As busy home cooks, it can be tough to juggle work, family, and meal planning. However, with some easy meal planning and prep tips, you can save time, reduce stress, and enjoy delicious and satisfying meals every day. Here are five tips to help you get started!
1. Make a meal plan
The first step in meal planning and prep is to make a list of the meals you want to prepare for the week. You can do this on a whiteboard, a piece of paper, or an app like Google Keep or Evernote. Plan meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and include healthy snacks to keep everyone energized throughout the day.
When planning your meals, consider ingredients that can be used across multiple recipes. For example, if you plan to make chili and tacos, you can use the same ground meat and spices for both recipes. This will save you time and money, and help reduce food waste.
2. Prep ingredients ahead of time
Prepping ingredients ahead of time can help you save time during the week. Chop vegetables, cook grains, and prepare proteins in advance, so you can easily assemble your meals when you’re ready to eat. You can store prepped ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on how soon you plan to use them.
3. Batch cook
Batch cooking is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Cook large batches of rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, and use them in multiple meals throughout the week. You can also batch cook proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu, and use them in different dishes, such as stir-fry, salad, or tacos.
4. Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot
Slow cookers and Instant Pots are great tools for busy home cooks. You can add your ingredients in the morning and let them cook all day, or use the pressure cooking function to make quick and easy meals in minutes. From soups and stews to casseroles and curries, there are countless recipes you can make with these devices.
5. Don’t be afraid to take shortcuts
If you’re short on time, don’t be afraid to take shortcuts. Use pre-made sauces, frozen vegetables, or pre-cooked grains to streamline your meal prep process. You can also purchase pre-cooked proteins like rotisserie chicken or canned beans to add to your meals.
In conclusion, by making a meal plan, prepping ingredients ahead of time, batch cooking, using a slow cooker or Instant Pot, and taking shortcuts when necessary, you can save time and reduce stress in the kitchen. Try these tips out and see how they can transform your meal planning and prep routine!
