Meal prepping for busy weeknights can be made easier with big batch cooking. This involves cooking large quantities of food at once and dividing it into individual portions for easy reheating throughout the week. Good options for big batch cooking include stews, casseroles, curries, and soups, and it’s important to choose recipes that reheat well. Planning ahead and cooking efficiently can also save time during the cooking process. Reusable containers that are microwave-safe should be used to store and reheat the meals. Some recipe ideas for big batch cooking include chicken and vegetable soup, beef and broccoli stir fry, and vegetarian chili.
Big Batch Cooking: Meal Prep Ideas for Busy Weeknights
Meal prepping is a great way to save time and energy during busy weeknights. Big batch cooking involves cooking large quantities of food at one time and then dividing it into individual portions for easy reheating and consumption throughout the week. Here are some tips and recipe ideas for big batch cooking to make your weeknight meals easier and more delicious.
Choose the Right Recipes
When choosing recipes for big batch cooking, it’s important to select meals that are easy to batch cook and reheat well. Some good options include soups, stews, casseroles, and curries. These types of dishes often improve in flavor when reheated, and they can be made in large batches without much extra effort. Look for recipes that use ingredients that are easy to find, affordable, and versatile.
Stock Up on Containers
Having the right containers for storing and reheating your meals is crucial. Invest in reusable plastic or glass containers that are the right size for individual portions. You can also purchase disposable meal prep containers if you prefer. Make sure the containers are microwave-safe so that you can easily reheat your meals. Label your containers with the type of food and the date it was made to keep track of what you have in your fridge or freezer.
Plan Ahead
Big batch cooking requires a bit of planning ahead. Schedule a day and time to cook your meals and make sure you have all the ingredients you need on hand. Plan out your meals for the week and decide which ones you want to batch cook. Decide on the quantities you’ll need to feed your family for the week and adjust the recipe accordingly. Prepare any ingredients that need to be chopped or pre-cooked ahead of time to save time during the cooking process.
Cook Efficiently
To save time during the cooking process, try to cook as many dishes as possible at the same time. For example, if you’re making a soup that requires onions, chop all the onions you need for your other meals at the same time. Use your slow cooker or Instant Pot to cook several dishes at once. You can also cook some meals in the oven while others cook on the stovetop. Keep an eye on the clock to make sure you don’t overcook or undercook any of your dishes.
Recipe Ideas
Here are some recipe ideas for big batch cooking:
Chicken and Vegetable Soup
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Divide into individual portions in containers and refrigerate or freeze.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- 2 lbs flank steak, sliced against the grain
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Cook steak in a large skillet until browned on both sides. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add broccoli and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Divide into individual portions in containers and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Vegetarian Chili
- 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker or large pot and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until vegetables are tender. Divide into individual portions in containers and refrigerate or freeze.
Conclusion
Big batch cooking is a great way to save time and energy during busy weeknights. By choosing the right recipes, stocking up on containers, planning ahead, and cooking efficiently, you can easily prepare healthy and delicious meals for the whole week. Try some of these recipe ideas or experiment with your own favorite dishes to make meal prep easier and more enjoyable.