I can remember back when I first had Hailey. I recall that overwhelming feeling of wondering how I could possibly keep up with doing anything besides attending to her needs. It was such a blessing to have friends show up at the door with meals, especially because we were still relatively new to the area. Having the the luxury of eating a warm meal prepared (or picked up) with love- what a treat!
Since then I’ve really understood how helpful food is in a variety of life’s situations, both joyful and challenging, and keep a running list of my favorite meals to bring to a new mom. I also think gifting a delivery of one of these can be an incredible gift.
A friend of mine recently had her third beautiful baby. Another friend organized a meal train and I love how now people space out the meals over several weeks. It’s such a smart idea, since a meal can be just as (if not more) helpful one month in as it can that first week.
I know many people subscribe to the “just show up” with a meal mentality and I totally get that because what new mom wants to have to think about or decide what to have for dinner? That is the hardest part, right?
However, sometimes I like to try and feel out the situation just a little bit via text. I know my friends’ eating habits (dairy-free, vegetarian, etc), but then I try to gauge whether they are in the mood for comfort food or if they’ve been inundated with casseroles and might be ready for something on the lighter side. I only put out a feeler once and if the mom has no input, then I choose something myself to not add to her mental load.
Once I get a sense of the dinnertime vibe, I consult my list and go for it!
Meals to Bring to New Moms
Southwestern Sausage and Vegetable Brown Rice Casserole
This super simple, 7 ingredient casserole is full of fresh vegetables and brown rice, making it as wholesome as it is hearty. Easy to prepare ahead of time, this Southwestern sausage and vegetable brown rice casserole is adaptable and is sure to become a family favorite! I deliver it with tortilla chips, guacamole, and salsa. I also use tin baking dishes from Costco (the sturdy kind) so new mom doesn’t have to worry about washing or returning ay dishes.
5 Ingredient Spaghetti Squash Pizza Pie
This is always a hit for the low-card/paleo crowd. It’s packed with flavor and kids love it too (just use non-spicy sausage). Again, use a disposable tin for delivery. This one goes great with a salad and rolls.
Chicken Enchiladas
This recipe rocks because it makes two large pans of enchiladas, perfect for a large family or so you can knock out your own dinner and bring dinner to a friend in one fell swoop. Plus, it’s easy to pair with chips, salsa, and guacamole which is always a win in my book.
Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup
This sausage, kale, and white bean soup recipe has a comforting and robust depth of flavor and texture thanks to the spices in the sausage and the creaminess created by pureeing the majority of the beans. A great choice for cooler weather when a hearty warm soup and piece of crusty bread fits the bill.
Black Bean Burgers:
I’ve tried a lot of different bean burger recipes and the recipe from Emily at the former Daily Garnish remains my favorite. It’s flavorful, nutrient-dense, and hearty; a hit for moms, husbands, and kids (because you can dip it in ketchup!). The only problem is that Emily’s blog no longer is in existence and I searched all over for a way to give her proper credit for this recipe. There is nowhere to link to it but I have it written down from years ago, so I’m going to put it here. Thank you, Emily, for this delicious recipe and so many others; I miss your blog!
Daily Garnish Black Bean Burgers
Ingredients
- 2 cans black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup dry rolled oats
- 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Next, add the oats and pepitas to your food processor and grind until coarsely chopped (they will still be a little chunky). Let it run for roughly 10 seconds.
- Grate the carrots, and then add to your mixture in the food processor.
- Add 3/4 of the beans, all spices, and the olive oil.
- Once all of this is in the food processor, give it a stir and mix it all together.
- Spoon mixture into a mixing bowl and then fold in the rest of the whole, reserved beans.
- Wet your hands and then form into 6 medium-sized patties.
- Place patties on a non-stick baking sheet or into a baking pan, and bake at 300 degrees for 40 minutes, turning once in the middle.
- If you want to grill these, pre-bake them for 30 minutes at 300, and then throw them on the grill to reheat and get a little extra browning.
I brought these burgers to my friend and I doubled the recipe to make dinner for both of our families at once. Then I wrapped them up with instructions to bake them for 40 minutes at 300 degrees. I added a large Greek salad, buns, and pickles too. Viola- dinner!
