LIFE

Budget-busting batch cooking recipes

Last modified on Wednesday 11 January 2023

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What is batch cooking?

Batch cooking is cooking or preparing larger quantities of a meal, so that you can use it for multiple portions, over different days of the week.

Typically, batch-cooked meals can be frozen too. By planning your family meals in advance, and batch cooking larger portions, you can not only save money on bulk buying, but you'll also save yourself time during the week - win! What's more, it's super easy to do, and may mean you get a few 'free' meals later in the week.

After all, who has the time or energy to spend faffing with a home-cooked meal made from scratch every night when you've got the kids to sort out, the laundry to do and everything else on your plate?!

If you dedicate a couple hours over the weekend to batch cooking, you can then just pop it into tupperware or food bags in the fridge or freezer, and reheat in the microwave or oven whenever you're ready.

Be sure to reheat food to piping hot before eating, although leave to cool down before letting the kids tuck in.

Is batch cooking healthy?

Batch cooking does tend to give you healthier meal options. If you've planned ahead and cooked up a big veggie chilli , you know you've got a meal to hand on busy days, rather than opting for a supermarket ready meal or a takeaway.

Made from scratch too, most of our dishes are packed full of veggies and protein, with less of the unnecessary nasties you get in shop bought dinners and sauces.

It's also a good way to avoid waste, since you're more likely to use all ingredients for specific dishes, rather than random ingredients bought here and there for different nightly meals.

What kind of things can I batch cook?

We've got all the inspiration you need to start batch cooking, whether it's sauces you want to make, or full family meals.

We've got recipes for things like hearty chicken casserole , chilli con carne , and beef lasagne – plus delicious dishes like Asian chicken cakes , chicken curry and bacon and lentil duff . And there are plenty of vegetarian options too.

In the winter, it's a great idea to make soup, saving a few portions for working lunches at home or a light meal whenever you need one. Check out our recipes for carrot soup and tomato soup – plus a kid-friendly green soup recipe – to get you started.

Batch cooking isn't just for dinners, either! Make a big batch of muffins or flapjacks and you'll always have a treat on hand when someone's feeling peckish. Or freeze them and defrost overnight to add to lunchboxes the next day.

It might be helpful to invest in a slow cooker or a soup maker for batch cooking, but it's not essential – a large pot or pan should work for most dishes.

A slow cooker can be so useful for cooking up large batches of food whilst you get on with your day. We like this model by Morphy Richards. See more details here at Amazon.

Top tips for batch cooking

  • Label your frozen meals so you don't forget what they are – chilli can look much the same as bolognese when frozen.
  • Freeze meals in individual portions if you're only cooking for one or two more often than not.
  • Veggie recipes will generally keep longer than meat recipes.
  • Food bags can be handy instead of tupperware, as you'll be able to fit a lot more in your freezer.
  • Always research how much time a particular meal will need to defrost and be reheated, as well as how long it can stay in the fridge or freezer for.
  • Bulk out recipes with veg – anything from broccoli to carrots, green beans, cauliflower etc – it's cheaper than meat, healthier, and will keep little tummies fuller for longer.
  • If you're unsure about storing or freezing your batch cooked meals, defer to these NHS guidelines .
  • If you have a large family – and you have the space – you could consider investing in a big chest freezer. These store way more than regular upright freezers, so you can really cook loads to get ahead of things.
  • Believe it or not, batch cooking can even be a chance for some quality family time. Put on some good tunes, and get everyone to help out as you cook your favourite recipe. Even toddlers can 'help' with washing veg, and older kids can start learning the basics of cookery. Fussy eaters may be more likely to tuck into your lovingly prepared meals if they get involved with the prep, too!
  • Don't fancy making a whole meal? Even just whipping up some quick sauces can save you loads of time. For example, you can make and freeze bolognese sauce, then defrost and stir into freshly cooked pasta later.

Shopping for batch cooking

Buying in bulk can save you an absolute fortune! Look out for deals on non-perishable goods; if rice or pasta are on sale, grab a load – it'll last for ages.

Ordering online will save you having to haul massive packs around the shop. If you can, you could also see if you can get access to a wholesale shop like Makro or Costco, where you can buy truly massive packs for minimal cost. Look for wholesale retailers near you to see what's available – some only sell to retailers, but others will happily sell to members of the public, too.

Do you enjoy batch cooking for the family? Share recipes and top tips over on our forum below:

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