Cooking in bulk can be a game changer for large families. It saves time, reduces stress during the week, and ensures everyone has nutritious meals ready to go. Here are three practical examples of cooking in bulk that will help you feed your family while keeping the kitchen chaos to a minimum.
This dish is perfect for busy families. It’s not only easy to prepare but also allows you to use a variety of vegetables that everyone loves. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pan, which means less cleanup!
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take about 4-5 whole chicken thighs (or breasts) and place them in a large roasting pan. Surround the chicken with an assortment of colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes—about 4-5 cups total. Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle some salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (like rosemary or thyme) over the top. Mix it all together so that everything is well-coated, then roast it in the oven for about 40-50 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Once it’s done, you can serve half of it for dinner and portion the rest into containers for the week ahead. These can be reheated for lunches or quick dinners.
Chili is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for batch cooking. It’s hearty, filling, and can be made in one big pot, making it ideal for large families.
In a large pot, sauté 2 diced onions, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 bell pepper in a bit of olive oil until soft. Add 2 pounds of ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option) and cook until browned. Stir in 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 2 cans of kidney beans, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and a teaspoon of cumin. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once done, serve half of the chili right away and let the rest cool before storing in containers. This meal is great for freezing, so you can pull it out on busy nights!
Breakfast burritos are a fantastic way to ensure your family starts the day off right, especially when you batch cook them over the weekend!
To make about 12 burritos, scramble 12 eggs in a large skillet, then add in 2 cups of cooked and crumbled sausage (or omit for a vegetarian option). Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese and some chopped spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Once everything is cooked through, lay out large flour tortillas and evenly distribute the egg mixture into each. Roll them up tightly, wrap them in foil or plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge or freezer.
In the mornings, simply heat them in the microwave or oven, and you’ve got a delicious, filling breakfast ready in minutes!
By incorporating these examples of cooking in bulk for large families, you can simplify mealtime, reduce waste, and enjoy more quality time with your loved ones. Happy cooking!