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Especially if it’s cold season, this deeply flavorful chicken noodle soup is the best, thanks to the lemon and dill added at the end. I often make it without noodles and either deliver it with noodles on the side or with rolls. That way if they want to freeze or delay eating it, the noodles don’t get mushy.
Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
This easy stuffed shells recipe with basil, spinach, tomato, and ricotta cheese will make just about anyone ask for seconds… which they can because it makes two pans! If you can’t find shells, I often turn these into lasagna roll ups. I cook the lasagna noodles, spread the filling down the center, then roll them up and place in a dish. Then just top with sauce and bake.
Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Topping
Perfect for the health-minded new mom that is craving comfort food. The recipe takes a little time to prepare but I can pretty much guarantee they’ll ask you for the recipe. It’s hearty, delicious, and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Glowing Spiced Lentil Soup
This is hands-down one of my favorite soups. It’s not a meal for everyone, especially if they already have kids at home and you want to bring something the whole family will eat with ease, but for a new mom to one child that is seeking comfort and flavor, it’s a great option! Bonus, if the mom has a full fridge but you still want to bring something, freeze it in Souper Cubes, and deliver perfectly portioned soup meals for when she needs something wholesome in a hurry.
Mom’s Homemade Spaghetti Meat Sauce
If the family eats meat, this is a hands-down go-to. It’s the spaghetti recipe I grew up eating and I have yet to meet someone that doesn’t like it. Comforting, flavorful, and super-kid friendly! Serve with pasta of your choice and a salad.
If your friend has a full fridge, then a slow cooker meal prepped and ready for the fridge or freezer can be hugely helpful. Full prep it and freeze in a gallon freezer storage bag for the new mom to pop into the slow cooker at her convenience. Easy crockpot meals for family
There have been times I really want to bring a meal but have not had time to get into the kitchen and make something. My go-to options for picking up a meal are:
- Zoe’s Kitchen: Fresh, delicious, Greek-inspired food! Plus they offer small and large family meals that make it easy to order and pick-up.
- BBQ: For comfort food that the whole family will love (cough, mac ‘n cheese, cough). Local friends, Big Tiny’s BBQ in downtown Mooresville is one of my favorites!
- Pizza: Who doesn’t love pizza, right? For my friends that just want to have a meal they can throw down and have the whole family eat, pizza wins. I usually grab Papa Murphy’s because I love the take ‘n bake style so they family can have freshly baked pizza whenever they are ready for it.
- Gift Card: You know you’re friend, and sometimes a gift card for them to use at their convenience works best. Whether it’s to grab a quick meal from a grocery store, Door Dash, or their favorite restaurant, it’s sure to be appreciated.
I usually try to toss in a snack or muffin (or these toaster pop-ups if they like hearty and wholesome) and maybe a fun beverage, but I keep in mind that done is better than perfect. I used to get so nervous about feeding other families- would they like what I brought? Would it be enough? But now I remember how grateful I was for any food or meal brought to me as I was balancing diapers and cluster-feedings, and know that just showing up with something is so appreciated.
I’d love to hear from you-
What is your go-to meal to bring a new mom friend?
What was the best/most helpful meal you received when you had a baby?
sherry says
Great idea for meals, not only for new moms, but also for families that may be recovering from surgery or illness.
Tanya’s baby looks like a little doll!
Brittany Dixon says
She was a little doll- I really didn’t want to hand her back!
Karen says
My favorite meal was from a friend but not after a baby…after major abdominal surgery. Since this all happened in January, she brought us homemade chicken dumpling soup in an ice cream pail. It was light enough that I could eat it without stomach upset, there was enough for a few days, and was super easy to serve and heat up being my husband was doing everything by himself including taking care of me.
Plus, it was January in Wisconsin and soup warms the soul which in January needs warming for sure.
Brittany Dixon says
What a great idea for a light, but comforting soup after surgery! My dad and bro were in Wisconsin two weekends ago for the Packer and Badgers games. They sent a video of snow coming down! Sounds like it’s soup weather already 🙂
Brynn says
My favorite meal was an email someone brought me! Ha! It’s such a thoughtful gesture, and is beyond helpful when you have your hands full with a newborn. I also love it when people came over with individual breakfast cookies or even snacks because grocery shopping with low on the priority list.
