5 Recipes Ideal for Big-Batch Cooking

The idea behind batch cooking is simple—you cook more than you need, portion out, and freeze a part for later. You may wonder if this will compromise the enjoyment of a freshly cooked dinner. But, the pros clearly outweigh the cons.

Imagine a life with less washing up to do, less food waste, less time spent in the supermarket or in front of your stove. Batch cooking means you can spare more time for your kids, sports, or other pastimes. You can simply defrost portions when you’re feeling a bit under the weather, when you need to work overtime in the office, or when you’re not in the mood for cooking, but still want to put a good meal on the table. So put your freezer to work and start cooking big-batch-style.

This mild and creamy chicken stew, full of fresh herbs and young vegetables, will satisfy the whole family. You can make the broth in advance and freeze it, and then add the puff pastry top just before serving. No one will notice it’s been prepped ahead.

The popular tex-mex dish can easily be adjusted for small children by reducing the amount of chili you put in. You can serve this dish with rice or, if you're fancy, pita bread, sour cream, grated cheese, or simply on a slice of toast for lunch the next day. Winner!

The combination of carrots, leeks, celery, potatoes, and lentils makes for a healthy and hearty stew. Serve with bacon and sausages for a meaty option, or without meat for a vegetarian alternative. Perfect for two days-worth of dinner!

A divine combination of healthy ingredients and powerful flavors enriched by cocoa, chili, and smoked paprika powder. If you’re lucky enough to own a slow-cooker, you can get everything ready in the morning, and then enjoy the rest of the day with your kids in the park. Even without a slow-cooker, you’ll find this to be a hassle-free recipe with just one pot required for cooking.

Soups are versatile. Serve them for lunch, dinner, or brunch on the weekend, vary the vegetables you put in, and serve with a bunch of rolls or bread to dip. It’s always good to have a soup on hand (or in the freezer) for colder days, or when you’re in need of an extra portion of vegetables and vitamins.

Chicken pot pie

The ultimate chili con carne

Lentil stew with sausages

Slow-cooker 3-bean chili

Roasted cauliflower soup

More delicious ideas for you