Make a Batch and Store for Later
Batch cooking is a lifesaver for anyone who’s busy but still wants to enjoy home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The concept is simple: cook large quantities of food in advance, then store it for later use. This way, you’ll save time during the week, reduce food waste, and make sure you always have a delicious meal ready when hunger strikes. Let’s take a look at 18 easy batch-cooking ideas that will help you cut down on cooking time and expenses!
1. Chili Con Carne
A big pot of chili con carne is the perfect batch meal. You can make it with ground beef or turkey, beans, tomatoes, and plenty of spices. It’s easy to store, freezes well, and you’ll have several hearty servings to get you through the week.
2. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Creamy chicken Alfredo pasta is easy to prepare in a large batch. Cook the pasta, toss it in a creamy Alfredo sauce, and add grilled or roasted chicken. Freeze it in individual portions for quick and comforting meals.
3. Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is another great batch meal. Cook up beef, onions, mushrooms, and a rich sour cream-based sauce, and serve over egg noodles. This dish freezes beautifully and is a satisfying, creamy meal for later.
4. Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to make in bulk. Combine ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella, then bake it until bubbly. Freeze individual portions and reheat them when you need a quick dinner.
5. Taco Meat
Batch cook taco meat by simmering ground beef or turkey with taco seasoning. Portion it out into small containers so you can quickly heat it up for tacos, burritos, or taco bowls throughout the week.
6. Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are perfect for batch cooking. Roll shredded chicken, cheese, and sauce in tortillas, bake, and portion into freezer-friendly containers. They’re easy to reheat for a quick and flavorful meal.
7. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Cook a big pork roast in your slow cooker or pressure cooker, shred it, and store it for pulled pork sandwiches. Serve it on a bun with your favorite barbecue sauce, and you’ve got an easy meal ready to go whenever you need it.
8. Lasagna
Lasagna is one of the best foods to batch cook. Layer noodles, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella, then bake it in a large dish. Once cooled, slice it up and freeze individual portions for quick and hearty meals.
9. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Make a vegetable stir-fry with your favorite veggies and protein (like tofu, chicken, or beef), and store it in meal prep containers. Pair it with rice or noodles for a quick and easy meal you can heat up in minutes.
10. Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is another great dish to batch cook. Make the filling with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, then top it with pie crust. Bake it all together and portion it out for future meals.
11. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are easy to prepare in bulk. Fill them with a mixture of ground beef or turkey, rice, beans, and cheese. Bake them, then store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick and healthy meal.
12. Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic batch meal. Make a big loaf with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then slice it up for future dinners. Pair it with mashed potatoes or a salad for a comforting and filling meal.
13. Chicken Fried Rice
Batch cook chicken fried rice by stir-frying chicken, rice, veggies, and scrambled eggs together in a big pan. This dish keeps well in the fridge and is an easy meal to reheat for lunch or dinner.
14. Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a quick, flavorful dish that can be made in large quantities. Stir-fry beef and broccoli in a savory sauce and store it for an easy dinner. Serve it with rice for a complete meal that’s ready to go.
15. Curry Chicken
Chicken curry is great for batch cooking. Make it with chicken, coconut milk, curry paste, and your choice of veggies, then store it in containers. Serve over rice for a flavorful, comforting meal.
16. BBQ Chicken
Cook a big batch of BBQ chicken by baking or grilling pieces with your favorite barbecue sauce. Shred the chicken and store it for sandwiches, wraps, or salads throughout the week.
17. Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish with poached eggs in a tomato-based sauce. You can make it in a large skillet and store it for a hearty breakfast or lunch. Just reheat and serve with warm pita or crusty bread.
18. Beef and Bean Burritos
Beef and bean burritos are perfect for batch cooking. Cook up a large batch of seasoned beef and beans, wrap them in tortillas, and freeze for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Spend Less Time in the Kitchen
With these 18 easy batch cooking ideas, you’ll cut down on cooking time and still enjoy tasty, home-cooked meals all week long. By prepping larger quantities in advance, you can save both time and money—without sacrificing flavor.
