The Ultimate Guide to Batch Cooking: Simple Recipes for Busy Lives

Batch cooking is a game-changer for anyone juggling a busy schedule. By preparing meals in advance, you can save time, reduce stress, and enjoy nutritious, homemade food throughout the week. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or just looking to simplify your meal prep, this will walk you through easy and delicious batch cooking recipes that are perfect for making your life a little easier.

Why Batch Cook?

1. Save Time: Cook once and enjoy multiple meals.
2. Reduce Stress: No more scrambling for dinner ideas at the last minute.
3. Healthy Eating: Control ingredients and portions for a healthier diet.
4. Budget-Friendly: Make the most of bulk ingredients and minimize food waste.

Batch Cooking Basics

Before diving into recipes, here are a few tips to make your batch cooking experience smooth and successful:

• Plan Your Meals: Choose recipes that freeze well and use similar ingredients.
• Invest in Containers: Use airtight containers for storing meals like these ones from Kmart here
• Label and Date: Keep track of what’s in your freezer and when it was made. I use markers like these as I can wash them off and rewrite again with ease
• Cook in Bulk: Double or triple recipes to maximize efficiency.

Batch Cooking Recipes

Here’s a recipe guide to get you started for preparing a large batch of minced meat and using it to create three different meals: Cottage Pie, Bolognese, and Taco Mince. You’ll see “how” batch cooking can work. This is just one idea with minced meat.

Batch Cooking Minced Meat for Multiple Meals

Base Minced Meat Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 2 large onions, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
3. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the broth and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
6. Divide the meat mixture into three portions, allowing for some extra if needed.

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Meal 1: Cottage Pie

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240ml) frozen peas
• 1 cup (240ml) corn kernels
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared ahead or from a mix)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Stir peas and corn into one portion of the base mince mixture.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add beef broth and cook until thickened.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
6. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.

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Meal 2: Bolognese Sauce

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine (optional, or extra beef broth)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Add diced tomatoes, red wine (or extra broth), basil, oregano, and bay leaves to another portion of the base mince mixture.
2. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over cooked pasta or store in containers for later use.

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Meal 3: Taco Mince

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (240ml) corn kernels
• Tortillas or taco shells (for serving)
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa

Instructions:

1. Stir taco seasoning and water into the final portion of the base mince mixture.
2. Add black beans and corn, and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Serve with tortillas or taco shells and your choice of toppings.

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Final Tips

• Storage: Store each portion of the base mince mixture separately if not cooking immediately. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat thoroughly before serving. For frozen meals, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

By preparing a large batch of minced meat, you can easily create a variety of meals that fit your taste and schedule. Enjoy the convenience of having multiple delicious dinners ready to go!

Final Thoughts

Batch cooking is a practical way to manage your meals and save time. With these recipes, you can enjoy delicious, homemade food without the daily hassle of cooking. You can experiment with different dishes and find what works best for you and your family.

I’ve added two links below. You can download the FREE mince shopping to help you get started. Below that is my batch cooking Guide that will really help you dive deeper into this concept and just how much you can reduce the stress in your kitchen by taking this approach.

Happy cooking!