Brynn says
That’s any meal, not an email 🙃
Brittany Dixon says
I read this a few times thinking… email? eMEAL? Hmm.. then I saw your follow up- lol!
Cristina Rojas- the batchmaker says
Love this post (As per use)! I was born and raised in Honduras so this wasnt something I knew of until I had my first baby and I was blown away!!! TRULY. Speechless. I remember vowing to jump on as many meal trains as possible because I had been on the receiving side of it and knew how incredible it was. Now, Im expecting baby 2 (and truly not even expecting a meal train) but these are all great ideas even for me to have and prepare on the quick go!
ps- another favorite thing I like to do for mamas that have their littles in the hospital or something is to go to trader joes and spend 20-25$ on fruit/yogurt/cereal/milk/bread/snacks/chocolate/ sometimes I even add a bottle of vino (PRAISE for Trader Joes wine!!!!!!) and bring a bag of groceries.
Allison says
I love taking meals to new mamas! It was one of the best things that I seriously had happen when we had our first. I have so many friends that live in other cities so I have taken to using Door Dash or pizza for sending a meal with love but not getting to go. We also have a few friends that did it for us and it was great. I work full time and I have many friends that do, so often getting off at 5pm and driving in DFW traffic (even 20 miles) can lead to a long night AND that isn’t including cooking time! This is a nice work around for those that do want to give and help but also understand that you don’t want dinner brought to you at 8pm 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
What great suggestions! I haven’t’ heard of Door Dash, but I will look it up. I’ve been on the receiving end of a Spoonful of Comfort delivery (https://www.spoonfulofcomfort.com/) and it was fabulous. I’m sure it would work well in this situation too. Great input- thank you!
Bethany says
Love all these ideas! I do have a question though: With both of my newborns, i found that dairy, tomato sauce, beans and corn really upset them (like the first two months of breastfeeding). Do you ever take those food diversions into account? Honestly, my go-to dinners for the the first few months were turkey/chicken pot pies, roasted chickens, pasta without a cheese or tomato sauce, honestly, really bland food. Just curious if you have any ideas for those type of diets? Like you, i had some of my lovely friends bring over dinners after my babies were born, and it was so generous, but more than half the time i couldn’t eat them…..(corn chowder, pizza, lasagna….)….but at least it fed my family! I guess if the mama isn’t breastfeeding, then it’s no big deal! One of my mom friends had her first baby a year ago and i brought her a roasted chicken, rolls, a canister of oatmeal (to help with supply) and green beans for the side 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
That’s a great point, Bethany! If I knew the mom was cutting anything out then yes, I would absolutely want to abide by whatever they needed. I might even bring something family-friendly, then a different something on the side to fit the mom’s need. I haven’t had many friends that have needed to cut things out and vegetarian is the biggest preference I’ve worked with, but what a great thing to keep in mind when picking a meal.
Also, I LOVE that you brought a friend oatmeal to help with supply. What a thoughtful gesture!
Alex says
I am currently on the receiving end of a meal train after the birth of our second babe. A friend brought by a tub of homemade granola and it was amazing. Perfect for eating by the handful during late night cluster feeds, and great with fruit and yogurt for an easy breakfast we all (including the toddler) loved. Granola all the way!!
Elizabeth says
I’ve taken your stuffed shells to people and it’s so great!
I think it’s also really nice to make food for people at random times to make their lives easier! Thanks for this list!
bella says
I have been on the receiving end of having meals brought to my family after having babies and after surgery. I remember a wonderful meal of chicken divan, salad, rolls, and a great dessert after my third daughter was born. I have received wonderful pasta dishes a couple times after I gave birth. After surgery I remember receiving beef barley soup and French bread. Another friend brought us delicious beef stew. I remember a thoughtful friend bringing us homemade spaghetti sauce that lasted for days, and the next week bringing us a Costco roasted chicken. All these meals were greatly appreciated! When someone has a new baby or has had surgery, I usually make chicken and rice, a salad, and cookies. It is always well received’
Shannon says
This is fantastic! My best friend just had twin girls & while one girlie is at home, one is at the NICU. I live an hour & a half away, so I made stuffed shells for when I go to visit, but I am stumped as to what other ways I can help!! Thanks for the ideas!
