Meal planning and prepping can be a daunting task, especially with a busy schedule. However, with a few clever hacks, you can streamline your kitchen routine and make meal prep a breeze. Here are some innovative and out-of-the-box kitchen hacks that will help you save time and effort, making meal planning and prepping more efficient and enjoyable.
1. Prep Once, Eat All Week
Batch Cooking Basics
One of the most effective ways to save time in the kitchen is to embrace batch cooking. Spend a few hours on the weekend preparing large quantities of staples like grains, proteins, and vegetables. Store them in individual portions in the fridge or freezer, and you’ll have ready-to-eat components for quick meals throughout the week.
I find these silicone freezer trays with lid incredibly useful for freezing portioned foods like grains, stews, soups and herbs
Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Magic
Invest in an Instant Pot or a slow cooker. These appliances are game-changers for batch cooking. With minimal effort, you can prepare large batches of soups, stews, and even grains. Simply set it and forget it, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-eat meals in no time. I use my Instant Pot Duo 8 evey week!
2. Smart Storage Solutions for Meal Planning and Prepping
Pre-Portioned Ingredients
Instead of storing your groceries as you buy them, take some time to pre-portion ingredients. For example, wash and chop vegetables, divide them into meal-sized portions, and store them in airtight containers. This way, you can simply grab what you need and start cooking without any additional prep work. Check these products for some great ideas:
- 5 Hermetic Glass Storage Box with Lids
- 24 Piece Glass Storage Containers with Lids
- 6 Pcs Stainless Steel Airtight
- Refrigerator Organizer 3 Grid Separator
- Zwilling Vacuum Starter Set
For even more tips on keeping your kitchen organized and efficient, check out my article on the Best Ideas to Organize a Refrigerator to ptimize your meal planning and prepping with these essential strategies!
Freezer-Friendly Herbs
Fresh herbs can make or break a dish, but they often go bad before you can use them all. Chop up fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil, and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little olive oil. Pop out a cube whenever you need a burst of fresh flavour without the hassle of chopping. These ice cube trays are a handy way to organise this.
3. Meal Prepping Tools and Gadgets To Save Time
Mandoline Slicer
A mandoline slicer is a must-have tool for any kitchen. It allows you to slice vegetables quickly and uniformly, saving you precious time. Use it to make salads, stir-fries, or even homemade chips. I also love this mandoline to quickly chop veggies and fruits.
Food Processor for Chopping
Invest in a good quality food processor to make chopping vegetables a breeze. You can use it to chop onions, garlic, carrots, and more in seconds. It’s also great for making quick sauces, dips, and dressings.
4. Make-Ahead Breakfasts
Overnight Oats and Chia Puddings
Prepare your breakfast the night before with overnight oats or chia puddings. Simply mix oats or chia seeds with your choice of milk and toppings, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a nutritious and delicious breakfast waiting for you.
Egg Muffins
Egg muffins are a fantastic make-ahead breakfast option. Whisk together eggs, vegetables, and cheese, pour into muffin tins, and bake. Store them in the fridge, and you can grab a couple for a quick, protein-packed breakfast on the go.
5. Quick and Easy Marinades
Freezer Marinades
Marinating meat can take time, but you can speed up the process by preparing freezer marinades. Place your meat and marinade in a freezer bag, label it, and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw the bag in the fridge overnight. The meat will marinate as it thaws, saving you a step. These reusable freezer bags are super handy.
Blender Marinades
Use a blender to make marinades in seconds. Combine your ingredients in a blender, and you’ll have a smooth, flavorful marinade ready to go. This method is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to add some flavor to your meal without spending extra time.
6. Efficient Meal Planning
Themed Nights
Simplify meal planning by designating themed nights. For example, make Mondays “Meatless Mondays,” Tuesdays “Taco Tuesdays,” and so on. This takes the guesswork out of planning and ensures variety in your meals.
Recipe Rotation
Create a rotation of your favourite recipes to streamline your meal planning process. Having a set list of go-to recipes makes it easier to create a grocery list and ensures you’re always prepared with ingredients you love.
If you are looking to get more inspiration for your weekly meals check these 21 Healthy Family Meal Ideas For Busy Weekdays.
7. One-Pot and Sheet Pan Meals
One-Pot Wonders
One-pot meals are lifesavers for busy nights. Dishes like risottos, pasta, and casseroles can be cooked in a single pot, reducing both cooking time and cleanup. Look for recipes that allow you to throw everything into one pot and let it simmer away.
Sheet Pan Meals
Sheet pan dinners are another fantastic option. Toss your protein, veggies, and seasoning onto a single sheet pan, and roast everything together. This method not only saves time but also makes cleanup a breeze.
8. Use Leftovers Creatively
Leftover Makeovers
Transform leftovers into new meals to keep things interesting. For example, use leftover roasted vegetables in a frittata or turn last night’s chicken into a hearty salad or sandwich. Being creative with leftovers can save you both time and money, and be really helpful in meal planning and prepping.
Soup Stock from Scraps
Save vegetable scraps like carrot tops, onion skins, and celery leaves to make homemade vegetable stock. Store the scraps in a freezer bag, and when you have enough, simmer them in water to create a flavorful stock. This reduces waste and provides a base for soups and stews.
9. Plan for Snacks
Pre-Portioned Snacks
Prepare and portion out snacks for the week to avoid reaching for unhealthy options. Pre-cut veggies, portion out nuts, and make energy balls or granola bars ahead of time. Having healthy snacks on hand saves time and keeps you on track with your nutrition goals.
These pots are great to carry snacks
- Stainless steel snack containers
- Stackable snack boxes
- Leakproof snack containers
- Container ideal for fruit and vegetables on the go
- Yogurt container with lid and spoon
Smoothie Packs
Create smoothie packs by pre-portioning smoothie ingredients into freezer bags. In the morning, just dump a pack into your blender with some liquid, and you’ll have a nutritious smoothie in minutes. This squeeze bag is an ideal solution to carry your homemade smoothie with you.
10. Utilize Freezer Meals
Prepare complete meals that can be frozen and reheated on busy nights. Casseroles, soups, and stews are excellent candidates for freezer meals to help with meal planning and prepping. Make a double batch of your favourite recipes and freeze half for later. This way, you’ll always have a homemade meal ready to go without the need for cooking from scratch every night.
By implementing these 10 brilliant ideas, you can simplify meal planning and prepping, making it more efficient and enjoyable. Embracing batch cooking, smart storage solutions, and time-saving tools will streamline your kitchen routine and reduce the stress of daily meal preparation. Planning themed nights and creatively using leftovers can add variety to your meals and minimize waste. Remember, the key to successful meal planning and prepping is consistency and organization. By integrating these strategies into your weekly routine, you’ll save time, reduce food waste, and enjoy healthier, home-cooked meals with ease. Happy meal planning and prepping!
Do you find these tips helpful? Share this article with others who might benefit, and let me know which ideas you’ll be trying out this week!
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