically everyone. I normally add some steam in a bag veggies so they can heat up when they are ready.
I also love to give cut up fruit or veggies and muffins. They can be used as breakfast items or snacks. Sometimes I will add a quiche or egg bake as well. Trail mix is also a good one handed snack.
If I don't feel like making the potatoes I typically do homemade mac and cheese, various baked pasta dishes, mini meatloaves with mashed potatoes, or pulled pork with buns and various sides.
clementine / 787 posts
I do what @bhbee does - a broccoli, rice cheesy casserole with chicken. It’s so yummy and comforting and is great reheated a few times.
I also like to bake muffins or banana bread so there’s a breakfast option too.
I do like the idea of some sliced fruit to go with a meal - convenient and lighten up. I’m totally stealing that idea for the next time I provide a meal.
coconut / 8079 posts
Someone brought us a giant rotisserie chicken, a bagged salad, and French bread from Sam's Club when we had our second baby. No prep for her, but so appreciated by us because we didn't have to figure out dinner! I also love the idea of cut fruit and muffins or other snacky/breakfast options.
pomegranate / 3272 posts
@catgirl: Do you have the recipe for those potatoes?
@bhbee: Smart idea about making pasta with some mix ins on the side. I have a friend having a baby soon who is vegetarian but the rest of her family isn't and I was trying to think of a good hearty meal to bring for them that would please everyone. I think this would work
pear / 1565 posts
How about a pasta salad, no heating up required and it can be eaten as a main dish or as a side to anything!
nectarine / 2018 posts
@Mommy Finger: sure! They are absolutely delicious! I use the dressing brand that is listed in the recipe or one by primal kitchen.
https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/chicken-caesar-twice-baked-potatoes-paleo-whole30/
coffee bean / 37 posts
Breakfast! Breakfast casserole, quiche, pumpkin or zucchini bread/muffins, cut up fruit. Bring a container of iced or hot coffee. So easy and nourishing and everyone forgets breakfast!
persimmon / 1130 posts
I know I mentioned pot pie and chicken tacos, but we just had a baby two weeks ago and my amazing MIL stocked our freezer with not only pot pies, but lasagna and homemade chicken noodle soup which was SO good. So, I would add soup and crusty bread to your list.
coconut / 8483 posts
I liked receiving muffins and things to eat one handed! Fruit would have been nice too.
Also one of my husbands coworkwers wives brought over a few hot meals and they were so delicious - chilli and nachos, chicken and lentils I think? I don’t know. It was 6 years ago almost and I still remember how it was so good to have something home made and hot. So anything you bring will be appreciated I’m sure!
nectarine / 2461 posts
Guys, thank you so much for the responses! These are all great ideas. My lovely across the street neighbor just had a major surgery and I just want to do something nice since she was the first one over here with homemade food when I brought home LL.
@crazydoglady: YES how could I not think of this?@LemonJack: do you have a recipe for the chicken taco meat for either crock pot or insta-pot? the last one I tried tasted like nursing home food.
@Mrs. Champagne: yep, I still remember this Israeli chicken and lentil dish my friend brought me when I was pp--I love muffins and treats as an add-on but I feel like savory food with a vegetable aspect is the best.
@MrsJBeeG: @bhbee: do you guys have recipes handy for the chicken/brocc/rice casseroles? I guess it's one of those Americana things I should just know how to whip up but I don't! it sounds perfect, though.
@catgirl: @caitcat: such a good idea with the pre-cut fruit. and thank you catgirl for posting your recipe, it looks so healthy and awesome.
nectarine / 2461 posts
@MrsJBeeG: PS stalking along your due date board and so glad it's going well 
persimmon / 1130 posts
@LCTBQE: I usually make the chicken tacos with 2 lbs of chicken breasts, taco seasoning (2 packages worth if you’re doing individual packets), and a jar of salsa. I usually use a big jar of salsa from Costco so I only use half of it. Occasionally I’ve added a little water as well. I usually cook it about 6 hours on low, shred it, and let it cook a little longer.
I’ve used the instant pot to make it, but I don’t like it as much. The meat ends up being rougher.
cantaloupe / 6086 posts
@LCTBQE: I’ll be honest, my favorite one is from an old boyfriend’s mom and it involves velveeta, cream of mushroom soup and butter. So your arteries will cry. But it is good! 
I also made a cooking light one (I think?) that was pretty good ... I can’t find the recipe but see several lightened up versions that look promising if you search around.
nectarine / 2461 posts
@bhbee: post the boyfriend's mom recipe!!!
@LemonJack: ah thx-- and yea agree, nothing I've made in my instant pot has held a candle to the equivalent crock pot recipe so far.
cantaloupe / 6086 posts
@LCTBQE: you want classic Americana, here is your old school midwestern recipe: 
1 package chopped broccoli cooked (I prefer raw florets - they cook just enough in the oven)
1c rice cooked in 3c water for 14m (I use 2 packages of microwaveable rice)
Melt 1/2 stick butter in a skillet
Add rice and 1 can cream of mushroom soup (any cream soup probably works)
Add 1/4 lb velveeta cubed and broccoli - stir until melts
Add grilled chicken (not part of the original recipe but makes it more meal-ish)
Pour into casserole and bake 350° for 20m
It’s bad for you on pretty much every measure except how comforting it is! Freezes and reheats well.
pear / 1565 posts
I'm actually going to drop off food for a friend that just gave birth; I also do think it depends on the family! I am asking them for a grocery list to pick up some stuff for them; getting them a bag of bagels with cream cheese/lox (she had talked about how much she missed this during pregnancy), as well as a sushi dinner. Mind you a bunch of us pooled $ together so that's why it's so much stuff.
nectarine / 2461 posts
@bhbee: I'll post a picture of all the tan-colored food after I make this, I can't wait
@graceandjoy: SO NICE. omg I still remember how good lox was after 9 months of lox-less-ness!
pear / 1565 posts
@LCTBQE: Yess.. I'm literally just bringing her what she really wants to eat haha!
persimmon / 1286 posts
My husband makes a brisket (slow cooked) and packages it so they can freeze leftovers. I send rolls, washed lettuce and salad dressing and cookies too so it's a whole meal with leftovers.
When I had DD, a friend brought over fresh pasta, sauce and meatballs from the italian deli, that was amazing.
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