18 Easy Meals You Can Batch Cook to Save Time and Money

Cooking a big batch of meals ahead of time can be a real game changer, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule. Imagine having a fridge full of ready to go meals that you just need to heat up; no stress, no last minute takeout. Plus, batch cooking helps you save both time and money by using affordable ingredients in bulk and minimizing food waste. Ready to start cooking smarter, not harder? This list of easy batch cooked meals has you covered!

Beef Chili

This hearty chili requires ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chili powder. Brown the beef with the onions and garlic, then add the remaining ingredients. Simmer for about 45 minutes until the flavors meld together. Serve with rice or cornbread. Freeze in individual portions for easy weeknight dinners. It’s a cost-effective and filling meal for any day.

Chicken Enchiladas

You’ll need shredded chicken, tortillas, enchilada sauce, shredded cheese, and diced onions. Simply roll the chicken, onions, and cheese in tortillas, place them in a baking dish, and cover with enchilada sauce. Bake for 25 minutes at 350°F. Double the batch and freeze half for later. These enchiladas are a family favorite, packed with protein and flavor.

Baked Ziti

This comforting dish combines cooked ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. Mix the cooked pasta with the marinara and ricotta, then top with mozzarella in a casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes at 375°F. You can freeze the whole dish or divide it into smaller portions. It’s a versatile recipe that reheats beautifully for quick meals.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

For this healthy option, gather broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, tofu (or chicken), soy sauce, and garlic. Stir-fry the vegetables and protein in a large pan with soy sauce and garlic. Serve over rice. Batch cook the stir-fry and divide it into containers for the week. This is a light, nutritious meal that’s easy to reheat.

Shepherd’s Pie

This classic meal involves ground beef or lamb, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Brown the meat and mix with vegetables and gravy, then top with mashed potatoes and bake until golden. It’s a great dish to freeze and reheat. Shepherd’s pie is perfect for a hearty, satisfying dinner.

Lentil Soup

For this vegan-friendly option, you’ll need lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, carrots, onions, and garlic. Sauté the onions and garlic, add the remaining ingredients, and simmer for 30 minutes. This soup freezes well and provides a nutrient-rich, high-protein meal. It’s affordable and incredibly versatile.

Bolognese Sauce

Cook ground beef with onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, and Italian seasoning for a delicious Bolognese sauce. Simmer for an hour to let the flavors develop. Serve over pasta or freeze for future meals. This rich, savory sauce is an excellent choice for batch cooking and can be used in multiple dishes.

Chicken Curry

You’ll need chicken breast, coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetables like bell peppers and spinach. Sauté the chicken and vegetables, then add the curry paste and coconut milk. Simmer until thickened. This meal can be frozen and reheated, making it a convenient choice for busy nights.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Core bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes. These freeze well and are easy to reheat. Stuffed bell peppers are a fun and colorful way to enjoy a balanced meal.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Combine pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, onions, and a few spices in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours, then shred the pork. Use it in sandwiches, tacos, or salads. Pulled pork freezes exceptionally well and is a great, low-cost meal for feeding a crowd.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

This vegetarian chili uses sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Cook the sweet potatoes until tender, then add the beans and tomatoes. Simmer for 30 minutes. This dish is full of flavor and freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Lasagna

Layer cooked lasagna noodles with marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and ground beef (or spinach for a vegetarian version). Bake for 45 minutes at 375°F. Lasagna is a classic dish that freezes perfectly, offering a hearty meal whenever needed.

Beef Stew

Brown beef chunks, then add carrots, potatoes, onions, and beef broth. Simmer for 2 hours until the meat is tender. This stew is ideal for freezing in individual servings. It’s a comforting and filling option, especially during colder months.

Turkey Meatballs

Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices, then roll into balls and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F. Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti or freeze the meatballs for later. These are a healthier twist on a classic and are incredibly easy to batch cook.

Quinoa Salad

Prepare quinoa and mix with chickpeas, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette. This dish is perfect for a light, healthy lunch and can be refrigerated for up to a week. Quinoa salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make option that stays fresh for several days.

Beef and Bean Burritos

Fill tortillas with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and cheese. Roll them up and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F. These burritos are ideal for freezing and make for a quick lunch or dinner. They are simple to make and reheat beautifully.

Egg Muffins

Whisk together eggs, diced vegetables, and shredded cheese, then pour into muffin tins. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F. These egg muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack and freeze well. They’re versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Cook chicken and broccoli in a soy sauce-based stir-fry sauce. Serve over rice or noodles. This is an easy, healthy meal that you can batch cook and refrigerate for several days. It’s a go-to recipe for a quick dinner that’s also packed with protein and fiber.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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