Julia says
I understand this is random, but when my nephew was in the NICU, I gave my brother and sister-in-law gas gift cards to help defray the cost of traveling to and from the NICU (they lived 2 hours away from the hospital). Books are also really appreciated – NICU babies love to be read to, even if it is through glass (like if the baby is in an isolette). Offering to help clean, do laundry, and take care of their other child so they can visit the NICU baby is also usually appreciated, as are gift cards to any fast food restaurants or coffee shops in the area of the hospital. Hope that helps!
Parita says
What a great collection of recipes! Definitely bookmarking this as I have so many expectant friends right now. Also, I can attest to the fact that a meal beats anything else when visiting a new mom!
Erica says
Great list! I’ve made the 5 ingredient spaghetti squash pie twice now (saw the recipe earlier) and my husband LOVES it. I agree it’s a great choice for a new mom, so healthy and filling but it’s definitely time intensive to make. My favorite meal was when friends brought over sushi! I had been missing sushi during my pregnancy 🙂
Kelli H says
I agree, getting a home cooked meal was the BEST thing after having a baby. One of my husband’s coworkers brought us Tri-tip, roasted Potatoes, and veggies. It was the best!!
My cousin had her baby last month and I brought her a chicken chili style soup with all the fixins and a loaf of cardamon bread. Now that I’ve had a baby and now how helpful it is, I will always be doing that in the future!
Your friend does look so great and her baby is adorable. Makes me a little sad mine is growing so fast! haha. I can see why people have 3!
Erica says
We were on the receiving end of. A meal train this summer when our second was born. Our favorites were comfort foods , like quiches and chicken pot pies, especially at the beginning. A few people brought meals along with hearty muffins which we looooved especially in the middle of the night! A lot of folks brought something special for our 5 year old as well, like a special cookie or something kid friendly for him too and it made him feel special (and really helped.
I’ve taken lasagnes, pot pies, chicken kebabs with Greek salad. Always include a treat!
Christine says
This is perfect timing, my neighbor just had her first yesterday! I was going to try and figure out what to bring her and her husband. Thank you
Kate says
My favorite was a fruit platter and an assortment of bagels and cream cheese. I could have eaten the whole platter myself! The worst? A ham loaf. I had never heard of such a thing. We thought it was meatloaf, being pink and all, so we started cooking it, but it never turned brown. Eventually it started to smell like bacon and we figured it out. By that point I was ravenous and crying, so it was PB&J for dinner that night! The friend who brought it is a dear and we never, ever told her about it, but my husband and I do still laugh every time we hear someone mention ham loaf!
Kelli H says
I’ve never heard of a ham loaf. That is hilarious!
katie says
I’m lazy, so i bring jarred pasta sauce, ravioli, frozen broccoli, breadsticks, and ice cream! plus chips and dip if i plan on hanging out for a bit while visiting baby. (not that i insist on them opening it, but it tends to happen.)
Emily says
What is the delicious looking chickpea salad featured in the photo for this post?
Brittany Dixon says
No recipe for it unfortunately! It was just a mixed vegetable salad of romaine, radishes, cucumber, onions, peppers, olives, chickpeas, and I can’t quite see what else. I call them kitchen sink salads- everything I can find in the fridge 😉
Kelli H says
I just brought a mom a meal this week and did sourdough, homemade chili, & smores bars. I’ve also done tacos, pasta & salad. I just like to do easy things that I can make double batches and we have dinner too. haha. I definitely like spacing it out too and letting them get meals over the first couple months. Including snacks like nut balls is great too for late night feedings.
Brittany Dixon says
I so often forget to add something sweet; I love your smores bar idea 🙂
Beth says
Wait! Whats the recipe for the meal in the first a second picture?! Looks like a greek salad of some sort, but there’s also buns, so Im assuming there’s something more to it? Please do share! It looks delicious!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, it’s a Greek salad! No real recipe- romaine, chickpeas, radishes, kalamata olives, red onion, pepperoncini, cucumbers, tomato, and feta. I sent it with black bean burgers to a vegetarian mom friend 🙂